As contemporary society comes to terms with gender roles, sexuality and repression/ liberation, the Ardhanarishvara theme in Indian art can guide us in formulating questions and seeking answers. The author explores the Ardhanarishvara concept in its historical and cultural context, and its contemporary manifestations. This book is an engrossing study of an ancient image and its modern identity and relevance.Alka Pande is at present Consultant, Art Advisor and Curator, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. She was Reader in the Department of Fine Arts, Punjab University, Chandigarh and earned her doctorate from the university. Ms Pande did her post-doctoral study in Critical Art Theory from Goldsmith College, University of London, under the aegis of the Charles Wallace, India Trust Award. She is a regular contributor to various newspapers.