Unpublisheed Notes and Papers of Dr V S Wakankar

Padmashri Dr. V. S. Wakankar, popularly known as Haribhau, was an eminent archaeologist, art historian, artist, numismatist, litterateur and great rock art expert who put India on the global map of rock art. He was involved in many archaeological exploration and excavation in India and abroad. Dr. Wakankar is also known as Pitamah of rock art studies in India.

The untimely death of Dr. Wakankar in 1988 in Singapor was a great setback for the study and research of Indian art and archaeology. It was decided by the IGNCA to bring out his unpublished works on the occasion of his centenary year.

This present volume is a compilation of the unpublished notes, articles and research papers of Dr. V. S. Wakankar which he has penned down during his lifetime. All these writings are based on his archaeological explorations & excavations at Bhimbetka, Malwa region, Kaytha, etc., cultural and Puranic tradition study, Himalayan study including in the ravines culture study of the Chambal and Narmada rivers, and importantly his contribution in tracing the basin of the now dry Saraswati River, which is said to hold the secrets of much of Indian civilization.

The notes and papers published in the present volume highlight the immense potential that Indian culture had in unraveling the mysteries of the past. Most of his views expressed in the volume are appropriate and hold good promise in terms of recent trends in cultural research in India. This beautifully illustrated volumes aim to boost and promote original research. It will certainly contribute to rectify and enhance our vision of India culture.