Early Temples of Orissa (From the Sixth Century A.D. to the end of Somavamsi Rule/A.N. Parida. 1999, 177 p., plates, $63. ISBN 81-7169-519-1.
Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Historical background. 3. Architectural features. 4. Sculptural features. 5. Temples of Bhubaneswar. 6. Temples of other places. 7. Temples of western districts. 8. Conclusion. Glossary. Bibliography. Index.
"The book traces the evolution of Orissan temples style up to the close of eleventh century A.D. when fully evolved temples like Lingaraja and Brahmesvara of Bhubaneswar were built. An attempt has been made in this book to explain many of the changes that occured in course of evolution in regard to the architecture and sculpture of the temples. It has been shown that Orissan temple possessed inherent strength to develop on its own independent of external influence. Further, hither to accepted dates of the temples have been reexamined from a different angle. For the general readers, who are not familiar with the complexities of the subject, this book will, no doubt, provide an idea about the temple style of Orissa." (jacket)
[A.N. Parida is Head, Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, Utkal University.]