Contents:-
1 History and Archaeology
2 Growth of Architecture in Medieval India
3 Urban Punjab : Historical Context
4 Routes, Monuments and Historical Remains
5 Structures and Religion
6 Water Architecture
7 Recreation, Authority and Constructed Space
8 Conclusion

Although some aspects of the medieval bhakti movements are known or have been viewed by the historians from their own angles of vision, much remains to be known, understood and interpreted. The present volume, issued on the occasion of the Quincentenary of Mahaprabhu Sri Caitanya, is an attempt to understand a little more of the medieval bhakti movements of India. The contributors to the volume who have enthusiastically agreed to participate in this project are all specialists in their own fields and their valuable papers are expected to throw new light on many hitherto unknown or known features of the great historical movement, the far-reaching consequences of which are very much lively in the heart of the Indian masses even today. The contributors to this volume are Bimanbehari Majumdar, Niharranjan Ray, G.S. Chhabra, Manorama Kohli, G.V. Saroja, J.C. Jain, M.S. Ahluwalia, H.A. Qureshi, Manjula Bhattacharyya, Uma S. Deshpande, P.S. Mukharya, B.D. Gupta, Hafiz Md. Tahir Ali, N. Jagadesan, R. Champakalakshmi, S.K. Pathak, N. Subrahmanian, R. Meena, K.K. Kusuman, N.H. Kulkarnee, Prabhat Mukherjee, S.N. Sharma, Sarat Chandra Goswami, S. Dutta, N.N. Acharya, Bhaskar Chatterjee, Neal Delmonico, Sachin Majumdar, David Kopf and Pranabananda Jash. A detailed bibliography containing list of books and articles used by the contributors in preparing their papers and also other works pertaining to the bhakti concept has also been supplied. This handy volume has been edited by N.N. Bhattacharyya with an informative introduction. Printed Pages: 424.

About the Author:

Prof. Narendra Nath Bhattacharyya teaches in the Department of Ancient Indian History and Culture, University of Calcutta. Thought religious history in his forte he works at ease in diverse branches of ancient Indian history and civilization.

Foreword

It is owing to the grace of Mahaprabhu Sri Caitanya that we have been able to bring out the present volume on the occasion of his quincentenary commemoration in our humble capacity. We express our sincere gratitude to the scholars-all eminent in their own fields -who contributed their learned articles to this volume at our request, to the editor who devoted all his time and energy to make the project a grand success, to Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, New Delhi who came forward to publish the work on our behalf and to those who helped us in many ways. At the same time we place on record our deep sorrow at the death of two of the contri- butors-Prof. Prabhat Mukherjee of Bhuvaneswar and Prof. Sarat Chandra Goswami of Guwahati-and our appreciation of the services rendered by them to the cause of this volume.

Specification

• Product Code :BK8775
• Size :6" x 9"
• Weight :1.780 kg.
• Author :Ramesh Menon
• ISBN :8129114925, 978-8129114921
• Publisher :Rupa Publications India
• Edition :January 1, 2009
• Cover :Paperback
• Language :English
• Pages :1564

Description

The Ramayana and the Mahabharata are the two great epics of India, the Mahabharata being by far the longer. Both were first composed in verse and, coming down the centuries in the ancient oral tradition, have deeply influenced the history, culture and arts of not only the Indian subcontinent but of most of South-East Asia. The Mahabharata tells of a Great War, and the events that lead upto it.

AUTHOR OF THE BOOK

Ramesh Menon was born 1951 in New Delhi. Studied in St Xavier’s High School and St. Stephen’s College. Lived and worked in Delhi, HongKong, Bangalore, Jakarta and now lives in Kodaikanal. He is the author of The Hunt for K, Blue God: A Life of Krishna and Ramayana (being published by FSG, US)

"Panini’s Astadhyayi represents the first attempt in the history of the world to describe and analyse the components of a language on scientific lines. It has not only been universally acclaimed as the first and foremost specimen of Descriptive Grammar but has also been a chief source of inspiration for the linguist engaged in describing languages of different regions.

To understand Sanskrit language, and especially that part of it which embodies the highest aspirations of ancient Aryan people, viz., the Brahmanas, Samhitas, and Upani-sads, it is absolutely necessary to have a complete knowledge of the grammar elaborated by Panini. Being a masterpiece of reasoning and artistic arrangement its study is bound to cultivate intellectual powers. Western scholars have described it as a wonderful manife-station of Indian intelligence.

This book is an English translation of Astadhyayi in two volumes and has won a unique position in the world of scholarship."

