‘Why history?’ The answer does not hold much enthusiasm for the students of architecture. No single work on the subject how so ever comprehensive it may be could possibly fulfill the requirements of architectural study completely. It would be either too ‘Historic’ or too ‘Altruistic’. Students’ dilemma begins and ends here. Where to draw the line? How to strike a balance between the two pioneers; Sir Banister Flatcher and Percy Brown: who seem to have said the last word on the subject though in a vastly varying style. An humble attempt has been made to see the history of ancient Indian architecture through the eyes of a teacher who also has to perform the Herculean task of keeping his students alert and awake in the history class. Work sketches interlaced with proportionate line sketches; facts and figures punctuated with visuals, opinions and analysis subtly mixed with architectural connotations have been provided to achieve the impossible. A study of the matter at hand, it is hoped, will generate interest in flirtations with the history. The history of mankind-human endeavors, inventions and innovations, occupations and past time, growth and development can be best accessed through the kaleidoscopic viewing of the architectural heritage. It is with this idea that the present work entitled ‘Ancient Indian Architecture’ has been conceived, designed and presented to the students of architecture. A pictographic presentation through maps, sketches, drawings along with the text has been attempted to make the treatise more eloquent…..It is hoped that this work will generate more interest in the subject. The book can be studied and used with greater ease and efficiency. Several authorities on the subject have been refereed to at various places in this work, but it is not possible for all these to be mentioned by names, although our thanks are herewith recorded to one and all. Baring art and architecture of Indus Valley and Vedic period, the remaining ancient Indian architecture has been discussed in various chapters giving details regarding name etc. of the kings and other patrons belonging to the various dynasties who patronized the art and architecture of the era… This is with the idea to pay tribute to the grand royal builders of yesteryears. Students of architecture have inexhaustible desire to learn about the architects and planners of architecture that they study. Unfortunately in respect of Vedic period as also Harappan civilization no authentic information of this nature is available. The information and illustrations based on the publications of Archaeological Survey of India have been suitably incorporated. Most of the maps and certain other visuals that appear in this treatise are based on the information contained in the maps and drawings published by Archeological Survey of India, New Delhi. We, the authors, hereby acknowledge the original authorship and copyright of Archeological Survey of India and express our gratitude to The Director General, Archeological Survey of India for his kind permission for reproduction of the material from their several publications. The information/improvised sketches are incorporated with the text to make the treatise subject relevant and architecturally comprehensive. Though utmost care has been taken to present the facts accurately, any error or mistake which might have crept in the text quite inadvertently if pointed out will be gratefully acknowledged by the authors and endeavour will be made to affect the corrections in the subsequent edition.
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