ABSTRACT
Various interpretations can be given to the rich development of the religious imagery in Bihar and Bengal during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. This chapter suggests the possibilities of diversifying the approach to the study of these images. The creation of images was not only an internal process which took place within the limits imposed by each of the different religious beliefs but also constituted a response to the general context within which the Buddhist monastery and the Hindu temple were reacting to each other. Thus, images from both sides can show strong similarities reflecting a strong interaction, can also be connected to the current royal power, or can betray an adaptation to the social environment of the community made in order to relate to this environment and to attract new followers.
