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This volume focuses on the new studies, researches and revelations about the Megalithic culture. The old focus on structural forms has given way to the study of their alignment with solstice and constellation. The book also talks about the
ethno-archaeological approaches in understanding the socio-religious paradigm behind erecting such structural forms along with the study of megalithic art.
This volume focuses on the new studies, researches and revelations about the Megalithic culture. The old focus on structural forms has given way to the study of their alignment with solstice and constellation. The book also talks about the
ethno-archaeological approaches in understanding the socio-religious paradigm behind erecting such structural forms along with the study of megalithic art.
This book tells the story of minerals and metals in ancient India by unravelling the mysteries of archaeomaterials with scientific inquiry into production modes and use of minerals. It also studies the indigenous literary sources for the purpose.
In two volumes, the book tells the fascinating, coherentlywoven story of the Minerals and Metals from across the entire sub-continental sprawl of the old-world India (including Pakistan and Bangladesh). Covering a vast span of over five millennia: from the Pre-Harappan Chalcolithic sites, like Mehargarh, Mundigak and Ganeshwar to about ad 1200, Volume 1 is a brilliant effort to unravel the mysteries of archaeo-materials with scientific inquiry into both the modes of production and use of minerals, gems, metals, alloys and other kindred artefacts. Including, as he does, a chronological discussion of the specifically excavated sites, from Mehargarh to Taxila, Professor Arun Biswas captures a panoramic view of the hoary, richly variegated cultures which, in their final analysis, lead him not only to question the diffusionist theory concerning the Aryan intrusion, but also to highlight, among a range of his first-time-arrived conclusions, the primacy of India in the areas of non-ferrous ore mining, production of carburised iron, wootz, steel, forge-welding of wrought iron, distilled zinc and high-zinc brass. Barring the foreign travellers accounts, the volume draws exclusively on archaeological evidence. Volume 2 approaches the theme from the viewpoint of indigenous literary sources chronologically marshalling over three thousand years of Sanskrit writings: ranging from Rigveda to Rasaratnasamuccaya. Reviewing, among other things, the entire gamut of studies in gemmology (ratnashastra) and alchemy (rasashastra), the authors here set out a meticulous analysis of Rasaratnasamuccaya: a fourteenth century text, high-lighting the climactic heights of iatrochemistry in ancient India. With detailed explanations of Sanskrit technical expressions, the volume also tries to correlate, wherever possible, literary evidence with archaeological data. Sponsored by the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi, Minerals and Metals in Ancient India has involved years of the authors painstaking research. Together with maps, figures, tables, appendices and illustrative photographs, it will evoke enormous interest in geologists, metallurgists,archaeo-metallurgists, mineralogists, gemmologists, historians of science, archaeologists, Indologists, and the scholars of Indian pre- and ancient history.
Professor Biswas examines the fascinating indigenous gems, non-gem minerals, metals and metallic art of India from ad 1200 onwards to almost the threshold of modern times, focusing on iron and steel, brass and zinc in pre-modern India and the superb vitality of its artisans tradition.
A Sequel to his widely acclaimed Minerals and Metals in Ancient India, in two volumes, (1996), Professor Biswas here continues with the fascinating story of indigenous gems, non-gem minerals, metals and metallic art : from 1200 ad onwards to almost the threshold of modern times. Like its predecessor, this volume too is sponsored by the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi. Beginning with a view of medieval India’s enchanting gems, its highly dexterous diamond mining, and an array of non-gem minerals including, among others, metallic ores of copper, lead, zinc, ferrocobaltite, aluminium, and even building stones, the book offers a focussed study of iron and steel, brass and zinc in pre-modern India with coherent descriptions of the diversities of ores processed, smelting techniques, wootz-making and other products in different parts of the subcontinent. A painstakingly researched work based on foreigners travelouges and many other sources, the book re-explores the achievements of indigenous industries of the day, highlighting how, for about two millennia since the Lothal and Atranjikhera eras, India commanded primacy in zinc and brass; how its zinc smelting and distillation technology were transferred to the West, like the Chinese technologies of paper and gunpowder; and how its artisans could work marvels in metal. The author examines, in retrospect, Indian traditions of metallic works, which are vividly exemplified in its arts of enamelling, encrustation, jewel-setting, brass and high zinc Bidriware, and much else. Concludingly, Professor Biswas also goes into the causes that spelt decline of the Indian industries and the superb vitality of its artisans tradition.
