The state of Orissa (Odisha), in the southeast coast of India, is known for its rich heritage in art and architecture. Over the centuries, the creative genius of the Orissan sculptors found expression in numerous beautiful images, which can vie with the best works made anywhere in India. The sculptural images of Orissa display one of the most distinctive regional styles of India. The study of this style is particularly rewarding as there is continuous sculptural activity in the region, spanning over a period of thousand years for each of the three major religions, i.e. Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The style is characterized by the overall clarity and consistency of its evolving iconographic program. In this monograph the important sculptures are analysed with reference to their aesthetic value, style and iconography. The iconographic features of Brahmanical, Buddhist and Jaina images have been described with photographic documentation to highlight Orissa’s cultural splendour. This important handbook on sculpture masterpieces from Orissa will be indispensable for scholars, students of comparative religion, and anyone who wants to know Orissa and understand its composite identity. Contents: Preface List of Illustrations I. Historical Background II. Religious Background III. Stylistic Development of Orissan Sculpture IV. Jaina/Buddhist Iconography: A. Iconography of Jaina Images B. Iconography of Buddhist Images V. Brahmanical Iconography: A. Saiva Iconography: 1. Ganesa 2. Karttikeya 3. Parvati/Mahisamardini 4. Siva-Linga/Mahesamurti 5. Avarana-Devatas B. Vaisnava Iconography: 1. Visnu 2. Dasavataras 3. Krsna/Gopinatha C. Saura Iconography D. Sakta Iconograpy: 1. Seated Devi/Sakta Divinities 2. Sapta/Asta-Matrikas 3. Varahi/Camunda VI. Secularized Imagery: A. Erotic Imagery B. Siksadana Motifs/Royal Figures/Warriors Plate Descriptions Glossary Bibliography Index