M K Dhavalikar
Showing all 11 books
Ganesa is probably the most popular god in India among the Hindus and was accepted by the Buddhist and Jaina as also by the Tantrics. His very therianthropic form evokes curiosity and many attempts have been made to explain it on the basis of literary testimony which, however, is a later fabrication. Relevant archaeological testimony, however, was largely ignored. But it should be emphasized that only archaeology offers reliable data which has been employed here ...
The Buddhist monuments at Sanchi were built over a period of 1400 years, from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD. Apart from the impressive stupas, this important site - visited by thousands of Buddhist pilgrims each year - includes magnificent carved gateways, a famed Ashokan pillar, and various monasteries and temples.
The book begins with a succinct overview of Sanchi's historical background, also tracing the life and works of the Buddha and the ...
The volume presents the text of the Paryusana-Kalpasutra based on a profusely illustrated manuscript (fifteenth century CE) seen as perhaps the oldest paper manuscript of the text in the collection of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Pune. It begins with a detailed introduction that views the history of Jaina miniature writing, Jainism, and aspects related to painting such as the technique of painting, colours used, the painting process, subjects ...
The prehistoric phase forms the longest period in human historycovering a few millennia whereas the knowledge of writing whichcould be used for the reconstruction of history, was acquired byman only five thousand years ago. The development of human culturecan be properly understood only by studying the prehistoric past.The antiquity of man now goes back to 3.6 million years, and sincethen man has been progressing in the face of all odds. Man thehunted became man ...
The cave temples at Ellora, excavated between the sixth and tenth centuries AD, are a fascinating showcase of the evolution of Indian sculptural art. Dedicated to three religions—Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism—the carved edifices combine soaring scale with intricate detail. They stand as testimony both to the mastery of the sculptors, as well as to the enduring power of a uniquely Indian aesthetic vision shaped by a long tradition of religious diversity. This ...
The Satavahanas (Ca. 2nd cent. BC-2nd cent. AD) were one of the empire builders in ancient India. Their rule extended almost over the entire region is marked by considerable peace and prosperity which was due to the flourishinsg trade with the Roman empire. The artistic creations of the Satavahana era are among the grandest in India, comparable in their monumental quality to such imposing buildings as the Khajuraho nd Chola temples. They are unsurpassed in early ...
The most neglected aspect of Indian archaeology is the archaeology of the historical period. Although some historical sites were excavated before 1947, they were neglected in the post-independence period as the attention was concentrated more on protohistoric settlements. When historical levels were encountered in excavations, they had to be removed because the main objective was to reach the protohistoric strata. The present study, however, brings into sharp ...
The Aryan problem is probably the most controversial in human history. Numerous scholars have attempted to trace the homeland of Vedic Aryans but no solution is in sight in spite of the vast mass of literature. However, archaeological evidence of great significance has recently become available which throws a flood of light on the problem as it corroborates to a considerable extent the literary testimony and is even supported by that of the human skeletal ...