Amaravati: The Art and History of the Stupa and the Temple

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This small book is a study of the Amaravati stupa less as an archaeological monument than as a source of brilliant and influential art. At the same time, it has tried to incorporate the results of the latest discoveries and research on the beginnings and the nature of the monument. It also discusses the art and history of the Amaresvara temple in Amaravati.

I have also made an attempt to trace the history of Amaravati and the nearby Dharanikota. This is important to the understanding of the Amaravati artistic and religious ethos. This history has been episodical and there are long gaps in our knowledge of it. Even so, it seems worth while to trace it.

I am considerably beholden to Mr. H. Sarkar, Superintending Archaeologist, Temple Project Survey, Archaeological Survey, Madras, who was kind enough to scrutinise the manuscript. expressed. But I am wholly responsible for the views.

I owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Abdul Waheed Khan, the former Director of Archaeology of the Andhra Pradesh Government, and to the present Director, Dr. N. Ramesan. But for their support this book would not have appeared. My thanks are also due to Miss G. Lalitha, Assistant Director (Publications), from whom I have received considerable kindness.

Every statement of fact made in the book is based on one or another of the books listed in the bibliography. Where more direct references seemed necessary I have added them at the end of the chapters.