Lamps of India

Few countries can vie with India in the wealth of imagery and symbolism built around the lamp. Our ancestors associated the lamp with almost all important events and activities of mans transitory existence on earth. The birth of a child was greeted with a lamp and it was with it, again, that warriors were given a send-off and triumphant armies returning from the battle-field were welcomed home. In temples and other places of worship the lamp had a still more prominent role. Being the medium through which a glimpse of the deity could be had, the lamp acquired an importance commensurate with the faith of the devotee. Consequently it attracted a good deal of attention at the hands of artists and craftsmen.It was, indeed, a happy thought on the part of Dr. D.G. Kelkar to have laboured for collecting the various types of lamps used in India for a variety of purposes. This collection, which I am glad the Publications Division of the Government of India is bringing out in the form of an illustrated book, furnishes an insight into the history of lamps from ancient to modern times. The wealth of information it gives and the subsidiary light it throws on popular beliefs and tastes is a tribute to Dr. Kelkars scholarship and industry. I have no doubt, the book will be a welcome addition to our literature on art and antiquities.Publishers NoteThe book Lamps of India first published in the year 1961 is being reprinted after a gap of 50 yrs. The need for a revised reprint was felt, as technological advancements have brought to our doors new information adding to our knowledge on the subject. The first edition of the book was a unique experience .While providing an insight into the Kelkar Museum, the book at no place seemed like a catalogue. It goes to the credit of Dr. D.G. Kelkar, who spun a beautiful text which kept the readers in-thrall.