WALL PAINTINGS OF BANARAS: Treasures from Mahamaya Temple

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Since remote past the temples of Banaras represent the synthesis of varied cultural streams. As far as wall paintings are concerned, the city was an acclaimed centre, the tradition of which continues till today on different occasions to beautify the temples, mathas, akhadas, and residential buildings. These paintings may be divided between religious and social or secular groups.\n\nThe Mahamaya temple is unique for its architecture as well as paintings inside the garbhagrha. The subjects of the paintings are narratives, divine figures, lokapalas, saints and rsis, valour of devis, day to day life of local people, nature etc. showing regional influence.\n\nFor the study of Sakti cult and other divinities, the aesthetic appeal of the figures and stylistic confluence of Rajasthani, late Mughal, Company, Nepali and folk style from Banaras, the temple is unique. However, the Rajasthani style dominates with the blend of other styles.

Prof. Kamal Giri, at present Hon. Director, Jnana Pravaha: Centre for Cultural Studies and Research, Varanasi, has completed her education from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (BHU). Dr. Giri taught in the Dept. of History of Art, Banaras Hindu University for more than three decades. Prof. Giri has published more than 100 research papers and several books on different aspects of Indian art. Her publication entitled Madhyakalina Bharatiya Murtikala (in joint authorship), was presented to President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. She has co-edited several prestigious publications like Chhavi: Rai Krishnadas Felicitation Volume (1981), Khajuraho in Perspective (1994), KALA: Journal of Indian Art History Congress (1995-2006), ,i>Treasures of Indian Art: Suresh Neotia Collection (2006), ,Kasi ki Ramalila (2012) and is at present editing Jnana-Pravaha Research Journal.

Kamal Giri

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