Description

Nestled under the snowy peaks of the Western Himalayas is the picturesque Indian State of Himachal Pradesh. It is a land of undulating hills, terraced fields, lush valleys and silvery streams. It is also a land of temples and palaces, of rajas and ranis, and, above all, of gentle and sensitive people whose creative urges have been finding full artistic expression over the centuries.Fresco and wall painting is an ancient Indian art, the classical examples of which are extant in the world-famous caves of Ajanta and Ellora and at some other places. This art seems to have been on the decline after the fifth century A.D., except at some places in the South. In the seven teenth century, however, it revived with a fresh vigour in the sylvan surroun dings of the North Indian hills and the arid deserts of Rajasthan. The walls of the temples and palaces in these regions were enchantingly painted with themes which were predominantly religious but, at the same time, indicative of a life of leisure. Created by dedicated minds and deft hands, these paintings have a fascination all their own.Many of these have been discovered and brought to light for the first time.The study of these remarkable works of art, presented here with erudi- tion and skill, is as revealing as it is interesting. The author takes the reader through the various political, cultural and religious influences which combined to produce this rich heritage. The myths and legends, the heroes and heroines of Hinduism as well as those of the region come alive in these pages.The technique, form and style of these paintings have for the first time been analysed and explained and put in the proper context of the Indian wall painting tradition.There is also a scholarly comparison with another well- known art-form of the region-that of miniature painting. The influence of the Hindu tradition of iconography on these paintings has also been examined.Included in the volume are 32 colour plates and 86 black and white illustrations.The explanatory text,is meticulously authenticated and documented,and at the end, is a comprehensive bibliography.