Logo

Synopsis This study of aesthetic communication is inspired by a desire to see some contemporary problems relating to the communication and enjoyment of art in the light of the ancient Indian aesthetic theories. Man's perfection of the modes of communication and travel has transformed the multiplicity of world cultures into a single unit with delicate regional flavours. Thus, even though we are struck by certain perennial characteristics of the human situation we have also become increasingly aware of our cultural heritage with its myriad ramifications. Consequently we are becoming more and more conscious of our responsibility of preserving the delicate nuances of this rich past along with an effort to maintain communicability. The book attempts to show that ancient Indian thinkers had reflected on many of the important problems of aesthetics. They displayed a keen insight into the role of medium in the emergence of a work of art. Consequently their theories were closely associated with actual art practices. Furthermore, art was seen as intimately related to society and was never taken to be an imaginative exercise divorced from moral and social values. But since the aesthetic experience was treated as sui Generis, inspite of its moral significance, art was never treated as a handmaid to morality. The book highlights throughout the problems of perception, enjoyment and evaluation of art objects with a view to explore possibilities for a future aesthetic theory.