Prachina

The book "Prachina" (प्राचीना) is a compilation of research articles by Ravi Hajarnis, a former Assistant Director of Archaeology for the Gujarat State Government. The book was published in 2017 by the L. D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad, and edited by Jitendra B. Shah.

Hajarnis, who served for many years in the Gujarat State Archaeology Department and later at the N. C. Mehta Miniature Museum, made numerous significant discoveries throughout his career. These findings, presented in article form, are of great importance from an artistic and scholarly perspective. Recognizing that these articles were not easily accessible, the L. D. Institute of Indology intended to publish them in book form to benefit curious readers and researchers.

The book contains 22 research papers covering a wide range of topics related to archaeology and ancient art. These include:

• Prehistoric and Early Historic Periods:
  • "Shikari Rangotsav" (Hunter's Festival) in the context of rock paintings, discussing prehistoric human life and the origins of theater.
  • "Adya-Aitihasik Kalin Gujarat" (Early Historic Gujarat), which examines changes in understanding due to recent discoveries and outlines the progress of Indus civilization research. It also includes details on underwater archaeology in Gujarat.
• Archaeological Sites and Settlements:
  • "Visod: An Archaeological Site," presenting a continuous picture from the early historic period to the Middle Ages, highlighting trade relations with the Roman world and China.
• Sculpture and Iconography:
  • A significant portion of the articles focuses on sculpture and iconography, with papers discussing:
    • Ganesha idols, including the two-armed Ganesha from Shamlaji and a rare dancing Ganesha from Totu village.
    • Recently discovered sculptures from the Shamlaji region, arguing for a local workshop based on semi-finished idols.
    • An unpublished Durga Mahishasuramardini from Dela.
    • Two female deity heads (one from Sultanpur in Banaskantha district and another from Dholka).
    • The ancient Dipala Agni idol from Kayavarohan, possibly the oldest in Gujarat.
    • Mahagurjar style sculptures from Modhera, re-published with additions and corrections.
    • Bull and Nandi images in Gujarati literature and art, examining their context in the Middle East and India.
    • Specific sculptures like the Lakshmi-Narayana from Ambasan, Vishnu from Mevad, and Brahma from Nagara.
• Architecture:
  • "Gita-Vyal-Aakrutio" (Vyal figures) in Gujarati temples, discussing architectural sculptures up to 1300 CE.
  • "European Church Architecture from the Early Christian to the Norman Period," offering a concise overview of European architectural developments.
  • The Kalishwari monument complex, including updated drawings and discussion on the Navlakha temple at Ghumli, suggesting a connection to Rana Bhan Jethwa's era.
• Epigraphy:
  • Two articles related to epigraphy: one on the inscription of Rupa Mehta's chhatri at Lunavada and another on a Scribe Nishedhika from Dadhpur Nagar (Dahod). Both are considered important for local history.

The book is further enriched with footnotes providing reference material, photographs, line drawings, and lists of abbreviations and a glossary. The Publisher's Note and Foreword highlight the collaborative effort and acknowledge the contributions of various individuals and institutions, including the Gujarat State Department of Archaeology for their grant. The book is dedicated to Professor Madhusudan Dhaki. The publication sadly notes the passing of both the author, Ravi Hajarnis, and the scholar who provided the blessing for the book, Professor Madhusudan Dhaki, before the book's release.