The book endeavours in recounting the mode in which Mohammed accomplished a tedious task of constructing a state and an empire out of the Arab tribes. It attempts to do justice to his intellectual ability and to observe towards him the respectful attitude which his greatness deserves. The volume is neither an apology nor an indictment.
The standpoint from which this book is written suggests and regards Mohammed as a great man, who solved a political problem of appalling difficulty – the construction of a state and an empire out of the Arab tribes. The book endeavours in recounting the mode in which Mohammed accomplished this, to do justice to his intellectual ability and to observe towards him the respectful attitude which his greatness deserves. The volume is neither an apology nor an indictment.
As far as the fecundity of the content is concerned, the book has taken a cue from different Arab sources and many scholarly works of earlier historians, efforts of many European scholars on Mohammedan antiquities and Islamic traditions. In condemning traditions unhistorical, the book has ordinarily considered the obelus of scholars like Ignaz Goldziher, Thodor Noldeke and Julius Wellhausen sufficient.
The Indian subcontinent is home to some spectacular mosques which are architectural marvels produced by the spread of Islam in India. 54 important mosques including their locations, history, structure and plan patterns, are covered in this volume which will be indispensable for scholars and students of Indo-Islamic architecture.
The spread of Islam in India produced some of the most spectacular monuments, the mosques stand as testimony to the great architectural skill and expertise of the Indian subcontinent through centuries and constitute one of the most important aspects of the rich architectural culture of the region. This volume showcases some 54 important mosques spread across the Indian subcontinent from Lahore in modern Pakistan to Gaur in modern West Bengal and from Delhi in the north to Kayalpatnam and Bijapur in South India. It mentions the location of the mosques, their history, structure and plan patterns and discusses various elements of the structures in detail: their entrances, pillars, porticoes, type of mihrab and other aspects. It emphasises the importance of a particular masjid such as its typifying the mosques of a certain period or dynasty and setting the standard for later masjids in some manner. It presents some other plans and proportional elevations in the appendices for a comparative study. An extremely useful list of Muslim rulers of the Indian subcontinent is provided. With maps and drawings of plans of mosques, the book is a painstaking effort to examine the evolution and iconography of the mosque architecture in the region. The volume will be indispensable for scholars and students of Indo-Islamic architecture.
The book delves into the place of music in the Vedas and the role of temples, particularly in south India, in preserving and promoting musical traditions. It also concentrates on both vocal and instrumental music and dance forms as rituals in temples and temple festivals.
The book presents a wealth of information on the music rituals in temples at various places in south India. Following visits to a number of temples and based on interviews with temple artistes, the author shows that the musical traditions of temples differ from temple to temple, particularly from Vaishnavite to Shaivite temples.
Beginning with the place of music in the Vedas, the book discusses music itself as a form of worship and the role of temples in promoting it. It focuses on the musical contributions of Nayanmars and Alvars whose hymns are sung today as a daily ritual in many temples, and compares their music. It concentrates on both vocal and instrumental music, dance forms as rituals in temples, and music and singing involved in temple festivals. Many interesting inscriptions and sculptures related to dance and music have also been taken up for discussion. In a fascinating attempt, the author has dealt with unique music traditions in some temples of south India like ragas associated with specific temples only and the tradition of nadasvaram playing in Tiruvarur temple.
The volume will enthral scholars of Indology, particularly those involved in study of religious art and music traditions.
This book is an enquiry into the past, based on the findings of Neolithic celts and tries to place the Neolithic culture in the right perspective. It presents the details of many excavations and provides valuable information helping to solve the Neolithic problem; also in understanding the transitions from wild species to domesticated ones and in food items like rice.
This book is an enquiry into the past, based on the findings of Neolithic celts and tries to place the Neolithic culture in the right perspective. It presents the details of many excavations and provides valuable information helping to solve the Neolithic problem; also in understanding the transitions from wild species to domesticated ones and in food items like rice.
This volume comprises papers that explore various aspects relating to the origin and ancientness of the Indian civilization. It examines the Aryan invasion theory in detail and presents evidence and arguments against this theory.
