Archaeology of Lower Ganga-Yamuna Doab (2 Vols.)

by Deo Prakash Sharma

The book "Archaeology of Lower Ganga-Yamuna Doab" includes field research work. Various controversies of Kausambi excavations done by G.R. Sharma have been discussed in this work. B.B. Lal had raised few points after a gap of 30 years of these excavations.

This region consisting of Fatehppur, Kausambi and Allahabad district and has many significant discoveries like Reh inscription of Menander (Posthumous) and inscribed 3rd century A.D. Siva Linga from Mazilgao, Neolithic tools from Khaga and Jhunsi. The burnt brick structures in this region have been traced back to c. 700 B.C. at Kausambi and Jhunsi.

This publication also includes brick temples from Fatehpur, Jain sculptures from Asothar, Balakmau and Jain rock-cut caves from Pabhosa. This work coordinates architectural discoveries from Kausambi and Sringaverpur, Buddhist monastery of Kausambi and sacrificial altar syenciti of Purushamedha of mid 2nd century B.C. from Kausambi after subjecting them to micro-level study.

This book also includes art and architecture of Kausambi and Sringaverpur. Stone and terracotta images of this region were studied and documented in detail. Another significant work was reporting of more than a dozen N.B.P. and early historic sites by author.

The present work is divided into six chapters. These chapters are on ecological setting of Lower Doab, Lower Ganga-Yamuna Doab through the ages, exploration and excavations, art style and architecture of Allahabad pillar, earliest structures at Kausambi, Syenciti and Purushamedha from Kausambi, Kusana palace architecture, Buddhist monastery, Kusana period tank from Srigaverpur, stone images, and terracotta art.

About the Author:

Deo Prakash Sharma is an Art Historian, Museologist and field Archaeologist participated in the excavations at Pangoraria, Mansar, Narmada Valley, Bhimbetka Chopani - Mando, Mehagarha, Koldihwa, Mahadaha, Sringaverpura and Bharadvaj Ashram. Besides, he did extensive exploration in the districts of Fatehpur, Pratapgarh and Allahabad in U.P. and in Sehor District in Madhya Pradesh. Anopther significant contribution of the author is the discovery of Menander (Posthumous) Brahmi inscription from Reh. During 1983-84 he was awarded Commonwealth scholarship and he meritoriously qualified M.A. (Archaeology) with specialization in Palaeolithic Archaeology of the world and Pre-history of South East Asia and Australia from the Institute of Archaeology, London. He participated in the excavations at Sussex under the team of Archaeologists of Institute of Archaeology, London and at Pincentvetn (France) under Prof. Gaurhan and Mark Newcomer, both world famous Rock-art specialist. In 1985 he joined as Dy. Keeper, Pre-History and Archaeology at National Museum, New Delhi. In 1993 he was promoted as Keeper Education in National Museum. At present he is the Head of the Harappan, Pre and Proto-history and Early Archaeology collection at National Museum, New Delhi. The author has published 122 papers and ten books of which a few are listed here, Early Buddhist Metal Images of South Asia; Indus script on its way to Decipherment; Harappan Seals, Sealings and Copper Tables; Harappan Art Vol. I; Harappan Terracottas; Harappan Jewellery; Pre-historic Indian and South East Asia (Press) and Harappan Archaeology (Press) and Archaeology of Lower doab.