The present work entitled, Cultural History of Bundelkhand from 3rd c B.C. to A.D. 650 opens with an “Introduction†to the pre-history and proto-history of the region. The next chapter, “Historical Background†presents a brief account of the history of the region from the Asokan era to the end of the reign period of Harshavardhana. Very little work has been done on the early history of the Bundelkhand region. An attempt has been made here to give a brief sketch of the early history of Bundelkhand, based on the literary as well as archaeological sources known so far. The early social, economic and religious history of the region is written based on early inscriptions, coins, literary evidences as well as the excavated archaeological material from the region. The dress and ornaments worn by the people during different periods are gleaned through the sculptures and terracotta figurines which reflect the traits and traditions of early times. The early art and architecture of Bundelkhand has been dealt at length by citing examples from different sites and by explaining the socio-economic causes for their spontaneous growth. The interchange of ideas, concepts and forms of art with those of the other regions, which added extra flesh and blood to the growth and development of the art of Bundelkhand, have also been critically analysed. It also contains illustrations of important monuments, sculptures and other art forms to substantiate the view held by the author. The present treatise is thus, the first concerted effort to bring to lime-light the early cultural history of Bundelkhand in its proper form and perspective.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR M L Nigam
Dr. M.L. Nigam, Director, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, has a distinguished career in the field of learning and scholarship. Born on August 3rd, 1933 at Banda in U.P., Dr. Nigam had a brilliant student career and obtained his M.A. in First Division from Lucknow University. He also took his Ph.D. from the same University in the year 1976. Dr. Nigam started his career as Asst. Professor in the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, Lucknow University. Later on he joined the State Museum, Lucknow in 1959. He was offered the Common Wealth Scholarship to pursue his higher studies in U.K. during 1962 to 1964. He obtained the Diploma in Museology (A.M.A.) from the Museums’ Association, U.K. in 1964. He was elected ‘Fellow of Royal Society, London’ in 1963. Dr. Nigam joined the Salar Jung Museum in 1964 as Deputy Keeper. He was appointed as Officer on Special Duty in 1967 to shift and rearrange the collections of Salar Jung Museum from its old building to the present premises. He was appointed as Keeper in 1969. He went on deputation as Director to organize Birla Archaeological and Cultural Research Institute, Hyderabad, in 1971. He has been working as Director, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad since 1975. Dr. Nigam has traveled extensively both in India and abroad to see various museums of international fame and to study their collections. He has written several important books on Indian Art and Culture and has also published more than 3 dozen articles in Indian and foreign journals. Besides, he has also been closely associated with various universities, museums and academic and cultural organizations, within the country.
There are no reviews yet.