The present volume contains twelve of the sixteen papers presented at the Linsuistics Section of the 12th World Sanskrit Conference (Helsinki, Finland, 13-18 July, 2003). The papers span a wide range of topics and time depth, extending from Common Indo-Iranian all the way to Modern Indo-Aryan.

The problems and tasks addressed in these contributions pertain to the historical phonology of Sanskrit, Vedic morphosyntax, the evolutionary morphosyntax of Indo-Aryan, the syntax of Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit, Old Indo-Aryan etymologies, Iranian loanwords in Sanskrit, ancient Central and South Asian langauge contacts.

The Indian subcontinent was the scene of dramatic upheavals a few thousand years ago. The Northwest region entered an arid phase, and erosion coupled with tectonic events played havoc with river courses. One of them disappeared. Celebrated as -Sarasvati' in the Rig Veda and the Mahabharata, this river was rediscovered in the early nineteenth century through topographic explorations by British officials. Recently, geological and climatological studies have probed its evolution and disappearance, while satellite imagery has traced the river's buried courses and isotope analyses have dated ancient waters still stored under the Thar Desert. In the same Northwest, the subcontinent's first urban society"the Indus civilization"flourished and declined. But it was not watered by the Indus alone: since Aurel Stein's expedition in the 1940s, hundreds of Harappan sites have been identified in the now dry Sarasvati's basin. The rich Harappan legacy in technologies, arts and culture sowed the seeds of Indian civilization as we know it now. Drawing from recent research in a wide range of disciplines, this book discusses differing viewpoints and proposes a harmonious synthesis"a fascinating tale of exploration that brings to life the vital role the -lost river of the Indian desert' played before its waters gurgled to a stop.

The Penguin History Of Early India From The Origins To AD 1300 gives its readers an exhaustive idea about the history of India, from the time of its formation, through its gradual coalition, to its structure in AD 1300. The account is not a chronological narration of the events that took place to form India, but the narration of the story of India. Romila Thapar s version of the history of India is composed of many stories of the different parts of India which gradually came together to form one great country.

Romila Thapar s The Penguin History Of Early India From The Origins To AD 1300 takes its readers on a journey. The journey begins from the prehistoric era of the Indus Valley Civilization and other such ancient civilizations. It continues through to the emergence of the great empires of the Mauryas, Cholas, and the Guptas. It also talks about the creation of the great epics of The Ramayana and The Mahabharata, and the lives of great scholars and saints who had a huge impact on the life of India and its people such as Gautam Buddha and King Ashoka. The narration of history ends with the year AD 1300, with the reign of Rajendra III, the last Chola King.

The Penguin History Of Early India From The Origins To AD 1300 aims at showing the connections between the social, political, economic and religious aspects of each period. The focus is on tracing the continuities in the history of Early India. Diverse subjects such as religion, art, erotica, language, society are analyzed in conjunction with each other.

This updated edition contains added research on the history of India based on new excavation data, new methods of interpretation of history and changes in academic understanding of the discipline.

About the Author

Romila Thapar is an acclaimed Indian historian.

Her books include Ancient Indian Social History: Some Interpretations, Asoka And The Decline Of The Mauryas, Somanatha: The Many Voices of History, Somanatha: The Many Voices of History, and Dissent in the Early Indian Tradition.

She graduated from Panjab University and received her doctorate degree from the School of Oriental and African Studies from the University of London. Her prime area of research is ancient Indian History. She has won many awards for her excellent work in the field of history. These include the Kluge Prize for the Study of Humanity in 2008 and numerous honorary doctorates from universities such as the University of Calcutta, University of Hyderabad, University of Oxford and University of Edinburgh.

The character of Africa and the native races of the continent has been discussed. Details of the Early Peoples of South and Western Europe, influence of Greece on the World, the story of Ancient Rome and the fall of the Roman empire have been given.

Author : Prabodh Shirwalkar
ISBN : 978-81-7320-134-9
Edition : 2013
Language : English
Size & Pages : Size 29, cm, pp. 310, Illus. B/w,2013
Publisher : Agam Kala Prakashan
Format : Hardbound

The Author

Dr. Ajai Pal Singh was born in 1933 in the village Pahoripur Jarkhat District Kanauj, Uttar Pradesh. He completed his high school and intermediate from D.N. College Tirwa. He graduated from Allahabad University in science. He took his M.A. Degree in Ancient Indian History from Vikram University, Ujjain and completed his post graduate Diploma in Museology from Bhopal University, Bhopal. He was awarded Ph.D. Degree from Bhopal University, Bhopal. Besides this he has the following books to his credit.

