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.

About the Book: The study of holy places and pilgrimages to them is treated in the Hindu tradition as a sub-field, called tirtha, of the Dharmasastra. The Tristhalisetu or "Bridge to the Three Holy Cities" of Narayana Bhatta, written in Varanasi in the 16th century A.D. is recognized as the standard and most authoritative text of the voluminous tirtha literature. The text is in four sections, of which only the last three were published in the Anandasrama edition of 1915. The first or 'General' Section, the Samanya-praghattaka, which was not included in that edition, discusses the concept, definition, and characteristic features of tirthas, and prescribes in detail the procedures and practices of a pilgrimage. The present volume consists of a critical edition of the text of the Samanyapraghattaka and an annotated translation. This text contains a wealth of information for the study of the pilgrimage tradition in Hinduism.

About the Author: Richard Salomon was born in New York City in 1948. He is presently Assistant Professor of Sanskrit at the University of Washington, USA. He studied Sanskrit at Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania, receiving the Degree of Ph. D. with Distinction from the latter institution in 1975. He has taught Sanskrit at the University of Pennyslvania, Minnesota, and Washington, and conducted research at Calcutta University, the University of Chicago, and Visvabharati (Santiniketan). He has published various papers and monographs on Sanskrit and Prakrit language and literature, Indian epigraphy, Paleography, and numismatics, and ancient Indian history.

To scholars in the field, the need for an up-to-date overview of the art of South Asia has been apparent for decades. Although many regional and dynastic genres of Indic art are fairly well understood, the broad, overall representation of India’s centuries of splendor has been lacking. The Art of Ancient India is the result of the author’s aim to provide such a synthesis. Noted expert Sherman E. Lee has commented: “Not since Coomaraswamy’s History of Indian and Indonesian Art (1927) has there been a survey of such completeness.” Indeed, this work restudies and reevaluates every frontier of ancient Indic art – from its prehistoric roots up to the period of Muslim rule, from the Himalayan north to the tropical south, and from the earliest extant writing through the most modern scholarship on the subject.

This dynamic survey-generously complemented with 775 illustrations, including 48 in full color and numerous architectural ground plans, and detailed maps and fine drawings, and further enhanced by its guide to Sanskrit, copious notes, extensive bibliography, and glossary of South Asian art terms-is the most comprehensive and most fully illustrated study of South Asian art available.

The works and monuments included in this volume have been selected not only for their artistic merit but also in order to both provide general coverage and include transitional works that furnish the key to an all encompassing view of the art.

An outstanding portrayal of ancient India’s highest intellectual and technical achievements, this volume is written for many audiences: scholars, for whom it provides an up-to-date background against which to examine their own areas of study; teachers and students of college level, for whom it supplies a complete summary of and a resource for their own deeper investigations into Indic art; and curious readers, for whom it gives a broad-based introduction to this fascinating area of world art.

Paratattvaganitadarsanam, or Principles of Transcendental Philosophy of Mathematical Truth is a bridge connecting two fields, the field of mathematics and the field of metaphysics. It establishes general paradigm that the mathematical truth can represent metaphysical truth. It shows, in particular, that Advaita Vedanta articulates mathematical truths whose validity is absolute. This conclusion is arrived at on the basis of the fact that mathematics has the capacity to articulate transcendental truths, which are beyond our normal capabilities.

Paratattvaganitadarsanam provides the basic framework in which the statement, 'a part is equal to the whole' is a true statement. The material is presented in the form of a dialogue between two main characters, a Vedantin and a Mathematician, 'both standing on a common platform (which is impartial and earnest inquiry into the
Absolute and attainment of the highest)

The present English translation is based on the original German work written by Professor Winternitz and has been revised in the light of further researches on the subject by different scholars in India and elsewhere. Vol. I relates to Veda (the four Samhitas), Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanisads, Vedangas and the Literature of the ritual. The Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Puranic literature and Tantra. Vol. II deals with the Buddhist Literature of India and the Jaina Literature. Vol. III covers Classical Sanskrit Literature comprising ornate Poetry, Drama, Narrative Literature, Grammar, Lexiocography, Philosophy, Dharma-Sastra, Artha-Sastra, Architecture, Music, Kama-Sutra, Ayurveda, Astronomy, Astrology and Mathematics.

