Professor of History of Art, University of Sussex. Fellow of Clare Hall, Cambridge (1970-4); Mellon Fellow, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton (1981); Reader of the British Academy (1985-7); Radhakrishnan Memorial Lecturer, All Souls College, Oxford (1992); Visiting Scholar, Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (forthcoming: 2000-01). Partha Mitter also lectures around the world, notably Columbia University, New York, Princeton University, and Oxford and Cambridge universities.

This concise yet lively new survey guides the reader through 5000 years of Indian art and architecture. A rich artistic tradition is fully explored through the Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, Colonial, and contemporary periods, incorporating discussion of modern Bangladesh and Pakistan, tribal artists, and the decorative arts. Combining a clear overview with much fascinating detail, Mitter succeeds in bringing to life the true diversity of Indian culture. The influence of Islam on the Mughal court, which produced the world-famous Taj Mahal and exquisite miniature paintings is closely examined. More recently, he discusses the nationalist and global concerns of contemporary art, including the rise of female artists, the stunning architecture of Charles Correa, and the vibrant art scene. The very particular character of Indian art is set within its cultural and religious milieu, raising important issues about the profound differences between Western and Indian ideas of beauty and eroticism in art.