Hari Smriti- Studies on Art, Archaeology and Indology (Set of 2 Volumes)

About The Book This collection of sixty-one papers contributed by the scholars from India and abroad is in memory of Dr. H. Sarkar who retired as Jt. Director General, Archaeological Survey of India. He is very well known for his invaluable contribution to the field of archacology and art history. The papers included herein are the outcome of researches done on art, architecture, iconography, epigraphy, numismatics, archaeological explorations and excavations, antiquity and museums, conservation and heritage management, over the years besides reminiscences from some of his close. friends, admirers and associates who always held Dr. Sarkar in high esteem.

Bound in two volumes, these papers are classified in eight sections, i.e.,Section-I: Haribishnu Sarkar: Reminiscences and Tribute; Section-II: Art and Iconography; Section-III: Architecture; Section-IV: Archaeology; Section-V: Epigraphy and Numismatics; Section-VI: Antiquities and Museums; Section-VII: Conservation and Heritage Management; and Section VIII: Miscellaneous.

About the Author Arundhati Banerji, now Superintending Archaeologist in the Archaeological Survey India, besides looking the editing of ASI publications, delivering lectures in the Institute of Archaeology attending to official responsibilities, has many significant contributions the field of art archaeology. She published two viz., Images Attributes Motifs: Studies Early Indian Art and Numismatics (1993) and Early Indian Terracotta Art (1994); research papers reputed Journals/ Bulletins and thirty-one articles Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology (ed. Ghosh). connection with study research Banerji has travelled extensively in India abroad presented papers International Conferences SAARC (Kathmandu), Swat (Pakistan) and Rajshahi (Bangladesh).

Foreword Ms. Arundhati Banerji requested to write foreword the commemoration volume dedicated the memory the late Dr. Haribishnu Sarkar. readily agreed because would give an opportunity pay my tribute a scholar friend whom had known two decades more.

From first moment I met him as the young dynamic archaeologist involved delicate challenging of retrieval reconstruction the archaeological remains Nagarjunakonda, was struck his clarity, precision presentation his unflinching dedication the task in hand. There were other occasions, particularly he was involved the survey the architectural temples Kerala. travelled together, the monuments discussed temple plans hours. architectural wealth Kerala would have had due recognition for the painstaking of Haribishnu Sarkar. book 'Monuments Kerala' will remain landmark this field. was the result of many of discussions Kerala facilitated writing my own book, Square the Circle of the Indian where have acknowledged Sarkar's contribution.

Again, was in the decipherment and identification the Karanas the Sarangapani temple that had occasion interact H. Sarkar an academic, scholarly Each time clarity, lucidity his ability analyze interpret was most impressive also educative. There were several other occasions, many to be recounted.

Above it was the continuous sustained collaboration co-assistant editors the monumental volumes the proceedings the XXVIth International Congress Orientalists I came to know immaculate editor, scholar, the man of head and heart more closely. was indeed true and worthy disciple that gentle firm and unflinchingly demanding archaeologist, scholar editor, Amalananda Ghosh. was A. Ghosh like a teacher, guided, criticized, corrected of us separately together. four volumes printed record time, thanks the leadership Shri A. Ghosh, master more ways than one, from whom only Sarkar but a generation achaeologists I, otherwise adviser the Ministry, learnt a student colleague. is with a great sense of nostalgia a sense of loss that one looks on those of deep and intensive dialogues academic, intellectual human levels, Sarkar be remembered many contributions the field of archaeology also as Director Antiquities Director the Museum Branch. both these different complex he brought characteristic candid clarity a sense of purpose. organization the Museum Branch a major accomplishment.

Preface Dr. Haribishnu Sarkar to whom this volume dedicated was always great source of Inspiration everyone who appenached for academic support that one required. he very strong view and observation on everything that he noticed, it hardly ever expressed in behavior as was always calm and Dr. Sarkar earned great admiration from everybody around.

I met Sarkar for first time when delivering his lectures the students School Archaeology (now Institute of Archaeology) on South Indian Temple Architecture this was perhaps one favourite topics had long association with Every student including remained seeing his very serious appearance. After nearly three years, I got opportunity work Dr. Sarkar he took over the charge Director for Antiquity, realized how and was indeed great pleasure work Also the time when was preparing my first article on Vajra he not only encouraged me to do the best, but also examined me thoroughly assess knowledge on the subject. was lengthy article for which my efforts were highly appreciated by him. so convinced of my hard work and ability do since Sarkar supported guided me in academic activities. Although times, he was extremely critical my presentation the discussions had on Vajra in particular, various other subjects greatly benefitted my future research. also got many useful and day-to-day official work.

Dr. Sarkar's close association with the formation of Archaeological Site Museums also well known as he was an instrument only for the development of Site Museum at Nagarjunakonda but also several other museums emerged during his tenure as Director (Museum). He contributed book entitled "Museums Protection Monuments and Antiquities in India' which remains even today the most authentic and subject.

It was in 1981, when was undergoing a short-term muscology course in the National Museum, New Delhi, he offered many new ideas in the preparation of my dissertation on a topic pertaining to the Museums Dr. Sarkar also suggested me to conduct a systematic on the erracotta art of the so-called 'Dark age or the protohistoric as no work been one by any scholar earlier. Unfortunately Dr. Sarkar did not survive till its completion and ubsequent publication in 1994. This is however, dedicated to him to pay my tributes, arkar's immense contribution to the field of archacology, epigraphy and numismatics, architecture and earned him a very significant place as a scholar.

**Contents and Sample Pages**