"The present English Translation is based on the original German work written by Professor Winternitz and has been revised in the light of further researches on the subject by different scholars in India and elsewhere.

Volume I is divided into two section. Section I relates to Veda (the Four Samhitas), Brahmanas, Aranyaka, Upanisads, Vedangas and the literature of the Ritual. Section II relates to the study of two great Epics of India-the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. It carries out a general survey of the Puranic literature, and provides ample information about the Tantras too.

Volume II contains two section viz. Buddhism and Jainism. The edition has been translated from the original, incorporating the additional information as found in Mrs. Ketkar's translation from which a larger part of the text has been reproduced here verbatim.

Volume III covers the history of classical Sanskrit literature and scientific Indian literature with its characteristics, grammar, lexicography, philosophy, dharmasastra, architecture, sangitasastra, kamasastra, ayurveda, astronomy, astrology and mathematics and also has an appendix."

"The present English Translation is based on the original German work written by Professor Winternitz and has been revised in the light of further researches on the subject by different scholars in India and elsewhere.

Volume I is divided into two section. Section I relates to Veda (the Four Samhitas), Brahmanas, Aranyaka, Upanisads, Vedangas and the literature of the Ritual. Section II relates to the study of two great Epics of India-the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. It carries out a general survey of the Puranic literature, and provides ample information about the Tantras too.

Volume II contains two section viz. Buddhism and Jainism. The edition has been translated from the original, incorporating the additional information as found in Mrs. Ketkar's translation from which a larger part of the text has been reproduced here verbatim.

Volume III covers the history of classical Sanskrit literature and scientific Indian literature with its characteristics, grammar, lexicography, philosophy, dharmasastra, architecture, sangitasastra, kamasastra, ayurveda, astronomy, astrology and mathematics and also has an appendix."

The two volumes together may be described as search for the original ideational foundations of Indian Culture. In one way this work recalls the tradition of Coomaraswamy but seeks to join it to the mainstream of critical history. It argues that the living continuity of Indian Culture is rooted in a unique spiritual vision and social experience. Indian Culture is neither the result of merely accidental happenings through the centuries, nor a mere palimpsest of migrations and invasions. It is, in its essence, a development of foundational ideas constituting a creative matrix. Behind its changing historical forms lies a deep and persistent source of creativity which is spiritual in character. The Present volume I deals with the spiritual vision and symbolic forms. Here is has been upheld that the spiritual vision of India had two original aspects, the integral or synoptic vision of the Vedas, and the Sramanic vision of Transcendence. Purnata and Sunyata constituted the two poles round which Indian spirituality revolved. The author not only elucidates this bipolar matrix of Indian spirituality revolved. The author not only elucidates this bipolar matrix of Indian spiritual praxis or sadhana, but also traces its intricate ancient history. He goes on to trace the great symbolic forms-language, myth, science, literature and art-in which this basic vision expressed itself. In all these areas he brings out the basic general principles expressive of inner consciousness rather than present a mere selection of well-known details.

"The multi-volume History of Civilizations of Central Asia is the first attempt to present a comprehensive picture of this subject. The publication of this work falls well within UNESCO's terms of reference since the underlying research was conducted by a distinguished international team of specialists which for many years laboured in harmony at the task of presenting to a wider public the civilization of this vast area located at the heart of the Eurasian continent. The volumes will reveal the cultures that flourished and vanished in this area, from the dawn of civilization to the present time. Only a few names, such as those of Samarkand, Bukhara or Khiva, are familiar to a wider public; eminent specialists, many of them native to the region, now lift the curtain to reveal a richer, more varied civilization. To a great extent, the history of the ancient and medieval world was shaped by the movements of peoples in this heartland of Eurasia, stretching from the Caspian Sea in the west to the borders of China proper in the east.

