Ardhanarisvara in Art and Literature

Contents Foreword v Preface vii Abbreviations xi List of Visuals xiii Transliteration Chart xxiii Introduction 1 1 Historical and Conceptual Background 5 2 Iconography of Ardhanarisvara 17 3 Ardjamarisvara in Art 33 4 Ardhanarisvara in Literature 113 5 An Aesthetic Approach 131 6 Socio Religious Background 145 7 Tantricism 163 8 Conclusion 183 Find Spots of Ardhanarisvara in India 191 Appendix 197 Maps 201 1. Map Showing Different ruling dynasties in India 202 2. Ardhanarisvara found in India fifth century AD and Before 203 3. Ardhanarisvara found in the sixth century AD 204 4. Ardhanarisvara found in the seventh century AD 205 5. Ardhanarisvara found in India the eighth century AD 206 6. Ardhanarisvara found in India the Ninth century AD 207 7. Ardhanarisvara found in India the tenth century AD 208 8. Ardhanarisvara found in India the eleventh century AD 209 9. Ardhanarisvara found in India the twelfth century AD and later 210 Figures 211 A. Ardhanarisvara from Thomas Inman’s Ancient Faith 212 B. Siva Ardhanarisvara third century AD Red Sandstone Mathura 213 C. Headresses of Ardhanarisvara 214 D. Mukutas of Ardhanarisvara 215 E. Headresses of Ardhanarisvara 216 F. Ear Ornaments of Ardhanarisvara 217 G. Tridents 218 H. Other Implements 219 I. Axes, Khadvanga, Damru, Skull, Snake, etc 220 J. Mirrors in the hands of Devi 221 K. Kamandalas 222 L. Flowers 223 M. Other Attributes 224 N. Standing Poses and Ornaments of Ardhanarisvara 225 O. Standing images of Ardhanarisvara showing Vanmala 226 P. Standing Poses of Ardhanarisvara 227 Q. Standing Posed of Ardhanarisvara 228 R. Seated in Lalitasana and Standing pose of Ardhanarisvara 229 S. Sitting pose of Ardhanarisvara 230 T. Sitting Poses of Ardhanarisvara 231 Glossary 233 Bibliography 241 Index 247