Cultural History of Kapisa and Gandhara

For the history of ancient Indian sub-continent, Kapisa and Gandhara were two important geo-political units. These two regions covering parts of the territories now in Eastern Afghanistan and Northern Pakistan were stratigically situated in the Indian border lands. They were culturally Indian, but at the same time fully exposed to outside influences. The present work does not profess to introduce the subject, which attracts attention of so many scholars from the very beginning of the study of Indian history. Scholars like A Cunningham Prinsep, Wilson and host of others contributed valuable articles on many problems connected with the history of Kapisa and Gandhara. But a comprehensive study of the history and Culture of the regions of Kapisa and Gandhara is still a desideratum to fulfil this, a comprehensive study of the subject has been undertaken. The first chapter introduces the subject, i.e., the region of Kapisa and Gandhara, its geographical location, importance, scope and period. The second chapter deals with geography of the regions concerned, its mountain ranges, river system, climate, rainfall etc. In the succeeding four chapters, political history, social condition, economic life and religion have been discussed. Art, handmaid of religion forms the next topic of discussion. A summary of the results found there in have been given in the last chapter. The monograph is a valuable contribution to our knowledge of the Indian sub-continent and its borderlands.