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| India has made tremendous progress in almost every field since the attainment of independence. Her advancement is all round and stupendous, her record in the creative activities in the realms of education, science and arts, is remarkable. Surprisingly enough, there is no standard, internationally reputed and readable encyclopaedia reflecting or interpreting this change or giving a full spectrum of knowledge or reference material for lay readers or experts. Well-known international encyclopaedias of developed countries are woefully deficient in respect of facts about this fast developing and changing India. The current encyclopaedias produced in Indian languages betray divergence in professional scope, quality and format. The need for such a work had been felt for a long time. In fact, we endeavoured to take up this project about 40 years ago and planned it meticulously we approached the leading industrialists in the country including the Tatas, Birlas, Aga Khan Foundation and others for financial support, but unfortunately there was no positive response. The only person who took interest was Mr. C.R. Irani’, Managing Director of the Statesman, but the cost involved was so much that he too could not be of any help. To give the readers an idea we might mention that the total cost of compilations and publication of a 10-volume encyclopaedia on the pattern of Encyclopaedia Britannica was likely to be about rupees nine millions. About rupees six millions were required in five volumes were to be produced. So it was clear that it was beyond the reach of an individual and no government agency was coming forward to take up such a project. Under the circumstances we attempted this short Encyclopaedia on Indian Culture only. An effort has been made in this encyclopaedia to deal with all aspects of the country and the life of the people of India, its flora, its fauna, physiography, fairs and festivals, arts, monuments, religions, literature, famous people in various fields, fine arts, such as music, painting, architecture, drama, dance. Most of the technical subjects have been written by specialists who have lent their name to enhance the value of this work. Our thanks are due to them. Places of importance whether due to religious point of view or of historical interest have been taken note of many entries carry a bibliography to enable the interested reader to study the subject in more detail, if desired. We do hope that this work will be of some help to the scholars and the public in India and abroad as also historians, artists, politicians, students of history and archaeology. |
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