The growth of Hindu iconography cannot be studied in isolation from the art and architecture of a particular period. Their evolution is inter-linked but the origins cannot be so ideally traced. Conscious of the oceanic nature of the Hindu Pantheon, more so of the great God Siva, a maiden attempt is made here to integrate the integrate the development of his iconography, architecture and connected ritual from the earliest times to the beginning of seventh century A.D. The study is intensive and based on specific archaeological vestiges, rather than sporadic literary data, although the latter’s relevance does not go unrecognized. The subject matter presented here is largely based on the author’s field work at the various sites, notably Gudimallam, Amaravati, Nagarjunakonda and Chejerla. The text is enlivened with copious illustrations, several among them appearing for the first time. The presentation is lucid, objective and original.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR I K Sarma
Dr. I.K. Sarma, M.A., Ph.D., P.G. Diploma in Archaeology from the Institute of Archaeology (b. 15th October 1937) has served in the Archaeological Survey of India since January, 1958. He is a native of Pallipadu village, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh (Pin 524 314). He retired in October, 1995 after a distinguished service as Director (Archaeology) in the Archaeological Survey of India holding charge of Museums, Monuments, Antiquity Sections, Conservation and Temple Survey Projects. Subseqently he served as Director, Salar Jung participated in many Archaeological Excavations (Nagarjunakonda, Kalibangan, Surkotda and Pauni), and directed the excavations at the famous historical sites of Amaraavati, Gudimallam, Guntupalli and Peddavegi (the ancient Vengipura). He has also organized various Site Museums in India. Dr. Sarma is member and Office-bearer in several learned bodies and participated in various National and International Conferences, visited China, Japan, Thailand, Rome, London, Norway (Stavenger) and Nepal etc., as an official delegate. He has contributed over 250 Research Papers on various aspects of Archaeology in reputed National and International Journals. He presided over the VIth Session of the A.P., History Congress (1982); Vth Annual Session of the Tamilnadu Numismatic Society (1990); 79rh Session of the Numismatic Society of India (1991); XIXth Session of the Place Names Society of India (1998); and XXIIIrd Session of the A.P. History Congress (January 1999). He was also the President of the South Indian Numismatic Society. (1996-2001) Dr. Sarma has to his credit several published works. More important being, Coinage of the Satavahana Empire (1980); The Development of Early Satva Art and Architecture (1982); Buddhist Monuments of China and South East India (1985); Religion in Art and Historical Archaeology and South India (1987); Studies in Early Buddhist Monuments and Brahmi Inscriptions of Andhradesa (1988); South Coinage (A Review of Recente Discoveries) (1992); Temples of the Gangas of Karnataka (1992); Early Brahmi Inscriptions from Sannati (1993) Parasurmesvara Temple at Gudimallam – A probe into its origins (Nagpur, 1994); Numismatic Researches, (Critical Studies from Excavated contexts, (New Delhi, 2000); Roots of Indian Civilizations (New Delhi, 2000); and Science of Archaeology in India, (New Delhi 2001). Dr. Sarma has edited several Felicitaation and Commemmoration Volumes. He is presently residing in Hyderabad.
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