Ancient India

Ancient India by Sushma Jansari and Sureshkumar Muthukumaran explores ancient India (c. 200 BCE-600 CE) through three of its major religions—Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. It illuminates how these religions reflect political power, artistic innovation, and changes in people's daily lives.

Ancient India was a dynamic, cosmopolitan centre of creativity. The visual traditions of its major indigenous religions were closely interrelated, mirroring political power shifts, daily life changes, and artistic innovations. These three major religions—Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism—originated on the Indian subcontinent and have since become living traditions that impact the lives of billions worldwide through their devotional works of art.

This major new publication traces the development of religious imagery from around 200 BCE, focusing initially on nature spirits, to 600 CE, when images of Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu deities and teachers had become well defined. These images evolved from symbolic forms to human representations, incorporating attributes, divine attendants, and animal vehicles that remain recognisable worldwide and are prevalent across the global diaspora today. Examples of such ancient images are found throughout South Asia and have also influenced Central, East, and Southeast Asia, transforming the religious landscapes of these regions.

The authors delve into fascinating topics such as the initial devotional images of the twenty-four jinas (enlightened Jain teachers); the shift from symbolic depictions of the Buddha to those featuring him in human form for the first time; and the formalisation of divine representations and devotional sculpture in Hindu traditions. This beautifully illustrated book uncovers the ancient roots of religious images and depictions that are familiar to many today.