1. Conservation and Museum Techniques.
2. Forts and Fortification of India.
3. Defensive art of India.
4. Monuments of Orchha.
5. Monuments of Mandu.
6. Concept of Environment in Ancient Art and Architecture.
7. Monuments a Vision of Harmony.
8. Geometrical Patterns of Ancient Icons.

Dr. Singh has contributed a good number of research papers to various reputed Journals.
The Book
Siva Mahadeva has been worshiped for thousand of years as the great God of India. His cult extended from the homeland of the Sakas in Central Asia to Kanya Kumari. There are numerous myths and legends associated with Him. It has been a rather of extreme happiness for us to gain an insight into the mysteries to Saiva philosophy as limited not to Cosmic lubrication but yoga and spiritual sadhana for the control of puranic energy. The worships of icons of Siva in Linga and image form originated right from the prehistoric period. The excavation of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa substantiate to this fact.

The present work dealing with varous aspects and forms of Siva and Sakti of Hindu Iconography. The present work may be helpful to the readers having great faith on Siva.
The work has been very well illustrated with numerous photographs and figures that add to pictorial value of the book.

Siva’s Iconography is of seminal importance in the history of Indian Art. The present work, Siva in Indian Art, for the first time, presents an exhaustive study of the impact of mythology on the iconography of Siva from the earliest to the 16th century C.E. The author compares the Saiva sculptures of Andhra with their counterparts belonging to the other schools of art like the Pallava, the Chalukya, the Chola, the Rashtrakuta, the Kalinga and others of South India which makes the work authoritative and exhaustive.

Further, the study also throws fresh light on the iconographical evolution of different forms of Siva, besides their physiognomy. The forms of Siva are grouped as Nrityamurtis, Samyuktamurtis, Samharamurtis, Anugrahamurtis, Saumyamurtis & Pratyekamurtis. Being a serious research work this is very valuable for the history of Iconography of Siva and serves as a beacon for further research in this field. With over 100 illustrations, this is an essential book for anyone interested in Indian art.

The Author
Dr. D. Kiran Kranth Choudary, (b.1954), Ph.D., D.Litt. is Professor of Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology and also the Principal and Dean Faculty of Arts, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati. He is the Coordinator of the UGC SAP DRS-I. His field of specialization is Art and Architecture in which he contributed innovative articles. He has completed five Research Projects sponsored by the UGC and ICHR. He has organized seven conferences/seminars/ workshops on different themes. He was the Coordinator of the Association of Indian Universities, 78th Annual Meet of the All India Vice-Chancellors. He received training in Remote Sensing for Archaeology at NRSA, Hyderabad. He chaired many sessions in various conferences and seminars. As a resource person he delivered lectures/talks in different universities in India and Abroad.

Dr. Kiran Kranth has published books: Five Prominent Temples of Bhuvanesvar (1982), Ragadhuli (1984), Ramayana in Indian Art and Epigraphy (2006), Srikalahstisvara Temple, A Study based on Epigraphs and Sculptures (2008), Teluguvari Silpakala (2012) and also edited Sankaram, Recent Researches on Indian Culture (2000), Prasadam, Recent Researches on Archaeology, Art, Architecture and Culture (2004), Ancient Civilizations (2006) and Archaeology and Art: New Dimensions (2008). He has seventy six research papers to his credit published in reputed Research Journals. He served as Dean (Exams) and Special Officer (Evaluation) for the university and also former Head and Chairman Board of Studies, Dept of A.I.H.C. & Archaeology. He is awarded Sri Gomateshwara Vidyapeetha Award-2008, Srikalahastisvaraswamy vari Puraskaram-2010, Meritorious Teacher Award-2011and Government of Andhra Pradesh State Awards to Meritorious Teachers-2013. He is associated with many academic bodies in various capacities. As poet and creative writer he is associated with many literary and cultural organizations.

Contents
Preface ix
Foreword xiii
Abbreviations xxxi
List of Illustrations xxxiii
1. Introduction 1
2. Nṛityamūrtis 28
3. Saṁyuktamūrtis 47
4. Saṁhāramūrtis 68
5. Anugrahamūrtis 99
6. Saumyamūrtis 122
7. Pratyēkamūrtis 151
8. Epilogue 185
Glossary 206
Bibliography 214
Index 231
Plates 239

The Monuments of Sanchi, the magnum opus of Marshall and Foucher, is the result of painstaking exposition of the monuments, their assessment and description which is a signal service rendered to Indian culture in general and Buddhist art and architecture in particular. This monumental work by Marshall and Foucher is in three volumes. The present reprint, is reduced to almost two-thirds of the original size without impairing in any manner ts original quality. This would prove to be a real boon to students of Indology and Indian Culture, art historians, critics and archaeologists as well.

