Art, Architecture, Antiquities

Elephanta: The Cave of Shiva

Three descriptive essays and numerous fascinating photographs, taken

especially for this volume, allow the reader to experience a major monument

of Indian art: the sixth century temple cave on Elephanta Island, in Bombay

harbor, and its extraordinary stone sculptures. The authors and the

photographer capture the atmosphere of the cave and the spirit of the

sculptures, which portray the relentless energy and paradoxical power of

Shiva, greatest of all Hindu gods. The photographs are particularly

successful in revealing the dramatic alternation of light and dark that is

so much a part of the beauty of the cave’s interior. Ms. Berkson’s trained

and loving eye picks out the subtleties of the main sculptures and humorous

details that the visitor might miss even on the site.

In the text Wendy O’Flaherty interprets the myths of Shiva depicted in the

sculpture; Ms. berkson’s essay supplies historical background and a

stylistic analysis; and George Michell examines the overall structure of

the cave to show that it is a mandala-like image of the heavenly mountain

residence of Shiva and even of the structure of the universe itself.

“The author as well as the publishers of the work deserve to be

congratulated for providing this easily accessible guide to Elephanta.”

Research Bulletin Vishveshvaranand

Vedic Research Institute,Vol.I, Dec.2002

Evolution of Stupas in Burma: Pagan Period: 11th to 13th Centuries A.D.)

This work is the outcome of painstaking research on the evolution of stupas in Burma, Pagan Period, 11th to 13th centuries a.d. Burma known as the land of pagodas is nowhere so rich in the number of pagodas as in Pagan. The stupendous vastness of the ruins reminiscent of the glory that was of Pagan

in its heyday inspired this study. The evolution traced back to the beginning of the stupa structure in India, deals with the various architectural phases (duly illustrated) it passed through ending with the final stage in the Rhwedagum Pagoda in Rangoon (Burma). Apart from the material side of the study, there is the need of looking into the aesthetic and spiritual side of the evolution. That religious architecture is a barometer of the material prosperity and social outlook of the people,

besides being the handmaid of the spiritual aspirations of the devotees, is amply discernible in this study.

The value of the art survey in this work is further enhanced by the inclusion of over 138 photographs. Moreover, besides the magnificent Pagan art, it gives a comparative view of the religious architectual development in the Asian countries contemporaneous with the Pagan Period.

Vastu: Astrology and Architecture: (Papers presented at the First All India Symposium on Vastu, bangalore, held on June 3-4, 1995)

Vastu Sastra an important limb of Jyotisa or astrology is an ancient science and study of architecture and engineering.

The present volume is an outcome of a symposium on Vastu. One of the goals of the symposium was to revive the lost glory of Vastu and show its relevance to modern times. The book covers different aspects of construction from planning to execution. It underline the role of Jyotisa astrology in Vastu principles.

The book will stimulate greater interest in ancient Vastu principles amongst modern architects and enginers and present them a new perspective which will raise their creativity to new untouched heights.

The book has been divided into three broad sections covering different aspects of Vastu Silpa-I. Vastu and its Relevance to Modern Times; II. Vastu and Jyotisa; and III. Vastu and Temple Architecture comprising thirty-three articles in all. Their contributors represent a range of viewpoints on Vastu principles. All write with intelligence and insight keeping in view its relevance with modern times needs of architecture and engineering.