This is a history of memorial monuments which systematically traces the origin and phased development of the concept. The book Memorial Monuments in Ancient and Medieval India deals exhaustively with the various influences which have brought out substantial changes in the concepts and also in its execution. The Aryans and before them the people of Indus Valley had their own system of funeral which later on underwent substantial modifications and reform, when these people came in direct contact with the aboriginal people who had been inhabitating the land since time immemorial. This intermingling of racial traits gave rise to a process of cultural assimilation which ultimately resulted in the change in outlook. It forcefully refutes the contention of those scholars (especially foreign) who deem the system of construction of mortuary monuments as of foreign inspiration and origin by tracing out the missing links of the custom. The book presents the mortuary monuments in their true perspective and grandeur by defining them architecturally and providing an inkling to the various influences that have gone into their making. Besides, the social and religious background of the people as a source of their achievement in this field has been defined, together with their thoughts and ideas about human existence and extinction.
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