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.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Kavinmiku colar, Kavinmiku colar kalaikal, Books

Kavin̲miku Cōl̲ar kalaikaḷ = : Master pieces of Chola art / R. Nagaswamy. -- Chennai : Tamil Arts Academy, 2011. Done

240 p. : chiefly col. ill. ; 29 cm.

USD 90.00

DK-222380

In Indian history, the Imperial Cholas count among the most important dynasties.   The rulers of this family established a powerful empire that dominated a larger part of the peninsular India for about 450 years: c. 850 – 1250 CE, with Thanjavur as their capital.  The Cholas’ 450-year reign was an age of continuous improvement and refinement of the Dravidian art and architecture. They utilized their prodigious wealth, earned through their extensive conquests, in building big cities, grand palaces with huge banquet halls, and many long-lasting stone temples.   Indisputably the great connoisseurs of art, they are known for their immense contribution to the development not only of architecture and sculpture, but paintings, dance, music and literature as well.  Significantly, the Chola sculptures and bronze images are today acclaimed the world over for their classic grace, grandeur and immaculate taste.  The best example of this can be seen in the form of Nataraja: the Divine Dancer.



And, besides all else, the Great Temple of Thanjavur – also known as the Great Temple of  Rajarajesvara and Brahadisvara Temple – is a standing monument exemplifying the glories of Chola art and architecture.  Recognized by UNESCO, since 1983, as a World Heritage Monument, this great temple was built by the Chola Emperor Rajaraja 1 in 1010 CE.  In September 2010, an exhibition was organized to commemorate the 1000th year of its construction.   Accompanying the exhibition, this volume showcases the masterpieces of Chola art, architecture, paintings, royal copper plates, gold and silver coins, inscriptions, and vessels – and with emphasis on Chola bronzes.   The book, ostensibly in the nature of a catalogue, carries about 250 beautiful, colour photographs.

Dr R. Nagaswamy (b. 1930) : a widely recognized authority on Tamil Art and Archaeology, is former Director of Archaeology, Tamil Nadu.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Geoscientific studies, Geoscientific studies for the conservation of Ajanta Caves

General, Archaeological Survey of India, 2010.

v, 365 p. : ill. (chiefly col.), col. maps (some folded) ; 29 cm.

USD 72.35

DK-222466

A World Heritage Site since 1983, Ajanta Caves are a group of 30 rock-cut caves.  Which, over the time, have left millions around the world simply mesmerized, with the incredible artistic and technological achievements of ancient India!  Located at about a hundred kilometres from Aurangabad (Maharashtra), these cave monuments are adorned with fascinating murals and sculptures, acclaimed to be the masterpieces of Buddhist art.  The caves – cut out, side by side, in the Deccan basalt: from around 2nd century BC to about 600 AD – unmistakably exemplify an awe-inspiring technological exploit of ancient India.


The natural weathering and erosion over the centuries, together with retreating scarps have not only resulted in the degradation of slopes, but have had damaging impact on the sculptures and paintings in the caves and in their environs.  Biotic interference has further deteriorated the caves and their surroundings.  In 1998, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) engaged the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to carry out multidisciplinary geo-scientific studies of the caves site.  And, for the first time, the GSI studied out geological, geohydrological, and environmental conditions of the site.


Carrying out comprehensive geo-scientific studies for the entire Ajanta complex, the Geological Survey of India presented an excellent report on their findings in 2001, containing various thematic maps, damage assessment of the site from geotechnical perspective, and also their remedial measures.   This volume carries GSI’s report including, among other aspects, the geology of the Ajanta Cave area, its topographic and geophysical surveys, and seismic assessment; besides the results of their geotechnical and environmental studies of the caves.


Dr Manohar Sinha is the former Deputy Director General of the Geological Survey of India.