ICONOGRAPHY OF BUDDHIST AND BRAHMANICAL SCULPTURES IN THE DACCA MUSEUM

The author has made an elaborate attempt to present this work, which is practically an iconographical survey of East Bengal - of what was anciently known as Vanga and Samatata. The nucleus of the series described is of course the collection in the Dacca Museum, obtained mostly from places within the limits of these two ancient and far-famed seats of civilization and culture. In this book, the important sculptures are analysed with reference to their aesthetic value, style and iconography. The iconographic features of Buddhist and Brahmanical images have been described with photographic documentation to highlight East Bengal's cultural splendour. The outstanding merit of the book is the excellent series of sculptures that have been selected for reproduction. For the first time scholars are placed in possession of a unique collection of examples of the best period of religious Art of the Bengal school. For bringing together a large number of sculpture masterpieces and for the important historical bearing of his enquiries, the author deserves the highest commendation from all lovers of the past. It contains 137 half-tone illustrations to make it authentic and readable.