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Contents: Preface. Introduction. 1. Buddhist Divinities of XiXia Dynasty Khara Khoto: Selected Study. 2. Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Other Deities Their Depiction in Central Asia and Dunhuang. 3. A Study of Pancaraksa Deities in Central Asia and at Dunhuang Cave. 4. Jataka Tales and Other Paintings in Dunhuang and Central Asia. 5. Dunhuang Caves and Bodhisattva Culture. 6. Religion and Art in Dunhuang. 7. The Art and Technique of Representing Incidents or Episodes Associated with the Buddha in Central Asia. Bibliography. Subject Index. Author and Title Index.

This book delves into the classical period of Indian history – through art, culture and sculptures – when contacts among India, Eastern Central Asia and China were at a flourishing phase. The study underscores the spread of Buddhism through many regions – the Tarim Basin, Mongolia, Dunhuang and China. These places on the Silk Road, served as a crucial passage for the transference and upsurge of Buddhism. The process of dissemination of a world religion, like Buddhism, was intricate and this book addresses the subject from the perspective of art, thus each and every chapter takes a look into Buddhist objects such as painting, sculpture and also religion and philosophy. The deities that have been discussed are carefully studied, and their nature, iconography and description from the point of view of the various Indian Buddhist religious texts and the artistic creations from India and several other countries in Asia are well covered. As one makes a careful study of the entire area which is rich in history, culture and art, one cannot help but appreciating the diversity of the depictions of Buddhist art.

This book, highly illustrated, consisting of evocative images across the region under study, should be of great interest to scholars/students who are interested in this subject and also in the history of the Silk Road. They will find this study as a useful contribution for the study of Buddhist art in Central Asia.