Review:

""No Doubt,it is a noble venture of the Unesco to collect and edit these four volumes on the History of Civilization of Central Asia in such details as are not available elsewhere.Especially,the first three volumes are important and useful which no doubt."

"The history of Western knowledge of Indian began about 2500 years ago, but the history of Indology only about 230 years ago. It happened in Kolkata, as a fusion of colonial and scholarly interests, but also not uninfluenced by the scholarly traditions of India. In the next 75 years Indological chairs were founded in important universities in most European countries. The present volume contains a general introduction to the history of South Asian studies, a bibliography and six case studies of different aspects, including early Indological studies in India, Indological traditions in Sweden and Denmark, sanskrit studies in Russian cultural history, Ukrainian translations from Sanskrit and the Sanskrit correspondence between the French Indologist Sylvain Levi and the Nepalese scholar Hemaraja Sarma.

The papers included in this volume only discuss same rather narrow parts of Indology. Prof. Enrica Garzilli continues her studies of the contacts of some Western Indologists with Nepalese scholars. Klaus Karttunen has papers on two quite different topics. The first is about the role of Indian pandits and scholar in the early history of Indology, while the second traces the
development of Indian studies in Sweden. Prof. Sergei Serebriany presents an interesting attempt of combining Indology in Russian with some trends in Russian cultural history. Dr. Yuriy Zavhorodniyís contribution about the Ukrainian translations of Indian classics contains much
little-known information. The article of Prof. Kenneth Zysk was mentioned above and the book concludes with a bibliography of the history of Indology by the editor himself."

DID THE GREAT FLOOD OF INDIAN LEGEND ACTUALLY HAPPEN? WHY DID THE BUDDHA WALK TO SARNATH TO GIVE HIS FIRST SERMON? HOW DID THE EUROPEANS MAP INDIA? The history of any country begins with its geography. With sparkling wit and intelligence, Sanjeev Sanyal sets off to explore India and look at how the country’s history was shaped by, among other things, its rivers, mountains and cities. Traversing remote mountain passes, visiting ancient archaeological sites, crossing rivers in shaky boats and immersing himself in old records and manuscripts, he considers questions about Indian history that we rarely ask: Why do Indians call their country Bharat? How did the British build the railways across the subcontinent? Why was the world’s highest mountain named after George Everest? Moving from the geological beginnings of the subcontinent to present-day Gurgaon, Land of the Seven Rivers is riveting, wry and full of surprises. It is the most entertaining history of India you will ever read.

3rd Century BCE, Pataliputra, India Madhura lives in the legendary city of Pataliputra during the reign of King Ashoka of the Maurayan dynasty. She works in the palace as the maid and companion of Princess Sanghamitra. Madhura does not like it at all! Life is so boring. She dreams of travelling across the land like her brother Kartik, who is a trader and growing up to become a soldier, fighting with swords and riding horses. Madhura's dream suddenly come true as she travels with Kartik from Pataliputra to Ujjaini in a caravan. On the way mysterious things begin to happen. Who is that fat man giving out packets full of gold and silver coins to Kartik? Why are they stopping at Vidisha to meet a Buddhist monk? Kartik is up to something and Madhura has to find out the truth. Read this fascinating account of Madhura's life, and discover what it was like to grow up in the past!

This excellent book brings to light 70 rock-cut caves excavated from 1st century B.C. to 15th century A.D. It is a welcome addition to literature on Jain architecture. Buddhist and Brahmanical cavesites the Ajanta Ellora and Elephenta are world famous but Jaina caves except Ellora are little known. This book documents each Jaina cave that has come to light in the region so far its architecture, iconography, stylistic features, etc.

The book deals with the age of Vikramadiya, the founder of the Vikrama era in 57 B.C. His era has been rightly called the golden age. His ancestry, historicity, administration, etc. have been examined and religious and socio-economic conditions brought out. Art, architecture, education, literature and sciences of his time have been covered in this volume.