Sanskrit Dramas in Ancient India (1981) :: rare & precious original thesis

For collectors of rare books on Indian theatre and dramatics, we are pleased to offer a truly rare and unique doctoral thesis by the late actress and theatre veteran Dr Tarla Mehta. As one of three sisters (Shanta Gandhi, Dina Pathak & Tarla Mehta) who were all deeply involved in the Indian theatre movement and the performing arts, Tarla Mehta's insightful study of the ancient dramatic traditions of India is unparalleled. Her research culminated in an encyclopaedic doctoral thesis of superlative substance in the year 1981. This rare original thesis delves into the components of traditional Natya production as described in the Natyasastra & other ancient Indian dramaturgical texts and the relevance of these ancient techniques in present-day traditional forms. The plays of Bhasa to Bhavabhuti are used as the main terms of reference. It also contains exhaustive visualisations of scenes & sequences of several major Sanskrit plays with elaborate production notes, and the author's original hand-painted illustrations of costume designs, property sketches and theatre design, as well as several original photographs of stage performances from the author's collection.

Several images of this invaluable original thesis (including the complete table of contents) are attached herewith for the perusal of those interested.

THE PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES OF SANSKRIT DRAMAS IN ANCIENT INDIA

Author: Tarla Mehta
Year: 1981
Format: Original unabridged doctoral thesis typewritten on Kores Tip-Top watermarked paper. Professionally hardbound with genuine black leather spine & leather corners. The title has been embossed in golden lettering on the front cover and on the spine.
Size: 29 cm long x 23 cm wide x 4.7 cm thick — This is a comprehensive encyclopaedic compendium.
Pages: x + 676 pages, including several hand-painted illustrations & drawings + 19 original photographs + several large fold-out inserts featuring tabular frameworks & charts.
Rarity: Extremely rare and precious original thesis. This is the only original specimen available for purchase.
Condition: Pre-owned. Excellent. All pages intact. Binding tight and firm.

Remarks on Rarity & Condition: This is the original author's unabridged doctoral thesis typewritten on Kores Tip-Top watermarked paper. The only other copy of this thesis may be found in the library of the University of Mumbai. Hence, this original specimen is the only one that would ever be available for purchase. Some of the pages of this thesis contain the author's handwritten annotations, these are largely limited to the handwritten Sanskrit text and the odd typographical correction. A select few pages at the beginning and at the end display some creasing and edge-wear, these have been carefully restored for future protection. In conclusion, each and every page of this thesis is completely intact. There is a small amount of natural yellowing or spotting on some of the pages owing to age and use. All things considered, being a thesis that was extensively used by the author and considering its sheer rarity & archival uniqueness, it is in truly excellent condition overall.

Please email us on kumarclassicbookpoint@gmail.com for cost and availability, or for any further queries in order to serve you better. Delivery in Mumbai is free.

Glimpses in the life of Madhuri R. Shah (1985) :: rare/scarce & out-of-print

Today, on the 100th birth anniversary of Madhuri R. Shah, one of the most eminent educationalists of India, we are pleased to offer a rare and hard-to-find book for those interested in the realm of education. Born on 13 December 1919, Madhuri R. Shah was not just a great educational administrator but also an eminent scholar, researcher, and producer of innovative reading material for children. As Vice-Chancellor of S. N. D. T. Women's University in Bombay, she was responsible for giving an entirely new orientation to the university. And as the chairperson of the University Grants Commission, she emerged as an innovator who boldly identified elements that democratized universities for improving the quality of education.

This unique book was composed in a conversational style and consists of several insightful conversations with Madhuri R. Shah by the acclaimed poet Suresh Dalal and Kallolini Hazarat.

Several images of this rare/scarce and out-of-print book are attached herewith for the perusal of those interested.

HARMONY — GLIMPSES IN THE LIFE OF MADHURI R. SHAH

Foreword by: D. S. Kothari

Introductory Reminiscences by: Antony Weaver

Text and Interviews with Madhuri R. Shah by: Suresh Dalal & Kallolini Hazarat

Publisher: Allied Publishers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 1985 — Rare/Scarce & Out-of-Print First Edition

Format: Hardcover with dust jacket

Size: 22.5 cm x 15 cm

Pages: xxii + 277 pages + 16 glossy pages featuring several archival b&w photographs.

Condition: Pre-owned. Near Pristine. Pages clean and unmarked. Original tight binding.

Dust Jacket Condition: Excellent. Negligible shelf-wear to the corners/edges. The dust jacket has been neatly wrapped in an acetate film for lifelong protection.

Remarks: This book is particularly hard to find in such exemplary condition as the one we are offering.

Please email us on kumarclassicbookpoint@gmail.com for cost and availability, or for any further queries in order to serve you better. Delivery in Mumbai is free.

Sur-Saravali (1957) :: rare & out-of-print

For those interested in the rich tradition of Indian mysticism and medieval poetry, we are pleased to offer an extremely rare book featuring the Sur-saravali, an epic verse of the Holi festival by the legendary Indian poet Surdas. This precious book was first published in the year 1957 by the doyen of Braj-bhasha literature, Prabhudayal Mittal. This book is particularly rare since it was never reprinted. This landmark publication was received with great acclaim in the world of ancient Oriental literature, and it was even reviewed in the Archiv Orientální journal in 1962 by the great Indologist Vladimir Miltner (who was born in Czechoslovakia and died in Mathura) as follows: 

"... Surdas was the most prominent poet of the so-called astachap (literally eight seals), eight poets whose poetical activities laid the foundations of the splendid development of Braj-bhasa and its literature ... The present edition of the Sur-saravali is the first separate edition of this work. In the introduction (pp. 1-64), the author treats of the manuscripts and older editions, analyses and compares them, proves the authorship of Surdas, quotes many passages identical with the Sur-sagar, and finally shows us the purpose to which Surdas wrote this work - the Sur-saravali was intended as a Holi festival song. ..." 

Several images showcasing all the features of this unique publication are attached herewith for the perusal of those interested. This precious book has been sourced from a carefully-maintained private collection and is in first-rate condition.

SUR-SARAVALI

Edited / Compiled with an introduction by: Prabhudayal Mittal

Publisher: Agrawal Press, Mathura, 1957 AD (Vikram Samvat year 2014) — Highly Rare & Out-of-Print First Edition

Language: Hindi & Braj-bhasha

Format: Hardbound in Rexine, the title is embossed in golden-lettering on the front and on the spine.

Dimensions: 22 cm x 13.7 cm

Pages: viii + 64 + 92 pages + 1 colour plate. Total number of pages = 165.

Condition: Pre-Owned. Pristine. Pages clean & unmarked. Binding firm and tight.

Remarks: This is an extremely rare book which is very hard to find, especially in such exemplary condition as the one we are offering.

Please email us on kumarclassicbookpoint@gmail.com for cost and availability, or for any further queries in order to serve you better. Delivery in Mumbai is free.