Maharana Kumbha of Mewar, who was the preceptor of Medieval Indian Renaissance, built his greatest monument, the Kirttishambha in the fort of Chittorgadh (Rajasthan) between 1440 and 1460 A.D. It is generally known by the misnomer 'VijayaStambha' (The Tower of Victory), though it was not built to commemorate a military event. The author has examined here the fundamental question: what was the 'idea' which led to its incarnation in such a beautiful 'form', under such headings as 'Mahameru', 'Vedic Skambha', 'Trailokya-Mahameru', and Garuda and Janardana Dhvaja-Stambha; enumerated the classical background of this thought and philosophy; and traced the various stages of its development, and representation thereof in stone. It has been architecturally studied and the sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses which make it an 'Illustrated Dictionary of Hindu Mythology' and a unique work on medieval Iconography, as much as on Architecture, have been identified. Texts and translations of epigraphs including the Kirttistambha-Prasasti (which was carved on four stone-slabs); colophon-prasastis of his literary works; and Vastu-texts on Kirttistambhas have been given in 12 appendices. The text is adequately illustrated by 16 figures and 48 b&w plates.

About the Author

Professor R. Nath did his post-graduation in History, Ph.D. and D.Litt. from Agra University and taught at Agra College, Agra and the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, from where he retired as Professor of History. He is one of the front-ranking art historians of Medieval Indian Architecture. Though he specialized in Mughal Architecture, on which he has authored a five volume series: History of Mughal Architecture, he has also written extensively on ancient architecture of India as it developed during the Medieval ages. His series on the Antiquities of Chittorgadh is the most notable, of which Chittorgadh Kirttistambha of Maharana Kumbha is the core and the most important work. He has authored 50 books, 12 monographs, 156 research-papers and 250 popular articles and he is a prolific and versatile writer. He has finally settled down at Agra, his home town.