The Candellas of Jejākabhukti

The age of the Candellas is one of the glorious epochs of Ancient Indian History. Their history has been attracting the scholars ever since the publication of Cunningham’s Reports, but barring a few papers and a chapter each in Vaidya’s History of Mediaeval Hindu India and Ray’s Dynastic History of Northern India there was no comprehensive work on the subject when I assigned the topic to Dr. Diksit for his doctorate thesis (degree awarded in 1950.) There has been considerable delay in the publication of the thesis, but it has enabled the author to revise and elaborate in the light of subsequent discoveries.

The present book gives an authentic account of the history of the Candellas, and is well-documented. It is based on a critical appreciation the available sources, literary as well as archaeological, and personal exploration leading to the discovery of certain inscriptions that had not been noticed earlier, The author has utilized Rupakasatakam, an important work of Candella times, for the first time-a work that has not been noticed by other writers by other writers on the subject.

Dr. Dikshit is objective in his approach, uninfluenced by historical bias or dogmatism. On certain crucial points, where he ventured to differ from other scholars, he has set forth his views with clarity-based on sound arguments.

About The Author:

Dr. R.K. Dikshit (born 13th May, 1908; educated at Govt. Jubilee Inter College, Lucknow and Lucknow University) has been associated with the department of Ancient Indian History and Archaeology, Lucknow University, in different capacities-as Lecturer, Asstt. Professor, Professor and Professor Emeritus-for over 30 years. He was the Head of the Deptt. From 1958 to 1970 and also the Dean of the Arts Faculty from 1968 to 1970. He has been a member of various academic and administrative bodies in Lucknow and several other Universities, as well as those of Central and State governments.

Dr. Dikshit has been the Hony. Secretary of U.P. Historical Society, President of the 57th session of All India Numismatic Conference in 1969. His publications include three Monographs-Kanauj, Kusinagar and Buddhist Centres in Uttar Pradesh-published by U.P. Government, besides 50 Research articles and several others of general interest.