Ancient Brahmpur (Brahmaur) kingdom is the traditional home of Gaddis, hence also called Gadderan. Brahmpur has been the only Himalayan Kingdom that may claim its antiquity to as early as 6 century, based on its magnificent wooden and stone temples, exquisite images, inscriptions, etc., which reflect an amalgam of varied religio-artistic traditions. In the present work, all the temples and images have been discussed at length in the light of evidences found during the last five decades, tracing their genesis to the ancient Buddhist structural activities and the later pan Indian aesthetic ferment.
Brahmpur lost its glory in 10 century, after the capital was shifted to Chamba, and it remained in oblivion until 12 century, when the shepherding people from mainland settled there. They were known as Gaddis. Gradually, they developed a distinct and quint - essential way of living in the Himalayan mountainous interior. Thus, the Gaddis emerged as one of the most cultured and interesting people for their ethno-cultural distinctiveness. The present work discusses all those aspects lucidly.
The book is spread in seven chapters, covering physiography of the area of study, ethnographic milieu, political scenario, technique and style of image making and the artisans, Gaddi domestic architecture and the wooden and stone temples. Three useful appendices further make this study comprehensive and up-to-date. |
