Samipya 2006 Vol 23 Ank 03 04

Author(s): R P Mehta, R T Savalia
Publisher: Bholabhai Jeshingbhai Adhyayan Sanshodhan Vidyabhavan

Page 98

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'The Elements of Archaeology', by Nanavati Jayendra. Publication-Team spirit (India) Pvt.Ltd., Ahmedabad, 2005, pp. 59 Price, Rs. 100-00
This book is the collection of articles and notes written by author before twenty twenty five years. The book contains 10 chapters. The first chapter is on the excavations at Langhanaj (Dist. Mehsana) in months of Nov-Dec. 1965 under the direction of Dr. H.D. Sankalia, the author and Dr. R.N. Mehta. Before this excavation eminent scholars like Rovert Bruce Foote, Dr. Subbarao, Prof. Zeuner had also excavated here. This chapter throws light on the microlithic industry at Langhanaj. In the second chapter the author discusses the relation between myth and reality. The author opines that Rigveda, Mahabharat and Ramayana are to be explored from Geo-chronological point of view. He has shown the probability that there was a highly developed human culture before the occurance of Maha-Pralaya and some persons were saved and living even after that episode. Chapter third throws light on the Dharmagnas of Ashok inscribed on the rook at Junagadh. It contains also the history of the construction and restroration of Sudarshana lake. The fourth chapter gives the information about the stone-inscription found from Mahuva. It belongs to Kshatrapa period and preserved in local meuseum at Amreli at present. Chapter fifth deals with the symbolism of the Indian temple. Chapter Sixth deals with an introduction of the book, 'Embroidery and Bead-work of Kutch and Saurashtra'. It represents a colourful and fascinating school of Indian embroidery. Chapter seventh informs about 'Early man and Harappan civilization'. The first man lived in Bhadar Valley some two lakhs years ago. He lived not only in Saurastra but in the other parts of Gujarat and India as well. In chapter eighth author appeals to the people to save our cultural heritage. It is a prime and moral duty of each citizen. Chapter ninth discusses the conception of curatorship. Curator is not mere a store-keeper or an officer in-charge of supervision but he is above all an interpreter and propagator of the past culture and his duty is to kindle cultural consciousness in the people. The last chapter, i.e., the tenth analyses the development of museums and Archaeology. For this author has showed 13 suggestions. Errata has given though many words are left to be corrected. In chapter fifth some terminology of the temple architechure is not properly used or wrongly translated in English. Yet students, reserchers and lovers of archaelogy would find this to be interesting.
Dr. Thomas Parmar Prof., Dept. of Indian Culture, H. K. Arts College, Ahmedabad
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