Cosmology and Cosmic Manifestations: Shaiva Thought and Art of Kashmir

DETAILS : 

• Author: by Bansi Lal Malla
  
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Aryan Books International
  
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 1 May 2014
  
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
  
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 166 pages
  
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 8173055165
  
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8173055164
  
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1500 g

ABOUT THE BOOK

Cosmology and Cosmic Manifestation: Shaiva Thought and Art of Kashmir by Dr. Bansi Lal Malla is an interdisciplinary research monograph exploring the connection between Kashmir Shaivism, metaphysics, and temple iconography. The core philosophy of this text centers on analyzing how the abstract cosmological concepts of non-dualist Shaiva philosophy—such as the creation of the universe through divine vibration (Spanda), consciousness (Samvit), and the thirty-six Tattvas (levels of reality)—are visually and architecturally expressed in the classical art of Kashmir. Through a detailed examination of stone sculptures, bronzes, rock carvings, and temple structures, the book illustrates how artists transformed non-dual philosophy into tangible religious art. By bridging textual study with material archaeology, this work provides a comprehensive overview of how Kashmir served as a vibrant center for philosophical synthesis and artistic innovation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Bansi Lal Malla is an eminent art historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Himalayan heritage who has served as a senior faculty member at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi. Writing with a scholarly, detail-oriented voice, his works combine textual Sanskrit analysis with archaeological field documentation. Over a career spanning several decades, Dr. Malla has led extensive research initiatives on rock art, temple architecture, and visual traditions across Kashmir, Central Asia, and the Western Himalayas, making significant contributions to the preservation and academic study of Indian cultural heritage.