Hindu art and architecture

George Michell

Thames & Hudson, 2000 - Art - 224 pages

The art of Hinduism constitutes one of the world's great traditions, as alive today as when the first images of Hindu gods were fashioned out of stone more than two thousand years ago. George Michell's invaluable survey looks at the entire period, covering shrines consecrated to Hindu cults as well as works of art that portray Hindu divinities, semidivine personalities, and mythological narratives. Michell outlines the development of Hinduism and the principal iconic forms of its pantheon (the symbolic basis for Hindu religious architecture), and explains the system of royal patronage that led to the construction of so many temples and the commissioning of their attendant works of art. Then, in a broad chronological sweep, he demonstrates artistic continuities down to the present day in the different regions of the country, confirming the vibrancy of the visual world of Hinduism. The illustrations include Mamallapuram and other great temples, profound and beautiful works of sculpture such as Shiva dancing the eternal dance of creation and destruction, and exquisite paintings of the loves of Krishna. 185 illustrations, 100 in color.

What people are saying

Review: Hindu Art and Architecture

User Review  - Cahners Business Information.

The newest book in this familiar paperback series on world art is a sweeping survey of Hindu architecture and sculpture in India. With only a few examples of the Hindu artworks of Nepal, Bangladesh ...

About the author

George Michell trained as an architect and has a Ph.D. in Indian archaeology. He has published numerous books on Islamic and Indian architecture. Antonio Martinelli is an internationally renowned photographer who has worked extensively in India, Europe, and Japan.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Hindu art and architecture; World of art
• Author: George Michell
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson, 2000
• ISBN: 0500203377, 9780500203378
• Length: 224 pages
• Subjects: Antiques & Collectibles / Art; Architecture / Buildings / Religious; Architecture / History / General; Art / Asian; Religion / Hinduism / General