Chandraketugarh : A Lost Civilization, Vol. II

Contents: 1. Appreciation of terracotta art. 2. Environs of Chandraketugarh. 3. Padma : a river of north 24 parganas district. 4. Ancient Vanga : its archaeological treasures. 5. Chandraketugarh : successive periods of occupation. 6. Archaeology of coastal Bengal. 7. Chandraketugarh : problem of name. 8. The lost architecture of ancient Bengal : memories in terracotta art. 9. The Katra Buddha and Chandraketugarh Buddha. 10. Peasants. 11. Aquatic motifs. 12. The Ramayana scene. 13. Ivory combs from Chandraketugarh. 14. A unique clay seal from Chandraketugarh. 15. Rattles. 16. Udayana--Vasavadatta episode. 17. Symbolism of girdle. 18. The Lotus Goddess. 19. Songs of beauty. 20. Chandraketugarh erotica. 21. Book review. 22. Index.

"Bengal, a land of rivers and the home of a wonderful ancient culture, was marked by flourishing cities and ports both in the pre-Christian and post-Christian days. Chandraketugarh is one of these spots. According to R.D. Banerjee, it was one of the oldest archaeological sites in India. Unfortunately, little justice has been done to the place and the civilization of Chandraketugarh is still largely shrouded in mystery. Even the very name Chandraketugarh, instead of disclosing its identity, only clouds the hoary antiquity the place.

The present work is a serious attempt to explain the motifs and symbols of the lost civilization of Chandraketugarh which now survives only through her unparalleled terracotta art and other antiquities." (jacket)