"Concise Dictionary of Indian Theatre by M.L. Varadpande concise but comprehensive reference work on Indian drama. Essentially it relates to classical theatre since its inception in the fourth century B.C. to the 16-17 century A.D.

New dramatic forms started evolving in regional languages since 15-16 century. The dictionary contains references to major folk and traditional drama forms such as Ankia Nat, Yakshagana, Ramanattam, Krishnattam, Nautanki, Tamasha, Bhavai, Maanch, Raslila and Ramlila.

India is known as a 'Home of Puppet Theatre'. The dictionary contains references to major shadow, string, rod, glove puppet theatre forms.

Drama and dance have a close association in India. The dictionary contains history of classical dance and dance-drama forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, Manipuri and Satriya.

The dictionary is a veritable mine of information." (jacket)