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Art and Architecture of Uttaranchal is the first ever comprehensive study on the art and architectural legacy of the newly formed hill state of Uttaranchal. This mountainous state can proudly boast of being that part of the subcontinent Wherefrom the Indian Civilisation developed and prolifereted to the pan Indian dimension. In the present study, an attempt has been made for the first time to discover all those subterranean evidence- material and non- material - to present a wholesome picture of the cultural scenario of Uttaranchal in all its vividness. While the material evidences of the two most dominating religions in the history of this region- Buddhism and Brahminism- have been adequately analysed and discussed in the context of the standing temples, the anterior Khasha culture has also been brought to light , and the religious and socio-cultural facets of that exotic culture discussed in the context of the standing wooden temples- the surviving material evidences of what may be defined as the Khasha Architecture. In fact, in the present work, a wholesome and congisable pecture of the past cultures of the region has been tresented through Archeology. In Uttaranchal, the tradition of painting remained confined only to what earlier used to be the Garhwal kingdom. Miniature painting floureshed in that kingdom under the influence of Mughal and Wwstern Pahari schools, ironically without feudal patronage. In such a situation, could an independent school of painting flourish here, is a problem that has been thoroughly discussed. So far, our knowlage about the tradition of painting in Garhwal has remained subject and baased. It is for the first time that the problem ` whether Garhwal School of Panting `has been subject to the acid test to ascertain the reality. Nevertheless, the Garhwal atelier did inspire painting on the walls of Guru Ram Rai Durbar at Dehradun, in the akharas and havelis at Kankhal and havelis at Saharanpur. it is again for the first time that the tradition of miniature- painting and wall- painting in Uttaranchal has been studied objectively and in a comprehensive manner in the present work. Art and Architecture of Uttaranchal, therefore, has a legitimate claim to be the pioneering and trail -blazing work in many respects.
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