In A History of South India; first published in 1955; K.A. Nilakanta Sastri provided a comprehensive account of the history of South India. Tracing the history from prehistoric times to the fall of the kingdom of Vijayanagar in 1565 AD; the book incorporated the results of the author's own researches and brought together material previously scattered in separate studies to present a coherent narrative. Over the years the book has achieved a near-classic status. The Illustrated History of South India; an adapted and illustrated version of the original book; aims to sensitize young readers to the country's historic past and rich cultural heritage; and the need to preserve it. Key chapters discuss the coming of the Aryans; the Mauryan Empire; the rise of Vijayanagar; social and economic conditions; literature; religion and philosophy; and the art and architecture of South India. The volume includes an Introduction by renowned historian R. Champakalakshmi; written especially for this edition; and a Prologue by eminent historian P.M. Rajan Gurukkal. Interspersed with photographs and line drawings; including maps and genealogical charts; this illustrated edition will be invaluable for students and teachers of history; in particular; history of South India; as well as general readers. India; which over the years has achieved a near-classic status; this illustrated edition provides a comprehensive account of the history of South India from the prehistoric times to the fall of the kingdom of Vijayanagar in 1565 AD. This volume includes a new Introduction by renowned historian R. Champakalakshmi; and a Prologue by eminent historian P.M. Rajan Gurukkal.
#9230857 in Books 2001-01-04Original language:English 8.40 x .60 x 5.40l; .0 #File Name: 0195653912130 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. An elegant introduction to one of India's most exotic temple complexesBy Kent DavisTo the author's credit; her compact book (only 107 pages) in an ideal introduction to this important monument group built in central India from 900-1200AD. She covers a broad range of topics including the history of the monuments; their architectural components and addressing controversies inspired by their erotic content. The book has 13 illustrations; 2 maps and 29 photographs that clearly illustrate points raised in the text.Travelers should consider this book an essential item for a visit; it includes a short appendix at the end with details about restaurants; hotels; transportation; guides and museums at the site.For an in depth view of the topic; refer to the author's 1996 book "The Religious Imagery of Khajuraho" and her 1984 book "Erotic Sculpture of India: A Socio-Cultural Study."This volume is from the Oxford University Press "Monumental Legacy" series about World Heritage Sites in India. Other books in the series cover the Ellora caves; the 14th c. Vijayanagara cultural center of Hampi; the 13th c. Orissan sun temple of Konarak on the Bay of Bengal; Christian churches of Goa; Buddhist monuments of Sanchi; and more.Religious Imagery of KhajurahoErotic Sculpture of India: A Socio-Cultural StudyKhajuraho
