History & Culture

Historical Geography of Madhya Pradesh presents some complicated problems which require a systematic study. Sri Bhattacharyya has not only utilised geographical materials contained in the epics, the Puranas and Buddhist and Jaina literature but has also judiciously used inscriptional evidences and the accounts left by travellers. He has further supplemented his information by co-ordinating with the present day topography of the land. Divided into seven chapters, in a systematic manner-the Historical Background, The Central Provinces and Madhya Pradesh, The Mountain System, The River System, Territories and Districts, Capitals, Cities and Towns, Villages and Routes-the work gives a clear picture of the early historical geography of Madhya Pradesh. Copious documentation of references to primary and modern sources, bibliography, index and Maps enhance the value of the book.

This book is an attempt to trace the history of Some Early Dynasties of South India. In this context the author has tried to reconcile the Puranic versions with the epigraphic and numismatic sources.

A country of extreme strategic importance, Iran has undergone profound, often dramatic, changes. Its geo-political importance and rich resources have always made Iran a prime target for the covetous eyes of mighty world powers. With its unique geographical position, Iran has been the main center for superpower rivalries with its rulers seeking protection from one power against the other.

It also aims at providing a comprehensive and objective consideration of the major contemporary issues, examining the factors which brought down a regime which was loyal to and an ally of the United States and the clerical-led movement which toppled the pro-Western Shah’s regime.

One of the three Great Gods of Hinduism, Siva is a living god. The most sacred and most ancient book of India, the Rg Veda, evokes his presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, ritual, and even astronomy testify to his existence from the dawn of time. In a lively meditation of Siva-based on original Sanskrit texts, many heretofore not translated-Stella Kramrisch ponders the metaphysics, ontology, and myths of Siva from the Vedas to the Puranas.

Who is Siva? the author asks. Who is this god whose being comprises and transcends everything? None of the pairs of opposites, nor the sum of his uncounted names, defines him. From the down of creation, the Wild God, whose ancient name is Rudra, is Consciousness. He is the Great Yogi, the guardian of the absolute. His actions are the themes of the myths in which his nature unfolds.

By retelling and interweaving the many myths that continue to convey Siva’s presence as a living god in India today, Professor Kramrisch unfolds the paradoxes in Siva’s nature and thus in the nature of consciousness itself. The magnificent sculptures at Elephanta, illustrated at the end of the book, capture in another medium the presence of the god.

This Book is a study in political and legal theory. Its concern is with the power of Shahanshah- its essential nature its traditions the exercise of its function. In 7 Chapters, identifiable with the office of the Shahanshah the book offers – a synopsis of Iranian National Epic (1) Aspects of Achaemenid history and the establishment of the Monarchy (2) the aristocracy (3) the relationship between politics and religion (4) the armed forces (5) the Government (6) and law justice and rule (7). This is not a formal history but a record of series of parallels.

This work deals at length with various theories about relgion prevalent at the time when Megasthenes visited India very interesting and scholarly views have been put forth regarding investigations of Megasthenes their reliability and the reliability of his reporters.

Undoubtedly Culture of India lacks historical aspect inasmuch-as does not provide as to when an event took place or certain concept was first used

The present book is an attempt to speak about the life of the Tibetan people in their own homes. The contents are leaved on the author’s first-hand knowledge of Tibetan life during a residence of nearly twenty years from conversation with his Tibetan acquaintances in their own language not through interpreters. In order to keep this volume within moderate limits he had to exclude from it many aspects of Tibetan life. Shut-off from the outer world by their immense mountain barriers Tibet still presented a virgin field of enquiry. There has been little change in the inner life of the people during the last thousand years. As the area is very large and the intercourse of one part with another is restricted, the manners and customs vary in different districts and provinces.