Book excerpt: The book offers its readers an enlivening introduction to the various art forms exhibited in temples,mosques,caves,shrines and ancient monuments of India. The author Vidya Dehejia takes us on a journey of rediscovery through a representative selection of sites from Elephanta on the West coast to Konarak on the East,from the Himalayan ranges in the North to Srirangam in the South-all in the time spam from 1st century B.C. to 18th century A.D. Due importance has been given to particular art sites and objects, in selecting monuments reflective of the art of different parts of the country.Each theme has been prefaced with a general introduction to its artistic style.The book is richly illustrated,well researched and written in a vivid and lucid style,which speaks of the author's deep grasp of her subject.