Early Orissa : Urbanization in Tel Valley

Contents: Foreword. Preface. 1. Theoretical aspects of urbanization. 2. Urbanization in early Orissa. 3. Physiographic setting of Tel Valley and its historical geography. 4. Prelude to early historic urban growth (Neolithic to post Neolithic). 5. Early historic urban centers. 6. Material culture. 7. Urban decline. Conclusion. Appendices. Selected bibliography. Index.

Ancient human action is not only striking on the basins of the Indus Saraswati and Ganga Jamuna but also Southwestern hinterland of Orissa, which the investigator has endeavored to unveil.

Urbanization is a finest expression of civilization and culture. The book dealing on the process of development of town and city and their eventual disappearance along the banks of the river Tel and its tributaries is a welcome addition to urban study in general and Orissa in particular. As a work of considerable breadth, it encompasses theoretical aspect, physical setting, prelude, urban center, material culture and decline. The author evaluates each one of them with an empirical insight. Eleven urban centers and their allied culture highlighted in the book speak volume on the cognitive mind of the early historic denizens who build and sustained it for many centuries. With sufficient illustrations and appendixes, the author has attempted a holistic approach to the subject by converging historical and archaeological data as per as possible. Each chapter of the book is complete in it and includes an excellent bibliography. The book is a must for interested reader and researchers.