Description
Experience the captivating world of the Chola dynasty through **'The Thief Who Stole My Heart'**, a groundbreaking exploration of the sacred bronze statues created during this period. This beautifully illustrated book, penned by esteemed art historian Vidya Dehejia, reveals how thousands of intricately crafted bronze sculptures of Hindu deities emerged from southern India between the 9th and 13th centuries. Dehejia contextualizes these masterpieces, demonstrating their significance within Chola history, culture, and society.
Delve into the profound connection between these **Chola bronze sculptures** and the spiritual, social, and everyday lives of the people who revered them. Discover how the statues, particularly celebrated during vibrant festivals, became active participants in Chola worship, embodying divine elegance and spiritual beauty.
This essential read not only illuminates the historical importance of the **Hindu deities** portrayed but also reveals the intricate details of their creation, including sourcing of materials and the influence of women patrons in bronze commissions. With translations of never-before-seen public records inscribed on temple walls, **The Thief Who Stole My Heart** breathes life into the daily rituals, politics, and agricultural practices of the Chola empire.
Add this remarkable work of art and scholarship to your collection, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of India's Chola dynasty.
**Shipping Information:** Free shipping on this item is available. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691202594
Format: Trade binding
Year: 2021
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691202594
Format: Trade binding
Year: 2021
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
The first book to put the sacred and sensuous bronze statues from India's Chola dynasty in social context From the ninth through the thirteenth century, the Chola dynasty of southern India produced thousands of statues of Hindu deities, whose physical perfection was meant to reflect spiritual beauty and divine transcendence. During festivals, these bronze sculptures-including Shiva, referred to in a saintly vision as "the thief who stole my heart"-were adorned with jewels and flowers and paraded through towns as active participants in Chola worship. In this richly illustrated book, leading art historian Vidya Dehejia introduces the bronzes within the full context of Chola history, culture, and religion. In doing so, she brings the bronzes and Chola society to life before our very eyes. Dehejia presents the bronzes as material objects that interacted in meaningful ways with the people and practices of their era. Describing the role of the statues in everyday activities, she reveals not only the importance of the bronzes for the empire, but also little-known facets of Chola life. She considers the source of the copper and jewels used for the deities, proposing that the need for such resources may have influenced the Chola empire's political engagement with Sri Lanka. She also investigates the role of women patrons in bronze commissions and discusses the vast public records, many appearing here in translation for the first time, inscribed on temple walls. From the Cholas' religious customs to their agriculture, politics, and even food, The Thief Who Stole My Heart offers an expansive and complete immersion in a
Delve into the profound connection between these **Chola bronze sculptures** and the spiritual, social, and everyday lives of the people who revered them. Discover how the statues, particularly celebrated during vibrant festivals, became active participants in Chola worship, embodying divine elegance and spiritual beauty.
This essential read not only illuminates the historical importance of the **Hindu deities** portrayed but also reveals the intricate details of their creation, including sourcing of materials and the influence of women patrons in bronze commissions. With translations of never-before-seen public records inscribed on temple walls, **The Thief Who Stole My Heart** breathes life into the daily rituals, politics, and agricultural practices of the Chola empire.
Add this remarkable work of art and scholarship to your collection, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of India's Chola dynasty.
**Shipping Information:** Free shipping on this item is available. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691202594
Format: Trade binding
Year: 2021
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691202594
Format: Trade binding
Year: 2021
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
The first book to put the sacred and sensuous bronze statues from India's Chola dynasty in social context From the ninth through the thirteenth century, the Chola dynasty of southern India produced thousands of statues of Hindu deities, whose physical perfection was meant to reflect spiritual beauty and divine transcendence. During festivals, these bronze sculptures-including Shiva, referred to in a saintly vision as "the thief who stole my heart"-were adorned with jewels and flowers and paraded through towns as active participants in Chola worship. In this richly illustrated book, leading art historian Vidya Dehejia introduces the bronzes within the full context of Chola history, culture, and religion. In doing so, she brings the bronzes and Chola society to life before our very eyes. Dehejia presents the bronzes as material objects that interacted in meaningful ways with the people and practices of their era. Describing the role of the statues in everyday activities, she reveals not only the importance of the bronzes for the empire, but also little-known facets of Chola life. She considers the source of the copper and jewels used for the deities, proposing that the need for such resources may have influenced the Chola empire's political engagement with Sri Lanka. She also investigates the role of women patrons in bronze commissions and discusses the vast public records, many appearing here in translation for the first time, inscribed on temple walls. From the Cholas' religious customs to their agriculture, politics, and even food, The Thief Who Stole My Heart offers an expansive and complete immersion in a