Temples of South India

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About the Book Written specifically in lucid language for beginners and general readers, Temples of South India is a book rich in information and illustrations. It surveys and analyses the main South Indian temples and sculptures dynastywise. The book also helpfully provides a glossary of art-terms, further reading lists, and guides the readers how to reach the destinations and facilities available. Over 288 colour photographs explain and illustrate concepts outlined in the text.

About the Author Dr. V.V. Subba Reddy, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of History and Archaeology SGHR-MCMR College, Guntur was born on November 2nd, 1952 at Irasalagundam, Podili taluk Prakasam District of AP Dr. Subba Reddy had a brilliant student career and obtained university 3rd rank in his M.A. from Vikram University, Ujjain. He also took his Ph.D. from the same University in the year 1988.

Reddy had the field-training in Archaeology under the direction of Professor V. S. Wakankar, and also participated in the excavations at Bimbhetka and Mandasore, in M.P. and presented a dissertation on Chalcolithic Culture of Mandasore region. He also wrote a book on Indian Archaeology with special reference to Andhra in Telugu for degree students. He completed another project entitled History of Reddi Kingdoms in Telugu, which was widely read and appreciated. He has been actively engaged in research and published more than three en articles in various journals and leading dailles as well as attended many seminars. He has completed one research project sponsored by the University Grants Commission. His contribution to the study material for U.G. and P.G. students of Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, Dravida University, Kuppam was well received and auded. He is the life member of Indian History Congress, A.P. History Congress and Numismatic Society of India. He is currently working on Srisalilam under Reddi Kings.

Preface Temples, symbolising the religious fervour of the people, are strewn all over India. Some of the temples, especially the South Indian, have large complexes. Unknown and unvisited by Western tourists, some of the temple compounds are so huge that the Senate of United States and Parliament of England can easily be housed in a single temple complex.

Introduction Temples, in ancient and medieval periods in South India, played a pivotal role in the life of the community. Besides promoting metaphysical inquiry into the mysterious realm of god, they served as centres of learning and imparting knowledge and also training in fine arts such as dance, drama and music. The finest marvels of architecture, which Goethe described as frozen music, are found in the temples. They were also hub of commercial and business activities. The architecture and the stone inscriptions, found in the temple precincts, help the historian discover the forgotten past and depict the picture of life of our ancestors, social, economic and cultural.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages