Prayaga

by D.P. Dubey

The present work is an attempt to outline the essential features of the cultural history of Prayaga from varied sources with a view to bringing out that magnetic quality of the Tirtharaja which has been attracting multitudes from far and near. The topical rather than exhaustive approach of the work taking into account all the aspects of Prayaga's religio-cultural personality preserves the spirit and depth of genuine research. The bite is not too big to be chewed. It probes the questions of sacred geography, sub-tirthas, historicity of Aksayavata and religious suicide besides giving a critical and authenticated account of the ritual practices and a source-based history of the Kumbha Mela, including its various dimensions.The deep textual study, field work and handling of the relevant archaeo-epigraphic material makes the book both stimulating and instructive. Inclusion of evocative and rare illustrations further add to the use-value of the endeavour.

About the Author:

DR. D.P. DUBEY teaches Ancient History, Culture and Archaeology at the University of Allahabad. He is a serious researcher and has published widely in various scholarly journals. History, mythology, ritual, sacred geography and epigraphy are his other fields of interest. He runs the Society of Pilgrimage Studies as its general secretary.