In this exellent book, the authors discuss the concept and role of myths and legends in Indian art. The centrality of myths andlegends in ancient Indian literature, folklore and popular imagination has been brought out. In the second part of the book, masterpieces of art have been carefully included keeping in mind chronological range, variety of mediums, different sources of repositories and above all their way of presentation. art.

This book deals about scientific investigation about mural art of Ajanta reflecting two decades of research. This discovery of Ajanta and measures adopted by various art lovers in early 19th Century at has direct impact on its conservation as detailed in the book. The ancient Indian painting recipe and mural art techniques employed at Ajanta has been incorporated in the book. Detailed studies about nature and characterization of mud mortar of Ajanta / Ellora which support the survival of mural art have been elaborated. The source of raw materials for the preparation of Ajanta / Ellora mud plaster, addition of various aggregates, proteinaceous adhesive and vegetal remains in the plaster for its preparation has been detailed in the book. An elaborative study about the discovery of Cannabis Sativa (Hemp or Bhang) in the mud plaster of Ellora has been discussed. The book also highlights the data for cross sectional study of painted plaster; the analytical data obtained through the instrumental analysis of the pigment and plaster layers using XRF, XRD, FTIR, Raman Spectroscopy, SEM, thermo – hygrograph, Lux meter, Protimeter, Carbon dioxide analyzer, noise meter etc, in details. This detailed investigation has helped in the preparation of matching mud / lime plaster at Ajanta / Ellora for restoration purpose. The impact of visitors on cave murals of Ajanta like variations of temperature, humidity, noise level, carbon dioxide level etc, within the caves besides impact of light on the painted plaster, degradation of murals caused by application shellac varnish, insect activity on the murals have been discussed. The scientific cleaning methods employed at Ajanta for the removal of 19th century shellac coating, soot, dust, dirt etc, from the painted surface has been discussed along with photograph of before / after cleaning activity. The recent cleaning efforts undertaken in the Hinayana cave of Ajanta has been specifically highlighted under unseen Ajanta.

This book also discuss about the application of saline technique for the consolidation of sculpture of Ajanta / Ellora.

About the Author:
Dr. Manager Singh, M. Sc, Ph.D, Superintending Archaeological Chemist, ArchaeologicalSurvey of India, Aurangabad has received his master degree in chemistry from Gorakhpur University and Ph.D in chemistry on “Scientific investigation of Ajanta Paintings and Performance evaluation of materials” from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, Maharashtra. He was associated with the preservation of Ajanta cave murals from 1997 – 2008 and carried out extensive research on the materials and technique of mural art of Ajanta / Ellora. He has published about four dozen research papers in the field of scientific conservation of our art works mostly in international journals. He has been covered extensively by Discovery channel, Japanese T.V and German print media for his innovative work on cleaning of hinayana painting of cave no. 10, Ajanta under unseen Ajanta. Prior to his service in Archaeological Survey of India, he has also served in Geological Survey of India, Bangalore and Naval Science & Technological laboratory, Visakhapatnam. He has been received three months ICCROM training on stone Conservation in Venice on stone conservation and visited many countries to deliver lectures on scientific conservation of Murals in India and characterization of ancient materials with the help of scientific analysis for synthesis of compatible restoration materials.

The book Neolithic Cultures of South India deals with cultural changes and adaptations of the settled life in different stages of time span during the Neolithic period in South India. This particular book has many unique qualities like the south Indian Neolithic cultural sites are briefly documented based on the excavation reports. Being the field archaeologist the author very well used the various data available in the excavation reports to farm the conclusive results. Technological developments in the field of stone tools and other associated technologies such as metallurgy, stone and terracotta beads; development of pottery and its stages really attracts the attention. In Origin and Chronology of the Culture the methods he adopted is not based on hypothesis; but based on the scientific dating methods which speaks volumes on the authenticity of the facts. The book deals with all the aspects of the Culture like disposal of the dead, domestication of the animals and plants, architecture and the aesthetic wisdom of the people in detail. This culture in South India is associated with ash mounds and it is briefly cited in this volume. In the Archaeological studies of Indian cultures such compilation and analysis is needed and this particular book faithfully fulfills the need of the hour in many respects. The photographs and drawings used in this book are original in nature. They enhance the quality of the presentation and it is worth to be possessed by anyone interested in the field of study.

