Aksayanivi: Essays presented to Dr. Debala Mitra in admiration of her scholarly contributions (Bibliotheca Indo-Buddhica)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Aksayanivi: Essays Presented to Dr. Debala Mitra is a monumental "Festschrift"—a volume of writings by various authors presented as a tribute to a distinguished scholar. Published as part of the Bibliotheca Indo-Buddhica series, this collection was compiled in 1991 to honor Dr. Debala Mitra, a pioneer in Indian archaeology.

Edited by the eminent scholar Gouriswar Bhattacharya, the book is a high-level academic resource containing over 50 research papers contributed by international experts in Indology. The essays cover a vast chronological and geographical span, focusing on:

• Buddhist Archaeology: Detailed analyses of stupas and viharas, particularly those in Odisha and Bengal.
• Iconography: Technical studies of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain sculptures, exploring the evolution of deity depictions.
• Epigraphy and Numismatics: Interpretations of ancient inscriptions and coinage that provide vital clues to political history.
• Art History: Explorations of temple architecture and the stylistic transitions between different dynasties.

Because it was published in a large format with numerous photographic plates and architectural line drawings, it remains a "gold standard" reference for researchers of South Asian heritage.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Debala Mitra (1925–2005) was a trailblazing figure in Indian archaeology. She holds the distinction of being the first woman to serve as the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Her career was defined by a meticulous, scientific approach to excavations and a deep specialization in Buddhist monuments. Her seminal works on Sanchi, Ratnagiri, and Ajanta are still considered mandatory reading for archaeologists. She was known for her "eagle eye" for detail, often identifying subtle iconographic shifts that had been overlooked by her predecessors. This volume, Aksayanivi (meaning "an inexhaustible permanent endowment"), reflects the immense respect her peers had for her rigorous scholarship and her leadership in preserving India's past.