Archaeology
of the Indian Cave Theatre : A Study of Ramgarh Hill, of Chhattisgarh/H.L.
Shukla. Delhi, B.R. Pub., 2002, xvi, 184 p., 79 plates, $50. ISBN 81-7646-260-8.Archaeology
of the Indian Cave Theatre : A Study of Ramgarh Hill, of Chhattisgarh/H.L.
Shukla. Delhi, B.R. Pub., 2002, xvi, 184 p., 79 plates, $50. ISBN 81-7646-260-8.
Contents: Preface. 1. Geographical background. 2. Historical background. 3. From tribal culture to civilization. 4. Ramgarh hill: the Chitrakuta of Ramayana and Ramagiri of Meghaduta. 5. Caves as pleasure-resorts. 6. The Ramgarh hill cave paintings. 7. The Ramgarh hill cave theatre. 8. The dance theatre at Ramgarh. 9. Caves’ inscriptions. 10. Archaeological re-assessment. 11. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index.
"The student of theatre, wherever his particular interest lies, will accept that the Ramgarh hill cave theatre of Chhattisgarh State is the oldest known theatre of the world. We find in Ramgarh hill caves a richness of diversity of archaeological material (along with the cave paintings) which can scarcely be equalled in world. Compared with most other genre of theatrical literature, however, the repertoire of the cave theatre is considerably less prolific, less varied, less immediately appealing and partly for this reason the cave theatre of Ramgarh hill has been ignored both by archaeologist and theatrical historian. Historical factors produced an artificial break in interpretation of spontaneous drama in Chhattisgarh.
"This book Archaeology of the Indian Cave Theatre summarizes the pioneering interpretation of Professor H.L. Shukla in the field of cave theatre research. The data are presented in a well understandable and excellent illustrated form. Therefore, the book is indispensable for archaeologists, theatrical persons, historians and interested readers. The book epitomizes Shukla’s greatness and should prove to be of sustained interest and permanent value to all interested in understanding Indian art and ethos." (jacket)