Burma's Lost Kingdoms: Splendors of Arakan

Rating:
Summary: The Tale of a Forgotten Kingdom
Review: Burma's Lost Kingdoms: Splendors of Arakan by Pamela Gutman, Zaw Min Yu (Photographer) is an interesting account of a kingdom once located on the Eastern parts of the Bay of Benghal, which today forms a part of Burma (Myanmar). The Buddhist architecture of Arakan may strike one at first as too basic and simple, but on closer inspection brings one to appreciate the purity as well as the functionality of the design. In some instances, the fortress-like temples and stupas apparently also served as actual fortifications. In addition, the Arakan period offers some of the more excellent interpretations and unique styles of Buddha sculptures found in South-east Asia. Drawbacks: I would have expected to see much much more of the excellent photography of Mr. Zaw Min Yu; in addition, for those who judge the outside appearances the outer jacket and cover of the book are somewhat disappointing and call for a more precise thoroughness. Overall: a 3-star rating but nevertheless a worthwhile addition to your South-east Asia library.

Rating:
Summary: An outstanding contribution
Review: Even for the most dedicated students of Southeast Asian History and Art History Arakan has remained something of a mystery. Until now little has been written about this vital link between India and mainland Southeast Asia. With this book this gap has been overcome and in clear prose, supplemented by first-class photos, Pamela Gutman has given us an extremely valuable account of the rise and fall of Arakan--one of 'Burma's lost kingdoms.'

It is a major contribution to our knowledge and thoroughly recommended to anyone with an interest in Southeast Asian art as well as the region's early history.

Rating:
Summary: Ancient Arakan
Review: Located on the Bay of Bengal, between Bangladesh and Cape Negrais, lies the Rakhine State of Burma, formerly an independent kingdom known to the West as Arakan. Its geographic position allowed the kingdom to absorb a multitude of artistic influences from Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim lands: the Himalayas, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, and Burma itself. "Burma's Lost Kingdoms" explores the convergence of these many influences on the art, archaeology, and iconography of Arakan, with particular emphasis on the ancient capitals of Dhanyaawadi, Vesali, and Mrauk-U. Site plans are included, along with a bibliography and glossary. Gutman is a careful and clear writer; I especially appreciated her thoughtful and informative description of the sculptures (both on-site and in museums and collections) which are illustrated in the book.

It seems that Arakan is relatively unknown in the West, perhaps being overshadowed by the more spectacular and accessible temples and art of Pagan and other major sites of Southeast Asia. Gutman's fine book, aided by the excellent photographs of Zaw Min Yu, shows that Arakan has its own charms which are worthy of interest. I came away from the book with an increased appreciation for this little-known corner of Southeast Asia, and can recommend it both for students of SE Asian art, and for the more adventurous travellers to Burma.