ABOUT THE AUTHER

Dr. Shivananda was born in Bengaluru the capital of Karnataka State in 1954. He received his higher education at Hubli, earning B.A., (1972), M.A., (1974) from Karnatak University, Dharwad and Ph.D., in Ancient history and Archaeology (1995) from the University of Mysore, Mysore. Dr. Shivananda worked in Archaeological Survey of India in various capacities before he retired as Regional Director. He has authored several books including the Guide book on Mattanchery Palace (1997) and Champaner Pavagadh (2009) Catalogue of Antiquities in Tipu Sultan Museum at Srirangapattana (2013), Excavations in Gujarat (2015). He has published more than 50 papers in various books and journals and edited Gauravam, Dr. B. K. Gururaja Rao Felicitation Volume (1996), Pratnakirti Prof. Srinivasa H Ritti Felicitation volume (2012) and assistant Editor of Sri Nagabhinandanam: Dr. M.S. Nagaraja Rao Felicitation Volume (1995).

Author : Prashant Srivastava
ISBN : 978-81-7320-173-8
Edition : 2017
Language : English
Size & Pages : 23 cm, pp.248,Illus.
Publisher : Agam Kala Prakashan
Format : Hardbound

About the Book

This edition is revised and enlarged to update the material and impart more depth to author's strikingly original interpretations. Especially those relating to Narayana and Vasudeva-Krsna. It questions the general assumption that the sentiment of personal devotion or bhakti formed a basic component of pre-Aryan aboriginal cults from which it was borrowed by later sectarian religions.

The author argues that religious consciousness being an ideological reflex of man's real life process its structure also undergoes changes in conformity with the changing social relations. The adoption of the principle of ahimsa and of vegetarianism in Vaisnavism is explained in its social context. It is shown how Puranic Vaisnavism envolved in the process of revitalizing brahmanism through assimilating a number of orthodox non-conformist and tribal elements; the absorption of Mother-goddess Sri-Laksmi in the Vaisnava pantheon is a case in point. The revised edition throws fresh light on the Narasimha incarnation of Visnu and the romodelling of some Vaisnava rituals. Finally, it highlights the social role of this religion and indicates the extent of its influence- in post-Maurva and Gupta times.

About the Author

Suvira Jaiswal took her MA from the university of Allahabad in 1953 and received her doctorate from Patna University and joined the Centre for Historical Studies Jawaharlal Nehru University in 1971 as Associate Professor and retired in 1990 Mrs Jaiswal was made President of the Ancient India Section of the thirty-eighth session of the Indian History Congress held at Bhubaneshwar in 1977. Currently she is engaged in research on social history of early India and has prepared a historiographical survey of the work done on the subject under a scheme sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research.

Preface

The scope of the work is limited to the history of Vaisnavism in post-Maurya and Gupta periods, although I had to go back often to earlier times to explain the rise of certain cults, rituals and doctrines in the period under study. It largely embodies my thesis approved for the degree of Ph.D. at the Patna University in 1963. It was sent to press early in 1964; but due to the non-availability of certain diacritical marks in the press, the publication was much delayed, and even then the sign m could not be printed properly in most cases. I crave the indulgence of my readers on this score.

I want to express my deep sense of gratitude to Professor Ram Sharan Sharma, Head of the Department of History, Patna University, who has supervised my work. His inspiring interest and exacting standards of scholarship have gone a long way to make the work what it is. I am also under obligation to Dr. Yogendra Misra, who guided me during the absence of Professor Sharma in England and gave me sound advice on several technical matters. My examiners, Professors A.L. Basham and D.C. Sircar offered me some very helpful criticisms and suggestions; to them my' most sincere thanks are due. I am deeply beholden to late Professor D.D. Kosambi, who during his last visit to Patna in 1964, found time to look through the typescript and gave me valuable advice. It is a matter of deep regret to me that the book could not come out during his lifetime. I am obliged to Professor Tan Yun-Shan, Director, Visva-Bharati, Cheena Bhavan, Santiniketan, for sending me a copy of a relevant passage found in the Chinese Tripitaka along with its English rendering. I also wish to thank Dr. Mrs. Vina Mazumdar, my erstwhile colleague and now Education Officer, University Grants Commission, for her keen interest in my work. My discussions with her have been stimulating and thought-provoking. I have also the pleasure of expressing my special thanks to Sri S.M. Karimi, Reader, Department 'of Geography, Patna University, for preparing the map and to Sri Radha Krishna Chaudhuri, Dr. Bambahadur Mishra and Dr. Dvijendra Narayan Jha for extending their help to me in various ways.

