About the Books The book gives on the spot account of the archaeological finds that were located and exposed in various islands of Maldives and Lakshadweep. It shows the richness of the islands, particularly during Buddhist era when Sanghmitra is supposed to have visited them. It stresses the need to expose and preserve the remains of glorious bygone days.
About the Author A. K. Sharma is worldwide known for his inventive contributions in the field of Archaeology. During his 33 years of active career in ASI, he explored and excavated in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttaranchal, North-East India, Madhya Pradesh, Lakshadweep, Maharashtra, Gujrat, Rajasthan, Goa, Haryana, Chhattisgarh and other remote areas. After retirement from ASI he was appointed as OSD in IGNCA to excavate Jhiri with French team. His all excavation reports (22 Books) have been published. He has edited Purasatana, Puraprakash, Purajagat and is editor of Puramanthan, yearly magazine on recent advances in Archaeology. He has established Archaeological Museums at Mansar and Maa Anandmayee smriti Museum at Kankhal (Haridwar). At present he is advisor to the Government of Chhattisgarh and Member of Standing Committee of Central Advisory Board of Archaeology. He is directing excavations at Rajim in Chhattisgarh.
Preface As a special programme of knowing our neighbor’s past, in early eighties Maldives and Lakshdweep islands were visited by team from Prehistory Branch. Archeological survey of India, Nagpur. Though reports of the findings were submitted in time, only short descriptions were published in Indian Archeology-A review.
After retirement from Archaeological Survey of India in 1992, while going through my papers to dig out material for further publications. I found the two reports. Though late I thought it better and worthwhile to publish them in whatever form they were hence this book.
The richness of archaeological wealth hidden in these islands invites archaeologists to bring them to light so that the history of these islands could be understood. I hope my this attempt will inspire scholars and governments to explore, excavate and preserve the monuments of the past. Shortcomings will be excused as at this age. I do not have draftsmen etc. to redraw the drawings.
If given chance I would love to revisit these islands, explore and excavate the remaining ones for the posterity.
**Contents and Sample Pages**
