Elements of Hindu Iconography (2 vols. in 4 Pts.)

This massive tome, presently distributed among four volumes published by the good people at MLBD, is a work that would remain unsurpassable. Archaeology has taken huge strides in the hundred plus years since its publication. But in terms of sheer volume and rogour shown to list the varous names and shapes of icons as described in various texts, it remains the ultimate corpus.There have been several works since then. We have had Jitendra N. Bannerjee's monumental yet sceptical work. We have had works in other languages which have described iconography 'as-it-is' instead of following the 'as-it-should-be' approach of this book. Nevertheless, if you wish to understand the icons as sought to be depicted, then this is your book.Let me encapsulate the contents as briefly as possible, just to give you some idea about the scope of this book.Volume I Part I:- Technical Terms- Ganapati- Vishnu- Garuda and Ayudha-PurushasVolume I Part II:- Adityas and Navagrahas- Devi- Parivaradevatas- Uttama Dasa-tala measure (ratios and proporotions of various body-parts)Volume II Part I:- Siva- Lingas- Various other forms of SivaVolume II Part II:- Misc. aspects of Siva- Bhaktas, Kshetrapalas and Brahma- Dikpalas, Asvinidevatas and Demo-GodsNot only descriptions and names, but this book also contains numerous stories as well as local variants that must have been incredibly difficult to come by in thos epre-internet ancient age. Going through these volumes one can only bow as low as possible for the genius and labour of the author.If you are a student of history and/or have even a modicum of interest in iconography, this book is a must-read.Highly recommended.

So glad that MLBD--who have a poor record when it comes to photographic representations--have reprinted this great comprehensive classic. This is also in four volumes with generous-sized type--instead of cramming things in one volume in tiny type--another big plus.

This is an extraordinary and classic book of Hindu Iconography. The quality of page is very well and there are many beautiful and rare pictures. Thanks Amazon.

A must read. Fabulous book. It’s a treasure to be kept in your personal library.

Content is good bt paper quality is not good it's seems like photocopy

must read for those interested in Indian iconography

Outstanding । perfect । I am overawed ।