Carved Wooden Pillars at Shri Swaminarayan Temple, Ahmedabad

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Gujarat played a significant role in the first war of independence in 1857. The Sabhamandapa of the Shri Swaminarayan Temple, Ahmedabad, built over a span of ffifteen years (1856-71) stands as an important testimony to this historic movement. At a casual glance, all the carvings on the wooden pillars appear just as beautiful motifs. However, a careful examination, keeping in mind their contemporary historical background, reveals some remarkable and hidden facts beneath the outer luster. The wowoden carved symbolism gives the impressions of the events of the First War of Indian Independence of 1857. The book is thus a first authentic account of the attempt of the artists who dared to record their own version of the event. It is hoped that by illustrating not only the pillars but also the symbolic meanings that underlie, the reader will be helped to understand the deepest essence of Indiaâ€™s struggle for independence.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Onkar Chauhan

Shri Onkar Chauhan (1950) was born in a small and remote village of Maharashtra in India. He is an archaeologist whose research interests covers a wide spectrum; from prehistory to iconography and art in India. Shri Chauhan is a commerce graduate (1971) from the University of Nagpur, with a Masterâ€™s degree in Ancient History and Archaeology (1982) from the University of Rajasthan. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Archaeology (1984) from the School of Archaeology, New Delhi. He has also received a Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism (1990) from Delhi University, with a Diploma in Library Science (1970) from Nagpur University besides a Diploma in Education (1969). He has written several articles on various aspects of Archaeology. He is associated with Indian Archaeological Society, New Delhi and Indian History Congress. At present he is in charge of the Building Survey Project of Archaeological Survey of India at Safdarjung Tomb, New Delhi.