A Vision Of Splendour

In January 1901, the Dutch Sanskritist Jean Philippe Vogel (1871œ1958) entered the Archaeological Survey of India to direct the activities for the Panjab, Baluchistan and Ajmir Circlelater amalgamated into the Panjab and United Provinces Circle. An interesting period, as the survey stood on the threshold of renewal. Jean Philippe Vogel proved, by personality and scholarship, the right man to assist in realizing the gradual professionalization of Indian archaeology. This book highlights Vogels contribution to early 20th-century archaeology, including an introductory retrospect study on 19th-century Indian archaeology. It provides extensive photographic documentation, prints dating from 1870 to 1920, presented in their art and photo-historical context. It discusses Vogels visionary ideas in the field of preservation and restoration, research and care for museum collections. Vogels diaries and letters are valuable resources that allow for an interesting conclusion on social relations within the so-called rchaeological family, picturing the Dutch citizen Vogel moving around in Indias colonial society, discussing his thoughts on both Englishmen and natives. With special references to Vogels explorations and excavations in Gandhara, The Punjab Hill States (Chamba), Kasia (Kusinagara), Saheth-Maheth (Sravasti) and Mathura; it also includes achronology on Vogels archaeological activities.