The book Facets of South Indian Art and Architecture is a stimulative and perceptive survey of different aspects of South Indian art, architecture, history and culture. It provides unparalleled source of insight into South Indian Civilization containing a detailed account of archaeological and artistic data and incorporating the latest researches on the subject. Divided into two volumes, the book contains essays on important aspects of South Indian art and architecture, grouped under the following seven major headings: (1) The Beginnings, (2) Saiva Traditions, (3) Temple Art and Architecture, (4) Sakta Traditions, (5) Sculptural Art, (6) Bronzes and (7) Paintings, Jewels, etc. Each heading includes a number of self-contained articles discussed under a chronological framework. Fresh evidences in known subjects are marshaled and new aspects are outlined and each subject is provided a firm basis and viewed from a refreshingly original angle. Each study could be pursued individually or as a part of the whole for a proper understanding of South Indian art and architecture. Perceptive, insightful and selective, the book is an indispensable reference tool. The unusual variety of the subject and the notable richness of illustrations combine to make this a work of endless fascination. The book will prove to be an invaluable asset not only to the academicians, art-historians, archaeologists, orientalists, researchers and libraries but also to the lay readers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR R. Nagaswami
Vidyavacaspati, Dr. R. Nagaswamy (1930): Master of Arts in Sanskrit Language and Literature from the University of Madras, Dr. Nagaswamy obtained doctorate degree from the Deccan College, Poona under Dr. H.D. Sankalia. He joined the Government Museum, Madras as the Curator for Art and Archaeology in 1959 and became the first Director of Archaeology of Tamil Nadu in 1966, in which capacity he served for 23 years, till his retirement in 1998. He also served as the first Vice-Chancellor of the Kanchipuram University. Later he became the National Consultant for Multimedia Documentation of Cultural Property under UNESCO programme of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi. A multifaceted personality, Dr. Nagaswamy has specialized in Art, History, Archaeology, Epigraphy, Conservation, Agamic and Religious History, Ancient Law and Society, Numismatics, Classical Music and Dance. Along with Dr. Kapila Vatsyayana, he started the now world famous Chidambaram Natyanjali Festival. He has also produced several dance dramas, some of which were televised and broadcast several times. On behalf of the Government of India, Dr. Nagaswamy appeared in the London High Court as an Expert Witness in the London Nataraja case, and was mainly responsible for winning the case. Dr. Nagaswamy has conducted excavations at places like the Chola capital of Gangaikondacholapuram, Karur, Alagankulam and Korkai. He was the first to initiate under-water archaeological exploration at Pumpuhar in Tamil Nadu in collaboration with Oceanographic Survey of Goa. He is the leading authority today on South Indian Bronzes and has published over twenty-five books including Masterpieces of South Indian Bronzes, Siva Bhakti, Tamil Coins, Tantric Cult in Tamil Nadu, Ancient Tamil Law and Society, and others. A recipient of several public honours, Dr. Nagaswamy was conferred the title of “Kalaimamani†by the Government of Tamil Nadu for his contribution to Art and Culture.
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