The Ashmolean Museum wide ranging collection of the art of the Indian subcontinent includes important holdings of archaeological artefacts and a strong representation of early Indian sculpture in terracotta, stone and other materials dating from before AD 600. These works are fully discussed and illustrated in the present catalogue, with the exception of Buddhist sculpture of the Gandhara region.

The Book Begins With An Introduction On The Prehistoric And Proto-Historic Cultures Of India And Discusses Human Evolution As Gathered From Hominid Fossil Remains. It Also Examines The Nature Of Cultural Relics Belonging To Each Period And Dynastic Rule; Agriculture, Trade, Settlement And Migration Patterns Related To Making, Use And Spread Of Art Materials; And Social And Religious Aspects Of Society That Are Revealed By The Art And Architecture Of The Periods.

The Work Studies Basic Principles Of Ancient Indian Art And Architecture. It Deals With Hindu Thinking And Practice Of Art Including The Hindu View Of Godhead, Iconography And Iconometry And Symbols And Symbolism In Hindu Art. It Surveys Indian Art And Temple Architecture From The Ancient Times And Makes Comparative Studies Of Religious Art In India.