SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This work aims at a full-length study of the history of Sri in N.India to the end of the Gupta rule. It consists of an introduction, five main chapters, a concluding chapter and an appendix. Chapter I discusses the abstractions, Sri and Laksmi as they are found in the Vedic literature and traces the gradual development into the form of a goddess embodying these abstract concepts. Chapter II is devoted to the study of the importance of the Srisukta in the evolution of the proper Sri-Laksmi concept, both in the religious and the iconographic sphere. Chapter III analyses some of the salient features of selected early divinities to determine the extent to which they anticipated Sri-Laksmi. Chapter IV considers the growing attachment of Sri Laksmi to Visnu and also discusses her association with various gods. Chapter V makes a critical study of the extant images of Sri both in her individual aspect and in association with Visnu. It also examines her iconographic resemblances to various other goddesses and the resultant syncretistic images. Chapter VI (Conclusion) presents a brief resume of the foregoing chapters and attempts an evaluation of Sri's standing in the Hindu world.