Ancient Cities of the Indus Valley Civilization [Paperback]

Jonathan Mark Kenoyer (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195779401 | ISBN-13: 978-0195779400 | Publication Date: October 8, 1998 | Edition: 1st

This lavishly illustrated book presents a coherent and fascinating account of the Indus Valley civilization that will appeal to specialists and non-specialists alike. Kenoyer draws on the latest archaeological information from Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Dholavira, and other major sites as well as on his considerable knowledge of South Asian societies and ancient technologies. He addresses such enduring topics as the nature and role of the Indus writing system, the Indus religino as evidenced through sculpture and architecture, the political organization of Indus city-states, long-distance trade and the importance of merchants in Indus society, and the daily life of the diverse inhabitants of the cities, towns, and villages of the region.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Kenoyer's discussion of the Indus Valley script is balanced and unspeculative. Because of his even-handed approach , Kenoyer suceeds very well in his objectives of providing an introductory text on the Indus Valley civilisation. The overall quality of the illustrations is very high, and the relatively low cost of the book should ensure a wide readership. - Richard Fynes - International Journal of Punjab Studies (UK)

About the Author

Jonathan Mark Kenoyer is at the Faculty of Archaeology at University of Wisconsin.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 1st edition (October 8, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195779401
• ISBN-13: 978-0195779400
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #312,921 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #57 in Books > History > Asia > Pakistan

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb, factual introduction to the ancient Indus Valley., October 29, 1998

By 

OA Khan (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ancient Cities of the Indus Valley Civilization (Paperback)

Mark Kenoyer is one of the leading experts on the ancient Indus Valley. As Director of the current excavations at the ancient Indus site of Harappa, he has made a number of new discoveries which are greatly expanding our knowledge of this civilization. The books is thorough, well-illustrated, and free of the ideological biases that have so long tainted ancient Indus studies. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the facts. Kenoyer is also one of the few archaeologists who has worked in both Pakistan and India and is able to cover the ancient culture and its relationships to people today in both modern countries.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very comprehensive and thought-provoking book, January 6, 2000

By 

Ahmad Faruqui - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ancient Cities of the Indus Valley Civilization (Paperback)

An excellent reference on the subject. It is modern in its approach, and updates a number of previous studies. It makes a number of new observations about the circular objects in Harappa. Perhaps they were not granaries as previously believed, but objects for dyeing textiles. It also suggests that there was another river parallel to the Indus River that has gone underground. One may be able to access this underground river using modern technology, and bring agriculture to areas that are now a desert.

The book should be of interest to archaeologists as well as general readers. Maps and photographs make the story very tangible.

16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent summary, June 29, 2000

By 

Mayuresh Kelkar (Lynn, MA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ancient Cities of the Indus Valley Civilization (Paperback)

The author faithfully documents his archeolgoical findings over the last three decades. The book is easy to read and has many excellent pictures. Dr. Kenoyer categorically states that the decline of this ancient civilization was due to natural causes and not because of destruction by invading nomads. Some of the seals such as the "Proto-Shiva," and the Swastika are very intriguing and may ultimately establish a firm link between the Indus civilization and the present day Hinduism. A lot of research still needs to be done, but this book is the first step in acknowlegding the true antiquity of the Indus-Sarasvati civilization.