In the present work Dr. Jayadeva Mishra has utilized the archaeological and literacy sources material bearing on the topic. He has made on the spot study at several sites in Bihar, which have yielded Buddhist figures in stone, bronzed and clay. Although, Buddhist art had grown in the area of Bihar before C. 600 A.D., it was during the period between 600 and 1200 AD. that its all round development took place at sites like Nalanda, Kurkihara, Bodh-Gaya, Vikramsila, Tirabhukti, (Mithila and Vaishali) and several sites of Bihar.
In this connection Dr. Mishra has made a meticulous study on the origin and development of Buddhist pantheon of Bihar and has also dealt with that of Nepal where ever it is found relevant. He has also dealt very clearly about the emanations of various Dhyani Buddha and Bodhisattvas which is a very interesting subject to deal with the scholar has well explained the subject based on the various traditional beliefs and ideas. Dr. Mishra has dealt with the evolution of Buddhist iconography in Bihar in a coherent way. He has clearly indicated the role of Mahayana and Tantrayana in the formation of the Post-Gupta Buddhist Pantheon. The nature of the syncretic and other images has also been clearly defined. It is for the first time that a detailed and up to dated study of the subject has been presented I here. The conclusion arrived at by Dr. Mishra are sound and indicate its acumen. The documentation is to the mark at high standard. Dr. Jayadeva Mishra has put in about three decades of teaching experience in the E Post Graduate Department of Ancient Indian History & Archaeology, Patna University. |
