The archaeological heritage of Kashmir in the form of sites and monuments distributed almost all over the valley and contiguous areas reflects the glorious achievements of the past history of Kashmir. These monuments are of cardinal importance in the history of Indian art and architecture while remains of proto-historic and historic and historic periods as found in different sites in the Kashmir Valley are unique in ways more than one. The location of Kashmir, its picturesques beauty natural produce attracted foreign hordes from very early periods who left their visible imprint. Kashmir has close relationship with its neighbours particularly Gandhara in the northwest and was an important entrepot being located on the trade route connecting Central Asia and beyond. The influence of geographical factors as well as exposure to different peoples is reflected in the ancient monuments of Kashmir which comprise of both secular and religious monuments. The present volume contains an excellent account of the remains in the Valley besides the necessary background relating to the State and the people, sources, tradition and legends, political history and a discussion on architectural styles. Written with an unmatched erudition and in lucid style, this first hand account of Kashmir monuments is a work of everlasting value for the scholar and the lay person alike.
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