Dr R. Nagaswamy (b. 1930) is MA in Sanskrit Language and Literature, and PhD in Art and History with Shakta cult in Tamil Nadu. His fields of specialisation are: Indian Art and Aesthetics, Architecture, Iconography, Bronzes, Numismatics, Epigraphy, Music, Dance, etc. He served as Curator for Art and Archaeology, Government Museum (1959-62); Assistant Special Officer, Archaeology (1963-65); the First Director of Archaeology, Tamil Nadu (1966-88); and after retirement he served as the first Vice Chancellor of Kanchipuram University. A versatile scholar, he has published several books in English, Tamil and Sanskrit. An epigraphist and palaeographer, his articles have been published in 24 languages of the world by UNESCO. His books Masterpieces of Early South Indian Bronzes published by National Museum, New Delhi, and Timeless Delight published by Sarvai Foundation are landmarks in the subject. He has written several dance dramas and presented them all over the world. With Dr Kapila Vatsyayan, he founded the now-famous Natyanjali Festival at Chidambaram. Presently, he is specialising in South-East Asian Art.