For financial assistance, I am grateful to Dr. G. Jacob, the then Vice-Chancellor of Patna University, for granting me a sum of Rs. 1000.00 to meet a part of the expenses involved.

Finally, I would like to thank my husband; Sri B.P. Jaiswal, for his constant encouragement and co-operation without which it would have been impossible for me to accomplish the task.

This book is a pioneering study on the contribution of Eastern Chalukyas to the art and architecture of Andhradesa. Bikkavolu is located in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh where a group of six fine temples are existing. The Bikkavolu temples though not included in the pancharamas, form the earliest group and typical examples of the Dravidian style of architecture in the heart of coastal Andhra. The three temples located on the outskirts of the Bikkavolu village form the early group, with cognate architectural features and the other temples located within the village belong to a later group. On a comparison of the art and architectural features the Early Chalukya and Rastrakuta temples the early group of temples is dated to late ninth century AD, particularly to the reign of Gunaga Vijayaditya (AD 848-92) and the later group to late eleventh century AD, particularly to the reign of Rajaraja Narendra (AD 1022-61) or Vijayaditya VII (AD 1061-75). The work is fully based upon field study of the temples, profusely illustrated with photographs of the temples, the architecture sculpture and iconography along with the ground plans. Printed Pages: 157 with 58 b/w plates.

About the Author:

Dr. S. Nageswara Rao took his M.A., Ph.D. degrees in Ancient History and Archaeology from the Andhra University in 1976 and 1983 respectively. After serving a brief period (1982-85) in the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Andhra Pradesh, he joined the teaching faculty of History and Archaeology of Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam in 1985. He is at present Associate Professor and a member of the P.G. Board of Studies in History and Archaeology. His specialization includes Indian Art and Architecture and Conservation and Museology.

The Upanishads are the central scriptures of Hinduism. They represent some of the most important literary products in the history of Indian culture and religion, both because they played a critical role in the development of religious ideas in India and because they are our greatest source for the religious, social, and intellectual history of ancient India. Composed at a time of great social, economic, and religious change, the Upanisads document the transition from the archaic ritualism of the Veda into new religious ideas and institutions. In the Introduction Olivelle provides a solid background for understanding these ancient documents. He examines both the social background of the Upanisads and their literary history: authorship, chronology, and geographical provenance. He describes the ritual practices and terminology, Vedic conceptions of the cosmos and of human physiology and psychology. Finally, Olivelle examines the central Upanisadic preoccupation of finding interconnections among the diverse elements of the universe. The copious notes present some of the most present philological and historical research on this material and give the reader detailed explanations of difficult passages. The list of names identifies all the major individuals and geographical names occurring in the Upanisads. Two charts present the texts of the Vedic corpus and the plan of the Vedic sacrificial arena. A map shows the geographical areas mentioned in the Upanisads and the places where the different Upanisads may have been composed. A detailed index of subjects is also provided. The first major English translation of the ancient Upanisads for over half a century, Olivelle's work incorporates the most recent historical and philological scholarship and presents the Sanskrit text and translation on facing pages. All major variant readings and emendations suggested by scholars are given in the notes, which, together with an informative introduction and detailed explanatory notes, make this edition ideal for both specialists and students of Indian religion and culture. Printed Pages: 699.

About the Author

Patrick Olivelle is the Chair, Department of Asian Studies, and Director, Center for Asian Studies, at the University of Texas at Austin, where he is the Professor of Sanskrit and Indian Religions

This important study presents a comprehensive and critical survey of Vaisnava-Bhakti movements through the ages; its vedic origin, medieval evolution and modern trends in India. The learned author acquaints readers with numerous hidden, symbolic meanings behind anthropomorphic form of Vishnu, his incarnations, Radha, devotee, methods of worship and the siddhis a devotee secures through Bhakti-yoga.

It brings into light the philosophies of Ramanuja (Visistadavaitavada), Vallabha (Suddhadvaitavada), Nimbarka (Dvaitadvaitavada), Namadeva, Tukaram, Kabir, Chaitanyadeva, Tulsidasa, Mirabai, Sankaradeva, Mahadeva and his successors. This monotheistic research on Vishnu is based on ancient Sanskrit scriptures and throws a search light on obscure, hidden, symbolic, philosophical, psychological and historical meanings behind Vedic and Puranic stories and legends.

