Author: Seema Bawa
Publisher: Agam Kala Prakashan
Year: 1998
Language: English
Pages: 210
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8173200386
Description
The process of history writing on Chamba has hitherto ignored the element of history of religion. The book endeavors to fill this gap and provide a deeper insight into this relatively endeavors to fill this gap and provide a deeper insight into this relatively uncovered sphere of study.
Here is an effort to explore the nexus between religion and art of early medieval Chamba, at both the micro and macro levels, demonstrating pan Indian and cross cultural influences along with regional pecularities. The book attempts to study eliter-royal and popular elements, using not only epigraphic, sculptural and monumental sources but also oral history of the area.
The author has revealed interesting sub-stratum of religious configuration, ranging from non-brahmanical cult such as Varuna to patriarchic-royal Visnu worship by the Mosuna dynasty, taking into account historical geography and patronage patterns.
Iconography of the area is also scrutinised specially in context of gender delineation of icons, arguing that images and texts regarding the goddess convey a plurality of religious tradition.