During the sixth to the ninth centuries CE, the fundamental beliefs of Hindus, Buddhists and Jains were symbolically concretized in the architectural and sculptural multiplicity of form life in the thirty-four rock-out temples at Ellora in India.

This volume is the first coordinative treatment of the ways in which the artists integrated concept, style narrative, emotional states and the aesthetic qualities of the imagery which are ultimately resolved into a grand, organic totality.

A new, original approach to Ellora organizes the cycle of stylistic transformations into a developmental system _x0096_ from classical back to archaic. Attention is directed to the starling dynamic interactions and mobile relationship of the myriad diverse forms and to the innovative, often revolutionary, compositions in the major sculptured panels.

Carmel Berkson's intensive photographic studies emphasize multifaceted views of the many unique masterpieces in their spatial settings.

Carmel Berkson is a sculptor and photographer. She has traveled extensively in India for the purpose of studying and documenting Indian temple art.

Her books about Elephanta, Aurangabad caves, Mahisamardini and form in Indian sculpture are widely read.