About the Author : Late Shri Rabindra Kumar Siddhantashastree (1911-1983) had all along an extraordinary brilliant academic career. Besides being a Premchand Roychand scholar (Calcutta, 1955) he is a holder of five Tirtha and seven Shastree titles and was lecturer in the department of Ancient Indian History and Culture, Calcutta University before his sad demise. He is an author of a number of valuable and thought-provoking books which will keep his name alive in the word of scholars of Indian religions. His contributions to human knowledge are Saivism Through the Ages (1975) History of Pre-Kaliyuga India (1978).

About the Book : Besides its gigantic size and encyclopaedic and eclectic nature of its content the Puranic corpus stands apart from, the earlier Brah-manical literature in many significant ways; not the least of them being the fact that whereas the Vedas and the Dharmasastras had been meant for self study and were for the exclusive religious edification of the members of the upper stratum the puranas were required to be recited in popular gatherings and were generally projected as the scriptures of the masses. Their popular base and mass appeal can be judged from the fact that Puranic lore like that of the Epics has over the centuries become deeply ingrained in popular psyche. But what is really intriguing is the extraordinary nature of exigency which compelled the Brahmanical leaders to give up their former elitist and almost inflexible stance and not only take notice of the substratum of society but also seek to win them over through a genre of literature specially composed for them. Perhaps what is even more surprising is that though so much has been made provide as written about the Puranas in the past century and a half yet no serious attempt has been made to provide as completely convincing and wholly viable rationale for their composition and subsequent proliferation. The present work aims at removing this lacuna and establishing the purposive nature of the Puranic texts. It also seeks to underline the dialectical nature of relationship that existed between the processes of their composition and the forces of acculturation that became activated and more visible during Gupta/Post – Gupta times due to the amounting demands and pressures of an emergent socio economic order based on agricultural expansion.

About the Author : Dr. Vijay Nath is a Reader in Jankidevi College Delhi University. She secured her Master's and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Delhi. Her articles focusing on socio economic and religious history of ancient India have appeared in a number of well known journals. She is the author of the book Dana; Gift System in Ancient India: A Socio economic Perspective. She has been elected president of ancient Indian History section of the sixty first session of India History Congress.

From the Jacket

The book -make a brief survey of Buddhism in some of its interesting and important features in seven chapters. Beginning with the background it contains the life of Gautama Buddha, his Samgha and his basic teachings. It speaks how the religion propounded by Buddha got divided into various schools of thought with their doctrinal tenets within a few centuries after his Mahaparinirvana. The huge mass of Pali literature regarded as the great store-house of valuable information regarding the literary, social, political, economic, architectural and religious history of ancient India have been discussed herein. Here has also been pointed out the system of education which has widely prevalent and attracted men in quest of learning even from abroad.

True to its name the book presents many splendoured heritage of India embedded in Buddhist literature, the importance of which for the comprehensive study of our great civilization and culture can in no way be ignored or neglected. It will be useful illuminating to the scholars and the readers in general as well for a proper understanding of the cultural implications of Buddhism.

About the Author

Dr. Anukul Chandra Banerjee is one of the most distinguished scholars in the domain of Buddhist Studies and Tibetan History and Culture. He was the Professor and the Head of the Department of Pali and Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Calcutta University. He has to his credit a number of books and research papers published in different periodicals in India and Abroad.

Preface

The book attempts to make a brief survey of Buddhism in some of is interesting and important features in seven chapters. Beginning with the background it contains the life of Gautama Buddha, his Samgha and his basic teachings. It speaks how the religion propounded by Buddha got divided into various schools of thought with their doctrinal tenets within a few centuries after his Mahaparinirvana. The huge mass of Pali literature regarded as the great store-house of valuable information regarding the literary, social, political, economic, architectural and religious history of ancient India have been discussed herein. Here has also been pointed out the system of education which has widely prevalent and attracted men in quest of learning even from abroad.

True to its name the book presents many splendoured heritage of India embedded in Buddhist literature, the importance of which for the comprehensive study of our great civilization and culture can in no way be ignored or neglected.

It will be useful illuminating to the scholars and the readers in general as well for a proper understanding of the cultural implications of Buddhism.

A Few of the chapters were published sometime back as articles in different journals.

From the Jacket:

This voluminous work, a store- house of information about the Epics, Puranas and allied literature, was originally composed and published in Malayalam. It constituted the results of the author's devoted study and research extending over fourteen years. This English version of the same is to meet the growing demand of scholars interested in the study of Puranas. This stupendous work, in the form of an exhaustive descriptive index, covers the vast and varied field of ancient Indian culture in all aspects - history, geography, religion, philosophy, myths, beliefs and practices as depicted in the Epics and Puranas.

