Dr. Priti Swaraj — Archaeologist · Researcher

Book Publication

A History of Buddhist Iconography in Bihar

This book presents a comprehensive study on Buddhist iconography in Bihar, examining the rich sculptural traditions, their philosophical context, and Indo‑Tibetan connections. It draws upon field research, museum collections, and historical sources to provide insights into the evolution of Buddhist art and iconography in the region.

First Edition: Delhi, 2025
Author: Dr. Priti Swaraj
Publisher:Motilal Banarsidass Publishing House
Publisher Details:
4637/20, F-2, Hari Sadan, First Floor, Ansari Road, Darya Ganj Delhi–110 002
Tel.: (+91-11) 4559 7999
1st Floor, 1/2 Rathnavilas Road, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru–560004 (India)
Tel.: +91-80-41275911
ISBN: 978-93-7100-729-0 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 978-93-7100-488-6 (Paperback)

About

Education & Training

Dr. Priti Swaraj completed M.A. in History and earned a Ph.D. from Nava Nālandā Mahavihara (Deemed University). She has taken specialist courses including Tibetan language (Tibet House, Delhi), Rock Art of Southeast Asia (SAMEO‑SPAFA, Thailand) and Introduction to Archaeology (Bihar Museum).

Professional summary

Worked with SAMEO, SPAFA (Thailand) — semi‑governmental organization.
Published ~10 research articles in national & international journals.
Currently researching Iconography of Indo‑Tibetan Buddhist Art.

Selected academic works

Historical View of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on Indian Democracy

Research Hub Intl. (Vol‑2, 2021)

Study of Women Aesthetic in Ajanta Paintings

ASSR — Conference proceeding

An Iconographical Study of Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara

Global Heritage Conclave‑2022

Rock Art of Southeast Asia and the World

SPAFA, Thailand — training & research

Publications & Presentations

Journal papers & Conference talks

IJRAR — "Some Aspects of Buddhist Iconography in Bihar Museum"
"The Great Buddha at Sultanganj Tirtha" — Heritage Society Patna
Economic Value of Buddhist Statues (Gupta Period) — Bihar Itihas Parisad
Multiple conference presentations: Nagpur, Patna, Global Heritage Conclave

Organized & Lectures

Organized webinar: "Educational Institutions in Ancient Bihar" (Aug 6, 2023)
Resource person — online course "Introduction to Art and Iconography" (June 4–8, 2025)

Translated Books (under process):

“ Puratattva ka Itihas” by Dr. Jayadeva Mishra and Dr. Naveen Kumar Arya, ISSBN:978-93-85792-79-3, Bihar Hindi Granth Acadami, Patna. translated in English language.

A History of Buddhist Iconography in Bihar A.D. 600-1200; by Prabhavati Prakashan Saidpur, Patna-800004 in hindi.

Reviewing:

Serves as peer reviewer for forthcoming SAMEO‑SPAFA publications.

Journals & Select Papers

Detailed list

"Historical View of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on Indian Democracy" — Research Hub Intl. (2021)
"Study of Women Aesthetics in Ajanta Paintings" — ASSR (ISBN)
"An Iconographical Study of Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara" — Heritage Society
"Some Aspects of Buddhist Iconography In Bihar Museum" — IJRAR
"Iconographical & Philosophical Study of Sculptures in Bhagalpur Museum" — ASSR (June 2025)