
Shifting Stones, Shaping the Past
Sculpture from the Buddhist Stupas of Andhra Pradesh
Catherine Becker(Author)
Oxford University Press Inc
Published on 2. October 2014
Book
Hardback
352 pages
978-0-19-935939-4 (ISBN)
Description
In a wide-ranging exploration of the creation and use of Buddhist art in Andhra Pradesh, India, from the second and third centuries of the Common Era to the present, Catherine Becker shows how material remains and visual experiences shape and reveal essential human concerns.
Shifting Stones, Shaping the Past begins with an analysis of the ornamentation of Andhra's ancient Buddhist sites, such as the lavish limestone reliefs depicting scenes of devotion and lively narratives on the main stupa at Amaravati. As many such monuments have fallen into disrepair, it is temping to view them as ruins; however, through an examination of recent state-sponsored tourism campaigns and new devotional activities at the sites, Becker shows that the monuments are in active use and even ascribed innate power and agency.
Becker finds intriguing parallels between the significance of imagery in ancient times and the new social, political, and religious roles of these objects and spaces. While the precise functions expected of these monuments have shifted, the belief that they have the ability to effect spiritual and mental transformation has remained consistent. Becker argues that the efficacy of Buddhist art relies on the careful attention of its makers to the formal properties of art and to the harnessing of the imaginative potential of the human senses. In this respect, Buddhist art mirrors the teaching techniques attributed to the Buddha, who often engaged his pupils' desires and emotions as tools for spiritual progress.
Shifting Stones, Shaping the Past begins with an analysis of the ornamentation of Andhra's ancient Buddhist sites, such as the lavish limestone reliefs depicting scenes of devotion and lively narratives on the main stupa at Amaravati. As many such monuments have fallen into disrepair, it is temping to view them as ruins; however, through an examination of recent state-sponsored tourism campaigns and new devotional activities at the sites, Becker shows that the monuments are in active use and even ascribed innate power and agency.
Becker finds intriguing parallels between the significance of imagery in ancient times and the new social, political, and religious roles of these objects and spaces. While the precise functions expected of these monuments have shifted, the belief that they have the ability to effect spiritual and mental transformation has remained consistent. Becker argues that the efficacy of Buddhist art relies on the careful attention of its makers to the formal properties of art and to the harnessing of the imaginative potential of the human senses. In this respect, Buddhist art mirrors the teaching techniques attributed to the Buddha, who often engaged his pupils' desires and emotions as tools for spiritual progress.
Reviews / Votes
There is much to learn in this fine study focusing on the Buddhist art of Andhra, not the least of which is the importance for Buddhist studies of combining a broad range of material and disciplinary perspectives with good art historical methodology. Eschewing an attempt to reassemble the now scattered remains of this region's most famous monuments, Becker has nonetheless constructed a better sense of how and why they matter than has ever been achieved. * Janice Leoshko, Associate Professor of Asian art, University of Texas at Austin *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
One map, 108 photos
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
684 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-935939-4 (9780199359394)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Catherine Becker
Shifting Stones, Shaping the Past
Sculpture from the Buddhist Stupas of Andhra Pradesh
Book
10/2014
Oxford University Press Inc
€64.60
Shipment within 15-20 days

Catherine Becker
Shifting Stones, Shaping the Past
Sculpture from the Buddhist Stupas of Andhra Pradesh
E-Book
09/2014
1st Edition
OUP eBook
€25.49
Available for download

Catherine Becker
Shifting Stones, Shaping the Past
Sculpture from the Buddhist Stupas of Andhra Pradesh
E-Book
09/2014
1st Edition
OUP eBook
€25.49
Available for download
Person
Catherine Becker is Assistant Professor of Art History at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Author
Assistant Professor of Art HistoryAssistant Professor of Art History, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Content
Acknowledgments ; Introduction ; 1. Keeping the Faith: Andhra's Stupas as Sites of Transformation ; 2. Seeing is Believing: Visual Narration at Andhra's Stupas ; 3. Hyderabad's Hussain Sagar Buddha ; 4. Marketing Enlightenment: The Development of Andhra's Buddhist Tourist Potential ; 5. Kalachakra 2006: Amaravati Welcomes the World ; Epilogue ; Bibliography ; Index