History, Archaeology and Culture of Himachal Pradesh

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Himachal is fast changing its economic and cultural contours which are positioned on progressive path. Its ancient and medieral period had equally great heights in cultural history which is still hidden on the large national platform. Through this book the vast panorama of Himachal Pradesh's history, culture and archaeology have been given an exposure in small measures. The module of its presentation is to keep up the narration seperately of its various political units which for time immemorial have been possessing independent identities.

In several new publications a hotch-potch technique of amalgamating the history in various political periods is being on the pattern of general Indian History and that have produced more confusion rather than cohesion. The book is largely based on the materials scattered in the various works contained in the bibliography as well as on personal experiences, gathered from the locals during various visitations to the grass roots. There can be no two opinion if we uphold that Himachal Pradesh has an unique attraction amongst foreign and Indian scholars and this book unfolds the treasures of this hilly and mountanious state of our country to them as well to the lay readers.

Dr. B.L. Kapoor is a person of diverse interests especially in scholarly pursuits of presenting the history, culture and archaeology of his state. Basically, he is a medical personnel with double post graduations in the disciplines of Eye and Ear, Nose and Throat. So far he has authored several books both in English and Hindi ranging from travelogues to critical analysis of Gita and Manas Ramanayana. His book on the Gods of High Hills published in year 2001 is a scientific documentation on the systems and styles of unique religious practices about dancing goods of the hills.

His book an History and Heritage have been acclaimed as master-pieces especially by the peers and welcomed by readers. After his retirement from services as Chief Medical Officer, he is presently residing in his hometown - Mandi in Himachal Pradesh and is involved in the persuits of scholarly activities.

The book under the caption Archaeology, Culture and History does not as a matter of fact needs any preface as the readers just on the first contact with title page explicitly become aware of the text.

My friends and readers were on active correspondence with me to undertake this work which has been at the centre stage in humble endeavour of my writing spanning over forty plus years. More often than not Mr. A.N. Khanna of Delhi -- an old pen friend of mine since 1977 remained a motivating force par excellent to undertake this work and complete it at the earliest. Actually work was time consuming and uphill task considering its vastness but scanty source materials. Somehow or other I took up the cudget and now the book is with you. Really the sense of gratitude to Mr. Khanna is immense from my side. I could not have been in a position to finish this work of mine without his repeated persuations.

I know a work of this nature is bound to remain unsatisfying to many a reader, especially the chapters on Una and Hamirpur remained sketchy due to non-availability of the source materials. Really I beg pardon for this shortcoming along with many more such deficiencies and defects.

Last but not the least, I shall fail in my duties if I do not thank my wife and daughters who always stood like pillars in my persuits of writing by keeping me free to undertake and finish my projects. Similarly my publisher also deserves thanks to bring out the book in record time in an up-to date fashion. Archaeology-engineer Mr. C.L. Kashyap has rendered so many ways to the author and also Prop. Vivek did xeoman job, therefore my thanks are due to them.

**Contents and Sample Pages**