India’s civilization has had a long existence that is documented in a huge amount and variety of literature, its scientific advancements over the centuries, its continuing cultural practices and preservation of art and music. This volume comprises papers that explore various aspects relating to the origin and ancientness of the Indian civilization.
Scholars here present diverse perspectives to delve into the contentions and controversies that surround questions such as the one concerning the origin of the Aryans. The papers examine the events that gave rise to the Aryan invasion theory and debunk the theory as a myth and present evidence and arguments supporting the theory that the Rigveda was composed in its bulk in the fourth millennium bce. An effort focuses on the problem of identifying the earliest region of the Aryan ecumene or homeland, including that of identifying its epicentre in India. Incorporating the latest research in history, archaeology, philosophy, genetics, and other disciplines, the papers explain the origin and evolution of the idea of the ancient South Asian city. Quoting from the epic literature, they attempt to derive the date of the Mahabharata War on the basis of the numerous astronomical references in the epic. They also analyze patterns of Y-chromosome diversity in the contemporary South Asian gene pool to throw light on migrations of modern humans within South-west Asia.
Accompanied by maps and other illustrations, the volume will interest scholars from a range of disciplines who are keen to study the origin and evolution of Indian civilization and culture.
The essays capture the changing contours of Orissan society, economy, religions, cultural life and art expressions. It embraces diverse specificities from every epoch of Orissan history and focuses on its archaeological remains, ancient maritime activities, Vaisnavite sculptures, etc.
Lying on Indias eastern coast, Orissa is the legendary old-world Kalinga. Which, conquered by Ashoka, metamorphosed this terrible triumphant emperor into a compassionate, remorse-stricken votary of the Buddhist faith. Today as ever before, Orissa not just has its share in Indias glorious cultural heritage, but epitomizes its architectural marvels and at once fascinating sculptures, including the erotic figurines frozen in stone. And these are best reflected in Orissas profusely sculptured temples, like the Sun-gods at Konark, Lord Jagannaths at Puri, and Lingarajas at Bhubaneshwar; besides the Jaina/Buddhist rock-cut caves of Khandagiri, Udayagiri and Dhauli. This felicitation volume, occasioned by Professor Mishras retirement, in 1997, from the University of Sambalpur, captures the changing contours of Orissas society, economy, religions, cultural life, and art expressions: from the earliest times to almost the present day. In 29 essays, each authored by an area specialist, the volume embraces diverse specificities from every epoch of Orissan history, focussing notably on its prehistoric painted rock shelters, archaeological remains, ancient maritime activities, major and minor religions, Vaisnavite sculptures, stellate temples, development of education and, besides these, its various tribal, revolutionary and socio-religious reform movements during the colonial rule. Professor P.K. Mishra, (born: 19 Jan. 1937), is a distinguished Orissan historiographer, extensively published author, and scholar with wide-ranging specialized interests. Recipient of two prestigious Senior National Fellowships (of ICHR and UGC), he has also surveyed and documented the monuments in Upper Mahanadi Valley on a Ford Foundation Project.
It studies the palaeography of Orissa, especially the evolution of the regional Oriya script, by analyzing several copper-plates and stone inscriptions. An attempt to resolve the prolonged debate on the parentage of modern Oriya script, considering the importance of geo-political forces and the cultural growth of a region.
The book studies the palaeography of Orissa from the third to the seventeenth century ad. It focuses on the evolution of the regional script of Orissa from the Bràhmã script to the advent of the modern Oriya script through various intermediate stages. Analyzing several hundreds of copper plate and stone inscriptions and with reproductions from facsimiles of many original inscriptions, the author delves into the palaeographical peculiarities of the scripts prevalent in different sub-regional/regional kingdoms of ancient and medieval Orissa. He followed the dominant stylistic nomenclatures for studying the scripts and emphasized on the importance of the geo-political forces in determining the writing style of a sub-region/region. The view that the process of `palaeographical segmentation ran parallel with linguistic segmentation’ has been successfully tested in Orissan context. The advent of the proto-regional and regional script of Orissa has been studied in the backdrop of this process. Besides, an attempt has been made to resolve the prolonged debate on the parentage of the modern Oriya script. It has been argued that political changes and ideologies of the ruling class were some of the determining factors in the growth and development of Oriya language and script. The work will be useful to scholars and students of history, culture, language and literature for understanding the growth and development of languages and scripts in interaction with the political milieu and cultural growth of a region.
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