Art Treasures of the Mahabharata: Classic Art Depicting India's Most Classic Literature [Hardcover]

Bhaktisiddhanta (Editor), Bhaktisiddhanta (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2000

Dive into the magnificent treasury of India's glorious past! Exquisitely crafted high-relief sculpture brings to life the essential beauty, splendor, and nobility of the Mahabharata, India's greatest spiritual epic. A feast for the eyes, Art Treasures of the Mahabharata is a collection of captivation photographs and illustrations for a monumental work called the Glory of India, on view in New Delhi. Based on the trials and tribulations of the noble and virtuous Pandavas as well their heroism and prowess, each intricately sculpted panel is accompanied by the dramatic story it depicts, including scenes of high adventure, intrigue, and romance. Enjoy this stimulating pictorial journey into India's distinguished past and the magnitude of its timeless epic, the Mahabharata.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Hindu History Blends with an art presentation in Art Treasures of the Mahabharata, a fine collection of photos -- Midwest Book Review

India, with it's rich histroy and transcendental nature, has once again inspired another artist to reach into his creative spirit -- Magical Blend Magazine

About the Author

Trained in fine universities in Europe and America, the multi-talented Bhaktisiddhanta has mastered a high level of proficiency in architecture, painting, sculpture, and photography. He has had many successful art exhibitions in America, Europe, Central America, and India, and has received numerous awards for his work. He is currently involved in the conceptual design work for a temple project that will be one of the greatest religious structures of the 21st Century. He also conducts classes in painting, sculpture, and architecture at his studio in Vrindaban, India, near New Delhi, where he lives with his wife and daughter.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: Torchlight Publishing (November 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887089217
• ISBN-13: 978-1887089210
• Product Dimensions: 20.8 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,560,933 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Good Overview of the Epic- But "Classic" Art?, June 25, 2004

By 

A. Guyton "eluraluna" (Fredericksburg, VA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Art Treasures of the Mahabharata: Classic Art Depicting India's Most Classic Literature (Hardcover)

This book is put out by ISKCON, and includes an excellent summary of the epic for those unfamiliar with it (including an overview of the Bhagavad Gita as interpreted by ISKCON). However, the title is misleading- this book does not include pictures of "classic" renditions of the Mahabharata, but photographs of s modern sculpture in New Delhi called "Glory Of India" (apparently sculpted by the author) paired with sketches by the author. So if you are looking for a short version of the epic that it fairly read-able, great; if you want classic sculpture, not so great (and the art that is show is fine, but not fabulous).

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful and unusual coffee table art book, June 21, 2001

By 

Susanne - See all my reviews

This review is from: Art Treasures of the Mahabharata: Classic Art Depicting India's Most Classic Literature (Hardcover)

A true treasure of a book, Art Treasures of the Mahabharata combines well-told short stories from the Mahabharata with excellent photographs of an amazing work of sculpture that really brings to life this ancient and intriguing epic. As a coffee table book, it never fails to impress my guests, even those who have little knowledge of the ancient Vedic culture. The author, Bhaktisiddhanta, is obviously a highly talented individual who has produced a work that offers homage to beauty, ancient Eastern culture, God, and the soul. I feel good just having this book in my home.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning and Evocative Images, May 20, 2008

By 

Linda Johnsen "author" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Art Treasures of the Mahabharata: Classic Art Depicting India's Most Classic Literature (Hardcover)

The battle chronicled in the Mahabharata is one of the most celebrated events in Indian history, a legend that's been told and retold for literally thousands of years.

I've often wished I could transport back through time to see Krishna, Arjuna and the other heroes of this epic as they actually lived and breathed. While that's not possible, Bhaktisiddhanta offers an alternative: the breathtaking images in this wonderful volume. The sculptures and illustrations here bring the embattled Kurus and Pandavas to life.

I recommend this book not only to Hindus, but to yoga students who've enjoyed reading the Bhagavad Gita. Here is the story of the heartbreaking war which led Krishna to sing the Gita, and gorgeous, lifelike images of the personalities involved in the tragic events.