Skip to Main Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Submit an ETD
Global Search Box
Need Help?
Keyword Search
Participating Institutions
Advanced Search
School Logo
Files
File List
osu1197663617.pdf (20.24 MB)
ETD Abstract Container
Abstract Header
Patronage, devotion and politics: a Buddhological study of the Patola Sahi Dynasty's visual record
Author Info
Twist, Rebecca L.
Permalink:
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1197663617
Abstract Details
Year and Degree
2008, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, History of Art.
Abstract
During the 6th – 8th centuries, the Patola Sahi dynasty ruled the country of Bolor, which is Baltistan and Gilgit, in what is today, Northern Pakistan. Not only does the archaeological and literary evidence indicate that their kingdom was a Buddhist stronghold, but there are also a number of Buddhist artworks that can be attributed through inscriptions to a donation by members of the royal Patola Sahi family. This study focuses on these inscribed works and other extant visual culture of the Patola Sahi dynasty. It analyzes the major iconographic features and interprets them within a Buddhological context. As such, the findings suggest that the Patola Sahis were devout Buddhist practitioners, some of them adherents of early Vajrayana Buddhism. A contextualization of the iconography of the visual record reveals an underlying pattern of the primary benchmarks needed to portray a meditational construct of a sambhogakaya Buddha, in particular, Vairocana Buddha. The epigraphical and compositional components, particularly the frequent representation of the donors, are also examined for their significance to specific Buddhist teachings and practices. As such, it is evident that many of these donors were initiates into and practitioners of the esoteric teachings of the Vairocana Buddha. Specifically, the core elements of the practice of generosity and the three main components of the teaching transmissions in the Mahayana/ Vajrayana traditions – the receiver, the gift, and the giver – are repeated in various ways throughout the imagery. In addition, a contextualization of the patronage of Buddhism, specifically by the Patola Sahi kings, reveals that political aspirations and legitimizing forces were also part of their Buddhist practices. Both the visual and textual record underscore the support of Buddhism as a means for protection of the kingship and state, as well as a claim to both spiritual and secular power through their portrayal as divine dharmarajas, perhaps even incarnations of bodhisattvas and Buddhas. Thus, when considered within a larger framework of Buddhist theoretical principles and practice, as well as intricately linked social, religious, and political practices at the time, the motives and impetus for the royal Patola Sahi patronage and select, multivalent iconographies are gleaned.
Committee
John Huntington (Advisor)
Pages
393 p.
Subject Headings
Art History
Keywords
Patola Sahi Dynasty
;
Patola Sahi art
;
Vairocana Buddha
;
Vajrayana Buddhism
;
Patronage and Buddhism
;
Politics and Buddhism
;
Kashmir art
Recommended Citations
Refworks
EndNote
RIS
Mendeley
Citations
Twist, R. L. (2008).
Patronage, devotion and politics: a Buddhological study of the Patola Sahi Dynasty's visual record
[Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1197663617
APA Style (7th edition)
Twist, Rebecca.
Patronage, devotion and politics: a Buddhological study of the Patola Sahi Dynasty's visual record.
2008. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation.
OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center
, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1197663617.
MLA Style (8th edition)
Twist, Rebecca. "Patronage, devotion and politics: a Buddhological study of the Patola Sahi Dynasty's visual record." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1197663617
Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)
Abstract Footer
Document number:
osu1197663617
Download Count:
793
Copyright Info
© 2007, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.