NEW BOOK: AGE OF TRAIKUTAKAS: COINS, INSCRIPTIONS & ART

Authors (s): Suraj A Pandit (Author)
Format: Hardcover
ISBN-13: 9788173201158
Pages: xviii+234p., Illustrations; 29cm.
Pub. date: 01.01.2012, 1st ed.
Publisher: Agam Kala Prakashan
Language (s): English

This book is an attempt to understand contribution of Traikutakas, a dynasty in North Konkan in 5th-6th century CE. This book deals with various types of data related to Traikutakas. First two chapters deal with the political career of the Traikutaka kings and issues related to their chronology. Third chapter deals with the 5 important copper plates of their 'Age' as well as the coinage issued by Traikutaka kings. Translation of two of these copperplates is published here for the first time. Forth chapter narrates the cultural background of 5th and 6th century CE with the help of Epigraphical, Numismatic and Art historical Data. Here an attempt is made to understand Art historical data with archaeological methods. Next Three chapters deal with Architecture, Sculptures & Iconography and their Chronology. The last chapter is a brief review of the book with the concluding remarks.

This book mainly deals with the development of art in this region mainly under Traikutakas and also talks about the motivating factors behind such specific developments in art and architecture. There is an attempt made to assess the contribution of Traikutakas to this change and continuity as the ruling dynasty of the region.

Born on 22nd March 1977, Dr. Suraj A. Pandit is working as Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Ancient Indian Culture and Archaeology at Sathaye College, Mumbai. He is also Chairperson of Board of Studies in Ancient Indian Culture and Archaeology, University of Mumbai as well as member of Academic Council, Faculty of Arts, Board of University Teaching and Research in the faculty of Arts, Research and Recognition Committee in Ancient Indian Culture and Archaeology in University of Mumbai.

His specialization is Indian Buddhism and Buddhist architecture and archaeology. He did his Doctoral thesis on 'Kanheri Caves', a group of caves in Mumbai representing Western Indian Buddhist Rock-Cut Architecture, under the guidance of Prof. A. P. Jamkhedkar. He had received the K. T. Telang Research Fellowship in Indology of Asiatic Society of Mumbai in the year 2006-07. He has been delivering lectures for various courses under Mumbai University as well as in Pune University. He has total 19 paper published on his name in International as well as National journals.

He was working a visiting faculty for Post Graduate courses in History in SNDT University while he is a recognized teacher of the University of Mumbai. He has been in teaching Under Graduate and Post Graduate students of University of Mumbai and SNDT University, Mumbai for last 12 years. He is actively involved in the creating awareness among masses about the preservation of Heritage and delivered numerous public lectures on different monuments and heritage of Mumbai.

He has worked as consultant for the Ajanta Site Management Plan and Sisupalgar Site Management Plan. He had organized various seminars and workshops on Indology, Epigraphy, Buddhism and Heritage Conservation.

Presently he is working as Coordinator on a 'Research Project' on critical Editing of Manuscript in the possession of Asiatic Society of Mumbai, funded by Government of India. He has completed several projects funded by ICHR and American Institute of Indian Studies in the field of Epigraphy and Art History.

For more information, see: Age of Traikutakas: Coins, Inscriptions & Art (www.bagchee.com/books/BB69226/age-of-traikutakas-coins-inscriptions-art)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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