Temple Architecture Of The Western Himalaya

The Present Study, Divided Into Two Parts, Deals With The Socio-Geographical Mosaic, The Racio-Cultural Background And Discusses The Factors Responsible For The Development Of The Wooden Temple Architecture In The Western Himalayas.

Western Himalayas have been a fascinating world of natureç— ́ grandeur, artistic heritage and cultural delights for common visitors, nevertheless, paradise for adventure lovers and immense resource for researchers. Most of the major Indian rivers, assumed as lifeline of Indian culture and civilization, stream through the region. This book is a part of the documentation project continuing since 1976, which unfolds a fascinating world of traditional architecture in the two major river systems Ravi and Beas of the Western Himalayas. The valleys of Ravi and Beas are two major constituents of the terrain of Himachal Pradesh including the valley of Sutlej which commanded political powers through the antiquity and immensely contributed the evolution of material culture in the region and left its indelible impressions on peripheral societies in the Trans Himalayan world mainly Tibet and Central Asia. The book carries a realistic approach on architectural styles whether modulated Classical North Indian or Indigenous Vernacular style emerged in uncanny space. The well organised with illustrations and drawings, the text deals with two mature styles in juxtaposition registering progression and transformation in other aesthetic expression. The emphasis is laid on the cohesive progression of the art tradition forming in a geographical area which may really be called a melting pot of cross-cultures. Evolution of the style, dealt in the book, shed light on the important components that developed in the background of a more eclectic, generous but heterogeneous socio-cultural milieu encircling the fertile region adjacent Punjab, ancient Kashmir and Western Tibet with a statement of human genius that was evolving on more liberal and cross-cultural attitude of medieval society in a rugged and complex terrain.

A Detailed And Comprehensive Study On Snake Cults And Traditions In Western Himalayas-Traces The Genesis Of Snake Cults Among Pre-Historic Committies Of North Indian Mainland-How It Spread To Western Himalayas. 8 Chapters-4 Appendices-Bibliography-Index-75 Illustrations Mainly In Colour With Some In Black And White.

Study on the folk arts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttaranchal.

"The volume thoroughly examines the origins and principal types of Buddhist architecture in Asia primarily between the third century BCE-twelfth century CE with an emphasis on India. It aims to construct shared architectural traits and patterns alongwith the derivative relationships between Indian and Asian Buddhist monuments. It also discusses the historical antecedents in the Indus Civilization and the religious and philosophical foundations of the three schools of Buddhism and its founder, Buddha. Previously obscure topics such as Aniconic and Vajrayana (Tantric) architecture and the four holiest sites of Buddhism will also be covered in this comprehensive volume. The author further investigates the influences of Buddhist architecture upon Islamic, Christian, and Hindu architecture that have been overlooked by past scholars."

In The Present Study, An Attempt Has Been To Present A Kaleidoscopic View Of The Whole Ethno-Cultural Scenario Of The Western Himalayan Region Through The Traditional Textiles, Costumes And Ornaments Of The People.