History and Heritage of the Western Himalayas : With Special Reference to Mandi State

Contents: Preface. I. History: 1. Geo-physical features. II. Heritage: 2. Shiva sculptures of Mandi. 3. Mandi: tradition of Shakti workship. 4. Vaishnava temples of Mandi. 5. The Hanumans of Mandi. 6. Temples of Ganapati. 7. A folk bronze of Mandi. 8. Khuha Rani Temple—a temple in a well. 9. An early wooden temple of Mandi. 10. Rare stone sculptures of hat in Mandi. 11. “Parashar” a land of earthly Gods and heavenly beauty. III. Appendices: 1. Main events of history of Mandi. 2. Mandi Waziris or Garhas or Ilakas. 3. Spiritual psyche of Mandi town—1987. 4. Mandi: victim of modernity. 5. Tale of this town—1997. 6. Mandi state: archaeology—art 1920. Bibliography. Plates.

“The erstwhile Mandi state carved out of conquests, subjugations and annexations of small territories belonging to petty Ranas and Thakurs during the period 1000 to 1650 A.D., established its sovereignty and final shape over an area of more than 1100 sq. miles. The land so formed of hills and dales of the Western Himalayas remained an entity till 1948 A.D. when Himachal Pradesh came into existence. The cultural activities which thrived and flourished in the Western Himalayas authenticate the glorious and rich history and traditions which indeed Mandi can boast of. “ (jacket)