Central Himalayas : An Archaeological, Linguistic and Cultural Synthesis/D.P. Agrawal and J.S. Kharakwal. 1998, 194 p., 25 colour illustrations, bibliography, figures., $63.
Contents: I. Introduction: 1. Preamble. 2. Kumaun: area and origins. 3. Geology. 4. Drainage. 5. Previous work. 6. Migrations. 7. Modern problems. II. Prehistory: rock art and cup-marks: 1. Introduction. 2. Rock art. 3. Chronology and comparative study. 4. Detailed description of rock art sites. 5. Cup-marks. 6. Description of cup-marks. 7. Technique and typology. III. Megaliths and other burials: 1. Introduction. 2. Historical burials. 3. Megalithic culture. 4. Megaliths in Kumaun. 5. Description of megalithic sites. 6. Excavation in Western Ramganga. 7. Chronology and conclusions. IV. Ancient metal technology and mines: 1. Preamble. 2. Early metal working sites. 3. The Bankot copper hoard. 4. Traditional technology. V. Tribes, folk culture and language: 1. Preamble. 2. Ethnoarchaeological studies. 3. Tribes and ethnic stocks. 4. Folk culture. 5. Kumauni folk literature and language. VI. Historical period: 1. Preamble. 2. Historical dynasties. 3. Temple architecture. 4. Iconography. VII. From a hoary past to a lofty future: 1. Commingling of cultures and ethnic identity. 2. Nanda: the symbol of the Kumauni women. 3. Uttaranchal--questions of viability. Glossary. Bibliography. Index.
"This book on the Central Himalayas surveys the cultural and archaeological evidence in an inter-disciplinary perspective. Though a variety of inter-disciplinary data have been used, the approach is holistic. The book is focused on Kumaun and Garhwal, yet it is related to the sub-continental framework with a global backdrop. The main exphasis has been on prehistory. This is the first systematic and scientific documentation of rock art and cup marks found in the region. It also deals with the megalithic problem and discusses the different types of megaliths found in the region. Through critical sifting of the data, the oldest megaliths/burials have been identified and some of them have been 14C dated. The ancient metal technological evidence has been thoroughly investigated and its role in supplying copper and iron to the Gangetic plains has been discussed. The archaeological and cultural data are interpreted in an ethnographic framework. Recent linguistic research has also been used to understand the Central Himalayan prehistory. Though the emphasis of the book is on prehistory, a chapter is devoted to historical archaeology, architecture and sculpture and iconography. Some important cultural symbols like Nanda have been discussed in their multiple forms and how much they mean to the local people." (jacket)
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