The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c2.5

c2.5

The reasons for rejecting entirely Fergusson’s classifications of styles and some of the chronological estimates which have hitherto been adopted by all archæologists are stated in the text. Owing to the fact that for the last fifty years archæological research in India has been conducted entirely on the lines laid down by Fergusson, it has been sometimes difficult for me, not having had the opportunities of collecting material for myself which officers of the Archæological Survey of India enjoy, to give a sufficiently clear demonstration of various statements. The position of unquestioned authority which Fergusson’s works have hitherto obtained has unfortunately had the effect of preventing the collection and publication of much material which would demonstrate the fallacies of his theories; but I have not the least doubt that a great deal more will be forthcoming when the clues I have given are carefully followed up. In the meantime I must content myself with making the most of the material at my disposal. At some future time I hope to be able to deal with the subject more effectively in every respect.