Dynamics of Settlement Archaeology (Haryana)/R.C. Thakran. New Delhi, Gyan, 2000, 329 p., colour plates, maps, $30. ISBN 81-212-0708-0.
Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction: geographical background. 2. Exploration. 3. Distribution of settlements. 4. Settlement patterns. 5. Material remains. 6. Conclusion. Appendices. Bibliography. Index.
"Dynamics of Settlement Archaeology is an enlarged version of his Ph.D. Thesis based on intensive archaeological field work. Based primarily on exploration data, the attempt focus on two interrelated constituents of operative potential—the natural and social productive forces. The two are important not only for differentiating between areas of varying concentrations but also for understanding the characteristic features of the ancient settlements at the local and regional contexts. This helps bringout the relative interplay of the operative forces in shaping the past settlement patterns. Analysis of the explored data further stress on the level of harmony between the operative variables. It also strongly contests the stereotyped perceptions about the supermacy of natural forces, especially river and rain water, for shaping the past societies." (jacket)
[R.C. Thakran teaches history at Swami Shraddhanand College, University of Delhi.]