Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Dkagencies| Indian archaeology

Purā-jagat: Indian archaeology, history and culture: latest researches in honour of late Shri Jagat Pati Joshi: editors, C. Margabandhu .. [et al.]. — 1st ed. — Delhi : Bharatiya Kala Prakashan, 2012
Jagat Pati Joshi, Indian archaeologist; contributed articles.
ISBN 9788180902604    OCoLC#801778200
DK-222996
Pura-Jagat is a massive collection of about a hundred scholarly papers reflecting a broad spectrum of the very recent research studies, together with the latest research trends in Indian archaeology, history and culture.  Thematically organized, the papers focus on various aspects of prehistory, protohistory, rock-art, copper hoard archaeology, iron age and megaliths, early historic archaeology, archaeology of Buddhism, medieval archaeology, regional archaeological studies, environmental archaeology, ethno-archaeological studies, ethno-botanical studies, history, epigraphy, numismatics, architecture, sculpture, iconography and painting, museum studies, conservation of monuments, chemical preservations, heritage studies, studies in neighbouring countries, archaeology and technology, new archaeological interpretations, and also role of libraries in Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Dr Jagat Pati Joshi (1932-2008): the retired Director General of the ASI, whom Pura-Jagat seeks to commemorate, was a highly distinguished archaeologist, versatile scholar, tireless researcher, prolific writer, efficient administrator, excellent conversationalist, and a warm-hearted man.   With wide-ranging academic concerns, the late Dr Joshi was the first scholar to bridge the gap between Indus Valley Civilization and Painted Grey Ware.  During his nearly four-decade-long association with the ASI, he not only excavated many sites, but also discovered several new Harappan sites in Gujarat, more specially in the Rann of Kuttch. As Director General of the ASI, he set out planned programmes of explorations and excavations in many parts of India, supporting all kinds of archaeological, geochronological, scientific, and other allied studies for understanding environmental changes through the ages and for understanding technical development of ancient metal technology.  Dr Joshi also laid emphasis on both extensive and intensive study of explored and excavated materials, standing monuments, ancient sculptures and paintings, ancient coins, and epigraphic material for rewriting Indian history – to dispel many a distortion created by some of the biased British historians.
Among the contributors to the commemorative volume figure eminent archaeologists, Indologists, historians, culture scholars, museum specialists, cataloguers, librarians, conservators, besides the late Joshi’s erstwhile friends, colleagues, and young admirers in the ASI.  The papers here are abundantly supported by many line-drawings and photographs.

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