The historical account of the period of our study is more or less based on literary and epigraphic material although the art and numismatic evidences have been taken into account earlier, the study has been confined only to their appreciation and technicalities. But such a study now needs a thorough revision and restructuring in all aspects, except political history. In the light of the rich archaeological material brought to light through various excavations in different parts of the country. The excavations provide ample evidence of the actual material life of the people of the period. Literary accounts often fail to provide a true picture of the day to day life as sometimes they are based either on the fancy of their authors or in some cases they are exaggerated or speculative and thus the total picture remains incomplete or blurred. Moreover, the literary records do not touch all aspects of society as they are written with a particular motive.
It is surprising that historians have not taken pains to rewrite the history of the people in real perspective in view of these findings which have been accumulating for long, particularly after Independence. The excavations at Hastinapur, Kaulambe, Atranjikhera, Rajghat, Sravasu, Soekh, Ahichchhatra, Ayodhya, Rajgir, Ujjain, Besnagar, Purana Qila, Noh etc. have brought to light objects of immense value which were actually handled and used by the contemporary people. Remains of structures and defences provide a full glimpse of the layout of their towns and habitations. Their armaments and objects of entertainment provide different facets of life from Warfield to pleasure moments. Mode of transport, dress and ornaments are not only depicted in the sculptures or in terracottas but sometimes actual remains of these items have been picked up by the archaeologists.
Arhalastra provides an account of the defences of the period but the picture remains hazy in the mind of the reader. However, if it is read in the light of the actual remains as found at Hastinapur, Atranjikhera, Sravasti and other places, the actual layout becomes quite evident. Thus, if an attempt is made to study the archaeological remains in the light of literary evidence, including foreign accounts, we would be able to peep into the actual life of the people of remote past.
The present study is an attempt in this direction. Efforts have been made to collect and sort out all such materials which have been collected through excavations and explorations (see map of the sites) from different published reports as well as by examining and studying the actual finds housed in different museums and universities. Sculptural and terracotta specimens displayed in museum galleries as well as in reserved stocks have been re-examined to recapitulate the minute details of the dress and ornaments depicted therein.
**Contents and Sample Pages**
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