Light of Devotion: Oil Lamps of Kerala

Light of Devotion: Oil Lamps of Kerala is a comprehensive study of medieval oil lamps from Kerala and beyond, providing valuable insights into their ritual use, cultural history, motifs, style, and subject matter. The author presents unpublished miniature bronze masterpieces and offers a key to dating Keralan bronze sculpture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 12 May 2022
Publisher: Archaeopress

Light of Devotion: Oil Lamps of Kerala, an in-depth exploration of medieval oil lamps from Kerala and beyond, adds a significant chapter to the rich history of Indian art. These remarkable artifacts serve as invaluable primary sources for delving into the broader realm of the ritualistic use of Hindu oil lamps, their distinct cultural heritage, captivating motifs, artistic styles, and diverse subject matter. Emerging from a previously understudied region, they showcase miniature bronze masterpieces that depict figural and mythological representations, many of which are previously unpublished. Hindu traditions and the underlying philosophical essence of these votive offerings to temple deities symbolized by the flaming oil lamps will captivate scholars of history of religions, art history, and South Asian studies. The author has meticulously compiled a collection of oil lamps, not limited to Kerala, but also including examples found in international museums and collections. These lamps, along with their inscriptions, provide a crucial key to deciphering the dating of Keralan bronze sculptures, shedding light on the artistic development and cultural significance of this region.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 245 x 175 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803272542