The Development of Hindu Iconography c7.36

c7.36

Factors contributing to the development of iconoplastic art in India: (1) wide prevalence of sectarianism in India, 229-33; (2) phenomenal increase in the number of divinities comprising the Brahmanical pantheon, 233-36; (3) contact of India with the foreigners, especially with the Greeks, 236-39; (4) the evolution of Tantras and the gradual canonisation of the modes for icon-making, 239-43; (5) the systematic patronage of the art by the ruling powers and influential clericals, 243-45.