Author: Manohar Laxman Varadpande Publisher: ISBN: Category : Apsaras in art Languages : en Pages : 122
Book Description
This monograph presents scholarly exposition of the Apsara myth and its evolutionthrough centuries. Mentioned for the first time in the Rig Veda Apsaras find mention inIndian scriptures, epics, Puranas, dramas, poetry and numerous literary works. As a creationof ancient water cosmology she is described as a exceedingly beautiful and charmingperson adept in dancing, singing as well as art of seduction and amorous sports. Themonograph speaks of her profound influence on Indian art which is particularly visibleon the magnifient medieval temples in the form of female sculptures of immense beautyfamous all over the world. Written in lucid style the book reveals the story of Indian waternymph, the Apsara, in its infinite variety.
Author: Sanjay K. Gautam Publisher: University of Chicago Press ISBN: 022634844X Category : Education Languages : en Pages : 297
Book Description
Gautam has here laid out the first serious reading of Michel Foucault in relation to key Sanskrit texts, and--what may be a surprise to many--he has written the first book-length work in English on the nature and origin of the Kamasutra. Gautam also takes up the Natyasastra (the Kamasutra's twin), locating in the first the themes of sexual-erotic pleasure, and locating in the second the classical Indian view of theater, music, dance, and aesthetic pleasure. The book shows how closely intertwined the history of erotics in ancient Indian culture is with the history of theater-aesthetics. Foucault provides a framework for opening up the intellectual horizon of Indian thought; it is his distinction between ars erotics (erotic arts) and scientia sexualis (science of sexuality) that fuels Gautam's exploration of the courtesan as symbol of both erotic and aesthetic pleasure, particularly in her role as a wife to her patron, which entails the morphing of erotics into a form of theater. The scope broadens ambitiously, to an inquiry on the nature of knowledge formation, erotics, theater, and gender relations in premodern Indian society and culture--as they converged on the historical figures of the courtesan and her male counterpart, the dandy. Gautam's twining of aims and subjects--Foucault's western philosophy of pleasure and India's classic text on eros (anchored in art and aesthetics)--transforms both the modern and the ancient texts with new understandings, and as new forms of investigating erotics and subjectivity itself.
Author: Roberto Calasso Publisher: Penguin Classics ISBN: 9780241399224 Category : Religion Languages : en Pages : 0
Book Description
In Ka, Roberto Calasso delves into the corpus of classical Sanskrit literature recreating and re-imagining the enchanting world of ancient India. Beginning with the Rig-Veda, Ka weaves together myths from the Upanishad, the Mahabharata and the stories of the Buddha, all of which pose questions that have haunted us for millennia.
Author: Constance Jones Publisher: Infobase Publishing ISBN: 0816075646 Category : Juvenile Nonfiction Languages : en Pages : 593
Book Description
An illustrated A to Z reference containing more than 700 entries providing information on the theology, people, historical events, institutions and movements related to Hinduism.
Author: Roshani Chokshi Publisher: Wednesday Books ISBN: 1250180791 Category : Fiction Languages : en Pages : 398
Book Description
This collection of three lush and adventurous stories in "New York Times"-bestselling author Chockshi's Star-Touched World also includes an extended excerpt of "The Gilded Wolves."
Author: Wannaporn Rienjang Publisher: Classical Art Research Centre ISBN: 1789696968 Category : Social Science Languages : en Pages : 264
Book Description
Gandhāran art is often regarded as the epitome of cultural exchange in antiquity. The ancient region of Gandhāra, centred on what is now the northern tip of Pakistan, has been called the ‘crossroads of Asia’. The Buddhist art produced in and around this area in the first few centuries AD exhibits extraordinary connections with other traditions across Asia and as far as the Mediterranean. Since the nineteenth century, the Graeco-Roman associations of Gandhāran art have attracted particular attention. Classically educated soldiers and administrators of that era were astonished by the uncanny resemblance of many works of Gandhāran sculpture to Greek and Roman art made thousands of miles to the west. More than a century later we can recognize that the Gandhāran artists’ appropriation of classical iconography and styles was diverse and extensive, but the explanation of this ‘influence’ remains puzzling and elusive. The Gandhāra Connections project at the University of Oxford’s Classical Art Research Centre was initiated principally to cast new light on this old problem. This volume is the third set of proceedings of the project’s annual workshop, and the first to address directly the question of cross-cultural influence on and by Gandhāran art. The contributors wrestle with old controversies, particularly the notion that Gandhāran art is a legacy of Hellenistic Greek rule in Central Asia and the growing consensus around the important role of the Roman Empire in shaping it. But they also seek to present a more complex and expansive view of the networks in which Gandhāra was embedded. Adopting a global perspective on the subject, they examine aspects of Gandhāra’s connections both within and beyond South Asia and Central Asia, including the profound influence which Gandhāran art itself had on the development of Buddhist art in China and India.
Author: Kalidasa Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan ISBN: Category : Self-Help Languages : en Pages : 221
Book Description
Translations of Shakuntala and Other Works by Kalidasa: Translations of Shakuntala and Other Works introduces readers to the captivating world of classical Sanskrit literature through the works of Kalidasa, one of the greatest poets and playwrights of ancient India. The book presents English translations of Kalidasa's renowned works, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural and literary heritage of India. Key aspects of Translations of Shakuntala and Other Works: Literary Masterpieces: The book features translations of Kalidasa's most celebrated works, including the timeless play Shakuntala. Readers are immersed in the enchanting narratives, poetic language, and vivid imagery that characterize Kalidasa's writings. Cultural Significance: Kalidasa's works are not only literary treasures but also provide insights into the social, cultural, and philosophical aspects of ancient Indian society. The book offers readers a window into the traditions, beliefs, and values that shaped Indian civilization. Artistic Beauty: Kalidasa's poetic verses are known for their lyrical beauty and evocative descriptions. The translations capture the essence of his writings, allowing readers to appreciate the elegance and artistry of Kalidasa's words. Kalidasa: Kalidasa, an ancient Indian poet and playwright, is hailed as one of the greatest literary figures in Sanskrit literature. While little is known about his life, his works have had a profound influence on Indian literature and culture. Kalidasa's plays, such as Shakuntala and Meghaduta, showcased his mastery of poetic language, vivid imagery, and deep understanding of human emotions. His works continue to be celebrated for their artistic beauty, philosophical insights, and their portrayal of the complexities of love and the human experience. Kalidasa's contributions to classical Indian literature have earned him a revered status among poets and scholars alike.
Author: Lavanya Vemsani Publisher: Springer Nature ISBN: 3030731650 Category : Religion Languages : en Pages : 275
Book Description
The Mahabharata preserves powerful journeys of women recognized as the feminine divine and the feminine heroic in the larger culture of India. Each journey upholds the unique aspects of women's life. This book analytically examines the narratives of eleven women from the Mahabharata in the historical context as well as in association with religious and cultural practices. Lavanya Vemsani brings together history, myth, religion, and practice to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of the history of Hindu women, as well as their significance within religious Indian culture. Additionally, Vemsani provides important perspective for understanding the enduring legacy of these women in popular culture and modern society.
Author: Manohar Laxman Varadpande
Author: Sanjay K. Gautam
Author: Roberto Calasso
Author: Constance Jones
Author: Shakti M. Gupta
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Author: Wannaporn Rienjang
Author: Projesh Banerji
Author: Kalidasa
Author: Lavanya Vemsani