Monolithic Pillars of the Gupta Period

Language: English
Pages: 141 (30 Color and 20 B/W Illustrations)

About The Book
The present book deal exclusively about the free standing monolithic pillars erected during the reign of the Gupta dynasty (circa 3rd to 6th century A.D.),which is a subject hitherto untouched although its analogue, the Mauryan monolithic pillars have been studied by many scholars. It is the result of meticulous study carried out by the authors on the basis of available diverse sources such as literature, inscriptions and archaeological excavations. Probably the first exhaustive and exclusive study published on the subject, it thoroughly discusses their art and architecture together with their historical and archaeological context, the erection method and the transportation system based upon ethno-archaeological studies.
The way the inhabitants of the adjoining villages mutually cooperated and shared the responsibility of transportation is an interesting new hypothesis coming out of the ethno- archaeological study. The sketches and illustrations make the subject quite easy to understand. The typology of those pillars and comparison with other are other significant attractions for the scholars. A critical review on the origin of the monolithic pillars has also been made.
Special attention is given to the question of the method adopted in the transportation of the pillar and its erection with inputs from various primary sources such as ethno-archaeological study, literature and excavation. The artistic features of the pillar and its capital are also highlighted tracing the evolution of the various capital figures and its significance. The book overall is a pioneering attempt made by the authors and provides impetus to future research.
About The Author
Dr. sachin Kumar Tiwary, fellow of Nehru Trust fellowship 2013 was born on 1st