Sculptures of Sesasayi Visnu- Survey Iconological Interpretation Formal Analysis (An Old & Rare Book)

The material presented in this monograph constitutes a part of the work done under a U.G.C. supported advance research project, during the period January 1981 to December 1982, entitled, Encyclopaedic Index of Myths, Symbols and Icons in Indian Painting and Sculpture, A study in Meaning, Phase I-Vaisnavism'. We are happy to mention that in the course of our explorations, we had observed several lacunae in our knowledge of Vaisnava iconology, as well as the iconological process itself, so that we could present this monograph by way of demonstrating the in-depth work that is still feasible. This monograph could also serve as a model for the kind of series of art- historical studies which it is possible to write based on the documentation and material collected under the above-mentioned project. This monograph further establishes the desireablity of continuing the present project on an ongoing basis.

So far as the Principal Investigator's view-point is concerned, this is the second volume of a projected trilogy which had begun with his Life of Buddha in Indian Sculpture, the third volume of which will follow soon, entitled The Myth of Kaliyadamana Krsna in Indian Painting and Sculpture. With these three volumes, it is hoped to extensively analyse the iconological process and the relationship between text and image, form and content and even how methodo logically the artist's contribution and individuality might be pin-pointed from the particular works of art.

We would like to express our gratitude to the U.G.C. for supporting the research project as well as for the publication grant. We are thankful to the expert scholars, Dr. Deepak Bhattacharya, Chandigarh and Dr. R. N. Mishra, Gwalior, both of whom found the material worthy of publication. We are thank ful to the University authorities, the members of the Publication Board as well as the Dean, Faculty of Fine Arts, for recommending it for publication.

**Contents and Sample Pages**