Abounding rich natural beauty, ecology and environment, Kashmir valley is also a treasure house of archaeological wealth and cultural heritage. The valley is enriched with monuments and sites of great significance right from prehistoric times to late medieval period.
The present volume presents a detailed cultural spectrum of Kashmir on the basis of scientific-archaeological study. Besides the ecological and historical background of the land, the author has given vivid description of Neolithic-Megalithic culture in the valley; early historical cultural remains; temple architecture and Islamic architectural heritage.
Based on empirical investigations/excavations and case studies, the present work weaves on authoritative history of Kashmir-peeping through its monumental glory, culture, art and architecture. Meticulously researched the book is based on the critical use of vast scientific and archaeological data.
Profusely illustrated with maps, line drawings and photographs, this volume will go a long way in fulfilling the needs of scholars, students and lay readers.
Dr. R.C. Agrawal (b.1947) obtained his Master?s Degree in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology with merit from the Jiwaji University, Gwalior (in 1970) and Post Graduate Diplome in Archaeology in 1971. He joined the Archaeological Survey of India in 1972. He explored and excavated a number of sites throughout the length and breadth of the country. He also participated in excavation at Purana Qila, Delhi, Mathura and conducted excavations at Hampi in Karnataka in the year 1979-80. During 1985 to 1990 Dr. Agrawal explored Buddhist sites in Ladakh region and carried out excavations at Tisseru stupa. He also took up extensive conservation of the monuments of Kashmir valley and Jammu region. In the year 1992, Dr. Agrawal identified the Buddhist site for Satdhara for large scale conservation and excavation in Mdhaya Pradesh. He also initiated the conservation of the large number of monuments in Madhya Pradesh. Dr. Agrawal has been closely associated with many academic bodies and has published research papers on Art, Archaeology and Paintings. Presently he is the Director, Monuments in the Archaeological Survey of India.
It was in the winter of 1985, on my first visit to Kashmir, that I was attracted to the ancient remains which the Kashmir valley has preserved in abundance.
My frequent visits to ancient sites of Kashmir valley offered valuable opportunities. Sir Aurel Stein's commentary on Kalhan's Rajatarangani and R.C. Kak's Monuments of Kashmir provided the historical background to a number of monuments of the valley.
With this background, I have tried to summarise the early history of the Kashmir valley in chapter 1. Chapter 2 deals with the neolithic-megalithic remains found in different parts of the valley. Chapter 3 deals with early historical remains. Chapter 4 is entirely devoted to temple architecture and chapter 5 covers the medieval remains. An attempt has also been made to analyse the Kashmir traditions and the Kashmiriat, which has withstood the onslaught of the time.
In the preparation of this book I am emotionally beholden to Shri M. Rehman, former Principal Secretary to Farooq Abdulla, Chief Minister of J&K, Abdul Rashid Mir, Chief Engineer, Tasadug Hussain, Director of Geology and Mining, S.P. Sahni, former Director General, Information and Publicity who not only inspired me but encouraged me too. I am equally beholden to Shri M.N. Despande, former Director General, Archaeological Survey of India who in the year 1986 visited Jammu in connection with the conservation of Bahu Fort, Jammu, and inspired me to write about the monuments of Kashmir. My ten years continuous quest has resulted in the present volume. I am extremely grateful to Shri J.P. Joshi, former Director General of Archaeological Survey of India who gave me the opportunity to study the monuments and undertake the conservation of the monuments in the valley.
I am also grateful to Sarvashri R.S. Fonia, S.N. Kesarwani, L.P. Thapaliyal, S.B. Kaul and A.K. Pandey who helped me in various ways, discussed the layout plan of monuments and examined each edifice minutely.
My thanks are due to Sarvashri S.N. Tikoo, S.N. Kanna, J.L. Dhar, R.K. Gupta, S.K. Kanna, B.B. Kaul, T.N. Ganjoo, Gh. Hassan Malla, Gh. Nabi Shah, Mohd. Tahir Malik, Fayaz Ahmed, R.N. Wali, C.L. Ghassi, Kuldip Singh, Shiv Nath Singh, C.L. Malla, R.N. Kaul and Virendra Kaul who assisted in my work in various ways.
Thanks are also due to Smt. Dura Zaroo, Sarvashri B.L. Zaroo, Puran Singh, R.N. Kaw, B.S. Jamwal, R.S. Srivastava, Sanjay Angre, L.P.R. Mohanani Savita Thissu and K. Kutty.
I am thankful to late Shri Ganesh Rao who examined the text and suggested various improvements. I will fail in my duties if I do not record my gratitude towards several Kashmiri friends who helped me in reaching remote and difficult places and extended all hospitalities.
I am thankful to Shri B.P. Singh, Secretary, Culture and Shri Ajai Shankar, Director General, Archaeological Survey of India for their kind support and encouragement.
Grateful thanks are due to my wife Ranjana, son Chaitanya and daughter Munmun who have assisted me in all ordeals and depressions. Without the continuous support of my wife, what I have done would not have been possible.
**Contents and Sample Pages**
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