The work is planned on scientific lines. The material compiled is arranged systematically. Citations have been inserted in support of stated facts; at places they have been substituted by references. Obsolete and obscure words, denoting objects such as a particular tree or plant have been explained by their scientific or vernacular equivalents. All modern critical apparatus has been utilized in the preparation of this comprehensive work.

Foreword

I feel flattered and consider it to be great privilege to have been asked by Shri Vettam Mani to contribute a foreword to his Puranic Encyclopaedia, a really magnificent literary production, massive in size and rich and invaluable in contents. This is the first attempt in Malayalam and for the matter of that in any Indian or foreign language, so far as I know, to produce a comprehensive and well-nigh exhaustive book of study and reference with regard to episodes, incidents, characters etc. occurring in the many Puranas and such other works in Sanskrit. In the field of mythology, with regard to variety and contents as also sheer bulk, Greece stands first. Egypt comes only next. But Indian mythology-the epics and the puranas-far exceeds and excels both Greek and Egyptian mythologies put together in merit and size. Even the preparation of a complete list of characters mentioned in our epics, puranas etc. will be a stupendous and well-nigh impossible task calling for the combined efforts of a number of scholars. But, fortunately for us, each and every such name, one need not necessarily know or be acquainted with. At the same time there are great names which compel attention and should not escape a proper study. And, such names are legion, and Shri Mani has not omitted mention of even one such name in his great work. I looked up the encyclopaedia for a few such random names, and was really surprised to find detailed treatment of the same in the book. Moreover, with reference to really important names, incidents and episodes connected with them and the whole genealogy are given. Everything is fully documented and quite authoritative. And, deep, extensive and exhaustive study, patient and untiring research and above all absolute dedication to the cause are so very patent on every page of the book. Literally and in effect Shri Mani's is a unique contribution, the first and foremost book, in the magnificent spheres of religion, culture, scholarship and history all put together. As the pioneer in the field he can justly feel happy and proud about his rare achievement, and he deserves in ample measure the unstinted praise and appreciation of all lovers of learning and culture.

Shri Mani has already earned well-deserved reputation as a teacher, especially in Malayalam, and also as a diligent student of literature and author of talent. He evidently possesses a flair for research. All such distinguished talents and attainments of his have been fully and quite successfully commissioned in the preparation of this marvelous encyclopaedia. He has put every lover of learning and knowledge everywhere, under an eternal debt of gratitude by the publication of this noble work.

Specification

• Product Code :BK7122
• Size :8.5" x 5.5"
• Weight :550 gm.
• Author :Paul Deussen / Rev. A. S. Geden
• ISBN :9788120816206
• Publisher :Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
• Edition :2011
• Cover :Paperback
• Language :English
• Pages :444

Description

Paul J. Deussen

The book would create a great interest in the study and research in Indology. …the people interested in Upanishadic studies should read this book for getting better insights to the philosophy and philosophical history of Upanishads.
Godabarisha Mishra, Indian Philosophical Annual Vol. 23, 2001-2002

Paul Deussen’s study of the Upanishads is indeed ‘a work of very high ability and of surpassing interest’. …it has been recognized as a standard on the subject and remains so till today.
Journal of Indian Council of Philosophical Research Vol. 19, No. 2, April-June 2002

Preface

Dr. DELJSSEN’S treatise on the Upanishads needs no formal introduction or commendation to students of Indian thought who are familiar with the German language. To others I would fain hope that the translation here presented, winch appears with the author’s sanction, may serve to make known a work of very marked ability and of surpassing interest. As far as my knowledge extends, there is no adequate exposition of the Upanishads available in English. The best was published by Messrs. Trubner more than a quarter of a century ago, and is in many res1jects out of date. As traced here by the master-hand of the author, the teaching of the ancient Indian seers presents itself in clearest light, and claims the sympathetic study of all lovers of truth.

For the English rendering I am alone responsible. And where I may have failed to catch the precise meaning of the original, or adequately to represent the turn of phrase, I can only ask the indulgence of the reader. Dr. Deussen’s style is not easy. And if a more capable hand than mine had been willing to essay the task of translation, I would gladly have resigned my office. With whatsoever care I can hardly hope entirely to have escaped error. But for any indication of oversight or mistake, and any suggestion for improvement, I shall be most grateful. The work has exacted many hours that could be ill spared from a very full life. If however it conduce in any way to a better understanding of the mind and heart of India I shall be amply repaid.