The Buddhist Landscape of Varanasi

An archaeologist and a teacher of repute, Professor Vidula Jayaswal, after superannuation from the Banaras Hindu University, where she served for more than four decades, is presently occupying the prestigious Prof. R.C. Sharma Chair of Archaeology and Art History, at J??na-Prav?ha, Centre for Cultural Studies & Research, Varanasi. She has also served Archaeological Survey of India as Deputy Superintending Archaeologist for a short period. Recipient of various scholarships and fellowships, she received specialized training in archaeology and anthropology at the University of Berkeley. Professor Jayaswal has not only carried out a number of archaeological and ethnological field studies, but has also been prompt in publishing the results. Author of over a dozen and a half books and research monographs, and about 70 research articles, Professor Jayaswal is known for her original contribution in Indian prehistory, ethnoarchaeology and interpretation of archaeological remains of the Historical Period of the Middle Ganga Plain. Besides, she could also infuse scientific temper to the study of archaeology, through some major projects financed by the Ford Foundation (USA), and the Department of Science & Technology (Government of India), of which she has been the Principal Investigator and Coordinator. Her important publications include?The Palaeohistory of India; Paisra: The Stone Age Settlement of Bihar; The Kushan Clay Art; An Ethno-archaeological View of Indian Terracottas; Royal Temples of Gupta Period and Ancient Varanasi: An Archaeological Perspective. She has also edited the volumes?Glory of the Kushans: Recent Discoveries & Interpretations; Varanasi: Myths and Scientific Studies; Ancient Ceramic: Historical Inquiries and Scientific Approaches and Status of Prehistoric Studies in the Twenty-first Century in India.