Indian Iconography and Religious Tolerance, written by Dr. Sudipa Bandyopadhyay and published by Motilal Banarsidass International in 2025, explores the deep-rooted relationship between ancient Indian art and communal harmony. Moving beyond a standard study of imagery, the book delves into the interpretative, historical, and sociological aspects of Indian art across stone, metal, and terracotta. It effectively demonstrates how the historical evolution of diverse sectarian pantheons reflects a fundamental ethos of unity in diversity, drawing on an extensive array of primary sources including Vedic texts, Puranas, Agamas, and Silpasastras.

The core narrative focuses on how various religious icons illustrate historic attempts at reconciliation between traditionally rival sects. Through detailed comparisons of Brahmanical, Buddhist, and Jain deities?such as the striking commonalities between Sarasvati and Prajnaparamita, or Siva and Simhanada?the author showcases a vibrant system of free iconographic interchange. Furthermore, the text investigates how these fluid artistic traditions later harmonized with Islamic and Sufi mystic beliefs in medieval India.

By examining cross-cultural figures like Satyapira and folk deities like Vanabibi and Daksinaraya, the work emphasizes a shared legacy of universal brotherhood. Ultimately, the book serves as a vital historical reminder of ancient India's vasudhaiva kutumbakam ("the entire world is one relative") ideology. It positions the creative legacy of Indian sculptors as an enduring toolkit to counteract modern religious fanaticism and foster contemporary tolerance.