The Kirtimukha Motif In Indian Art

The Kirtimukha considered as a ?Devourer? to ward off evil and protect the person who propitiated it through worship warns the worshiper against gluttony. Kirtimukha is either humanoid or leonine. The meaning of Kirtimukha motif has kept changing during different period and settings. Kirtimukha mainly warns against gluttony however it cannot be limited to just this as Kirtimukha also serves to ward off evil give warning to the wicked and protect the devotee. Kirtimukha helps to gauge the weave of society as to how the society connected assimilated and adopted the motif in its life. The architectural interpretation of this motif has been considered via religious social geographical political and other aspects. Through insights from the depiction peculiarities of Kirtimukha the authoress explains in detail the trade relations of India with the world. Kirtimukha motif was adopted and glorified in the South-East Asian countries to such an extent that It'subdued the architectural edifies. The book studies the evolution of Kirtimukha within different religions and sects and has been organized in a chronological manner. The use and placement of the motif has been examined to understand how Kirtimukha adapted its shape to accommodate at various placements in architecture and artifacts. With numerous figures and photographs the book promises to be useful to both scholars and laymen focusing on the facets of Archaeology and Indology.