• Showcases nearly 2000 never-before published miniature paintings of the Mahabharata by Allah Baksh, from late 17th century Mewar• Features fine translations of the Mahabharata from Mewari into Hindi by Chandra Prakash Deval and English commentary by Alok Bhalla• Insightful introductions by Alok Bhalla on each of the parvas, provide a comprehensive understanding of this great Indian epicAllah Baksh’s magnificent miniature paintings of Vyasa’s great epic, The Mahabharata, were commissioned by Udaipur’s Maharana Jai Singh, and painted between 1680 and 1698. The selection of nearly 2000 paintings, published in four volumes, are from a folio of more than 4000 extant works illuminating the Mahabharata. The fifth volume of 500 paintings devoted to the Gita, has already been published. These radiant miniatures, which follow almost every story in every chapter of the Mahabharata, have no precedent in India’s art tradition. The emphasis in these paintings is not on heroic posturing and spiritual pride, but on the pain that the earth and its creatures endure when human beings tragically fail to fulfill their dharma. The images in the paintings are symbolically charged, their colors are clear and luminous, their lines are restrained and precise. Allah Baksh’s art of visionary thoughtfulness deserves an honored place in the great library of Indian scriptures and their visual interpretations. Introductions to the parvas illuminated in these four volumes offer reflections on the moral resonance of the stories, as they reveal the fate of a civilization from its divine beginning to its fateful destruction. The Hindi translation of the Mewari text in the colophons, describing the story being illustrated, furthers our understanding of the history of cultural exchange between the different religions, regions and languages of India. Comments on the paintings in English enable the reader to decode the images and follow the narrative grandeur of this great Indian epic.
Vasubandhu's Abhidharmakosa-Bhasya (ca. 380-390), besides its culminating achievement in streamlining the overall structure of the exposition of the preceding Abhidharma manuals, is unmatched by any of the preceding manuals in respect of its comprehensiveness-incorporating all important Vaibhasika doctrines since the time of the Abhidharma-mahavibhasa-of its excellent skill in definition and elucidation, and of its ability to clarify the difficult point involved in doctrinal disputations.Added to these qualities is its great value as a brilliant critique and insightful revaluation of all the fundamental Sar-vastivada doctrines developed up to its time.Since its appearance, it has been used as a standard textbook for the understanding of not only the Abhidharma doctrines but all the fundamental Buddhist doctrines in general.Translated into Chinese by Paramartha in 563 A.D. and by Hsuan-tsang in 651-654 A.D., Hsuan-tsang's disciple P'u-kuang tells us that in India the Abhidharmakosa-Bhasya was hailed as the 'Book of Intelligence'. In China, Japan and the Far-east, too, the Kosa has generally been highly treasured as a textbook of fundamental importance for Buddhist studies.Vasubandhu's brilliant critique of the doctrines of the Vaibhasika was answered by the equally brilliant Samghabhadra - a contemporary staunch defender and expounder of the doctrines of the Vaibhasikas - in his masterwork, the Abhidharmanyayanusara, now extant only in Hsuan-tsang's translation (653-654 A.D.).The Sanskrit text, considered for a long time to be irremediably lost, was discovered by Rahula Samkrtyayana in 1935 in the Tibetan monastery of Ngor and was published by P. Pradhan in 1967 (1st edition).
Bridges Across Humanity by Akhil Gupta explores the complexities of human relationships, culture, and societal dynamics through insightful narratives. The book delves into the interconnectedness of humanity, highlighting both the shared experiences and diverse perspectives that shape our world. Gupta examines themes such as identity, conflict, and social cohesion, offering a thought-provoking look at the forces that bind us together. With a focus on human resilience and empathy, the author presents a compelling case for understanding our common humanity. Written in an engaging style, this book is a reflection on the ties that unite us despite our differences. Published by Rupa Publications, it is available in paperback and offers a global perspective.
"Reclaiming Mathura: Historical Analysis of Krishna Janambhoomi" by Manoshi Sinha Rawal delves into the extensive history of Mathura, the revered birthplace of Lord Krishna. The book examines the city's evolution from ancient times to the present, highlighting its cultural, religious, and historical significance. It also addresses the challenges Mathura has faced over the centuries, including invasions and socio-political changes, and discusses ongoing efforts to preserve and reclaim its heritage.