Material Culture of Deccan

During the early centuries of the Christian era, there was an alround development in the country in socio-economic, religious and cultural spheres. Well knit trade routes and introduction of coinage helped brisk trade and commerce. Major religions like Buddhism and Jainism were introduced during this period. There was an overall change in the pattern of social organisation. In this backdrop Satavahanas emerged as a powerful dynasty which ruled Deccan for nearly four centuries and a half. Ikshvakus, another celebrated dynasty succeeded Satavahanas in the lower Deccan. In this book on attempt has been made to study the life and culture of the Deccan with special reference to Andhra under the Satavahanas and the Ikshvakus on the basis of material remains. The book has been divided into six chapters. Chapter I and 11 deal with general introduction and historical background. Chapter III is the compilation of the information relating to explored and excavated sites in Andhra Pradesh. Material life is covered in Chapter IV. In this chapter a study has been made on the basis of items like house-hold objects; toilet, dress and ornaments; toys, games and amusements; objects of religious use; items of economy; tools, implements and weapons discovered from various sites including Andhra, Maharastra and Karnataka. Chapter V deals with art and architecture. Civil architecture, defence architecture and religious architecture have been described under ‘Architecture’ whereas stone sculpture, metal sculpture, Terracotta art and stucco art have been dealt under ‘Art’. Chapter VI is the concluding chapter giving general observations and overall interpretation on various aspects during the Satavahana and Ikashvaku periods.