The present book, Thai Art with Indian Influences, studies the subject in its different spheres. As a major pioneering scholar in the field, Dr. Promsak Jermsawatdi possesses an extraordinary background in art history, aesthetics and Asian history and philosophy. This fascinating study is one of his finest works which will continue to be regarded as one of the most significant contributions to our understanding of Thai and Indian art for a long time to come.
Divided into five chapters, the book takes into account material from the earliest archaeological finds through the Bangkok period including the early art and craft works. Most of the study deals with Thai art but India and the peripheries of South-East Asia and covered where they reflect Indian influences. The focus of this study is upon architecture, sculpture and iconography. However, it also encompasses other aspects of art and crafts. Background information on the history and geography of the area is also provided along with philosophical, religious and social insights that are significantly valuable to readers in general and those of South-East Asia and India in particular.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Promsak Jermsawatdi
Dr. Promsak Jermsawatdi was born on March 20, 1945. He completed his higher school education at Cholratdhonaumrung and Cholkunyanukul Schools in Cholburi, respectively. From 1964, he studied for the B.A. in the Faculty of Archaeology, Silpakorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, and he passed the examination in 1968. In March, 1970, he came to India for further study at the M.A. level, and he took part in postgraduate study in the Department of Ancient Indian and Asian Studies, Magadh University, Bodh-Gaya, Gaya, Bihar during the years 1969-1971. In February, 1972, he passed the M.A. Examination and was placed First in the First Class with distinction. He also won the University Gold Medal for the session, 1969-1971. After the completion of the M.A. course, the author undertook research work for his Ph.D. degree at the same Department of Ancient Indian and Asian Studies, Magadh University, under the supervision of Dr. Prof. Upendra Thakur of the Magadh University. The topic of his research work was "Thai Art with particular reference to Indian Influences". From September, 1973, he was the only Thai Research Scholar who was working under the General Cultural Scholarship Scheme, 1973-74, of the Government of India. His Ph.D. thesis, described as one of the best written on the subject, will throw an altogether new light on this hitherto neglected subject and it will go a long way in cementing the age-old cultural ties between India and Thailand. In May, 1975, Dr. Promsak passed the Ph.D. Examination and returned to his country. He is now working in the Department of History, Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, as a Lecturer in History of Arts and Archaeology.
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