A fascinating study of how Indian culture, which is still a living factor in the life of nearly one-seventh of the human race, arose nearly five thousand years ago, how it developed and was enriched in subsequent centuries, and finally, how it has come down to us as a rich human legacy. Published by Advaita Ashrama, a publication house of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, India.

Unravelling Indian Culture: The Essence of Bharat takes the reader on a memorable journey through the rich and colourful tapestry of India's glorious cultural traditions and achievements. The carefully compiled and curated text spread over three Volumes, is illumined by nearly 1500 photographs. Such a wide array of photographs imparts a clear and unfiltered view of the myriad elements of Indian culture. They are thus integral to the very concept of this series, which is to offer the common reader, a lucid understanding of the range, depth and intricacies of our rich cultural ethos. The photographs also take these three volumes into the category of an illustrated work on Indian culture. This volume (Volume 1) is on Ancient India and comprises seven chapters. The fundamentals of what constitutes culture and its interconnections with other salient institutions, viz. religion, civilisation and nationality is a defining feature of the first chapter. The second chapter is on the Indus Valley Civilisation and the Harappan culture, its town planning, society, government etc., Its mysterious yet undeciphered script and the possible causes of the decline of this civilisation. The subsequent three chapters on Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism highlight the essence of the grand philosophies of these ancient and living religions. These profound philosophies are intrinsic constituents of Indian culture and continue to guide the modern world. Chapter 6 brings out the tangible and intangible cultural elements of the ancient world. They also take us through the grand universities of this age, the intricate rock-cut architecture and the nascent free-standing temples. The last chapter (Chapter 7) is on the grand ancient and medieval temples of that era, which in fusion with the religious fervour of the age, were a marvel of the ancient world.

An exploration of the timeless beauty of Indian design through 200 classic objects. The Indian subcontinent is an amalgamation of peoples, cultures, languages and philosophies. Throughout history Indian culture has been subject to myriad different influences, from the Mughal empire to the British Raj to the now globalized nation in transition. Similar to 'Wa: Essence of Japanese Design', this book will trace continuity through the history of Indian design from antiquity to the present day. The book explores the elements that make Indian design so special, including the varied manufacturing and decorating techniques of the country’s incredibly skilled craftsmen, highly specialized object designs that have been refined over centuries, and ongoing responses to nature, technology, and necessity. The objects were chosen for their enduring quality and beauty, and their integral connection to Indian culture. Rather than following a chronological order or concentrating on the (often anonymous) designers, this book separates the objects into abstract categories anchored by Hindi words chosen to illuminate how each object fits into the lives of Indians.

Description Encompassing the millenia of Indian history, presenting the expanse of Indian culture while capturing the essence of the country in one attractive, readerfriendly volume is no mean task. INTACH has attempted it in this creatively visualized and beautifully designed book that will be much sought after by all those keen to have a ready-reckoner of Indian heritage. Important historical events that shaped the subcontinent to its present form, lucid expalnations of integral aspects of artistic traditions and religions that constitute this diverse and fascinating land make this book essential reading for those interested in the study, understanding and appreciation of India

The two volumes together may be described as search for the original ideational foundations of Indian Culture. In one way this work recalls the tradition of Coomaraswamy but seeks to join it to the mainstream of critical history. It argues that the living continuity of Indian Culture is rooted in a unique spiritual vision and social experience. Indian Culture is neither the result of merely accidental happenings through the centuries, nor a mere palimpsest of migrations and invasions. It is, in its essence, a development of foundational ideas constituting a creative matrix. Behind its changing historical forms lies a deep and persistent source of creativity which is spiritual in character. The Present volume I deals with the spiritual vision and symbolic forms. Here is has been upheld that the spiritual vision of India had two original aspects, the integral or synoptic vision of the Vedas, and the Sramanic vision of Transcendence. Purnata and Sunyata constituted the two poles round which Indian spirituality revolved. The author not only elucidates this bipolar matrix of Indian spirituality revolved. The author not only elucidates this bipolar matrix of Indian spiritual praxis or sadhana, but also traces its intricate ancient history. He goes on to trace the great symbolic forms-language, myth, science, literature and art-in which this basic vision expressed itself. In all these areas he brings out the basic general principles expressive of inner consciousness rather than present a mere selection of well-known details.