Wall Paintings from Ancient Shrines in Central Asia

The present work is intended to describe in detail the wall paintings that were brought to India, by Sir Aural Stein from his two Central Asian expeditions of Archaeological and Geographical research expeditions over the periods 1906-1908 and 1913-1916 respectively. These wall paintings from the ancient shrines, lying between Kashgar in the west and Suchom in the East with routes running from Taklamkan, Tien-Shan range, Maral-Bashi, Ak-su Kucha and Korla, were removed in shapes of varying sizes and picked with great care and then brought to Delhi.

This catalogue constitutes the story of his explorations in the vast area of China. The credit of rediscovery of eastern Civilization and culture goes to Sir Stein who uncovered all these shrines and paintings in the face of continual hardships, discomfort and multiple dangers. And above all he took over the most tedious task of dismantling all the wall paintings in their original shape, packing them, transporting them through ling route of hot and cold deserts and then again reconstructing them in the museums as they were and exhibiting it to the people with hand long forgotten the rich culture and close links Central Asia and China had with India and its heritage.

The author – an authority on his field goes into all details of the paintings that were discovered and reconstructed by Sir Stein, out lining and detailing all the features of the paintings, the general outlook, standing, posture, character, the probable commenting dates on the features of the paintings.

The publishers feel delighted in introducing yet another masterpiece and a work of great content for the scholars of history archaeology, painting etc.