In a wide-ranging exploration of the creation and use of Buddhist art in Andhra Pradesh, India, from the second and third centuries of the Common Era to the present, Catherine Becker shows how material remains and visual experiences shape and reveal essential human concerns. Shifting Stones, Shaping the Past begins with an analysis of the ornamentation of Andhra's ancient Buddhist sites, such as the lavish limestone reliefs depicting scenes of devotion and lively narratives on the main stupa at Amaravati. As many such monuments have fallen into disrepair, it is temping to view them as ruins; however, through an examination of recent state-sponsored tourism campaigns and new devotional activities at the sites, Becker shows that the monuments are in active use and even ascribed innate power and agency. Becker finds intriguing parallels between the significance of imagery in ancient times and the new social, political, and religious roles of these objects and spaces. While the precise functions expected of these monuments have shifted, the belief that they have the ability to effect spiritual and mental transformation has remained consistent. Becker argues that the efficacy of Buddhist art relies on the careful attention of its makers to the formal properties of art and to the harnessing of the imaginative potential of the human senses. In this respect, Buddhist art mirrors the teaching techniques attributed to the Buddha, who often engaged his pupils' desires and emotions as tools for spiritual progress.

The Book Details Extensive New Data From Early Period Under A Vista Of Art And Architecture From A Collection Of Data That Was Never Presented Before In A Single Source. It Consists Of Six Chapters And They Are All Analytical And Informative. Thus It Provides A Succinct Picture On Jaina Art And Architecture Of Andhra Which Was A Long Felt Need. The Whole Work Is Based Mainly On The Jaina Vestiges At A Host Of Sites In Andhra. The Traditional Accounts As Well As Epigraphically Sources, Which Have Been Found To Agree With The Details Of Art And Architecture Have Been Taken And Utilised Fully In This Book. The Characteristic Features Of Jaina Art And Architecture Have Been Critically Elucidated. The Details On Conversion Of Jaina Monuments Into Hindu Temples Have Been Aptly Adumbrated. The Appendix, Illustrations And Detailed Bibliography Will Be Highly Useful To The Researchers.

This volume of Marg is dedicated to the architectural and artistic heritage of Rayalaseema, the Royal Realm, a name given to the region encompassing Kurnool, Anantapur, Cuddapah and Chittoor districts in present-day Andhra Pradesh. This legacy may be traced back more than 2,000 years, as evidenced by the ancient, enigmatic stone figural lingam at Gudimallam. During the 14th–17th centuries Rayalaseema enjoyed unprecedented political and economic importance. Under Vijayanagara patronage the prestigious pilgrimage shrines at Srisailam, Ahobilam, Tirumala, Tirupati and Srikalahasti were much expanded, and new temples were built at Tadpatri, Somapalem and Lepakshi, embellished with magnificent sculptures and ceiling paintings. Imposing fortresses and palaces at Gandikota, Penukonda and Chandragiri also belong to this era. In more recent times Rayalaseema has witnessed the efflorescence of local schools of painting on wood, paper and cloth at Tirupati and Srikalahasti -- Publisher's website.