Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c74.s2.46

v2.c74.s2.46

This in short, is the contemporary treatment of the classification of images in general. A critical examination (vide Pratimā-Vijñāna p. 196-7) however would reveal that all these classifications so far advanced are faulty; for instance, classification proceeding from the basis of relegion—Brāhmaṇa, Baudha and Jain—is too wide and very general classification and in an iconographical analysis, it is of no help. Brāhmaṇa images themselves vary in accordance with the various cults and cult deities also vary with reference to the particular objects, forms and modes of worship. Similar have been the transformations in relation to Buddhist and Jain images as well. Naturally this classification may be helpful for a catalogue of images, but for our treatment which aims at dealing with the characteristic types of images and their gradual development, this is not very helpful.