Among the many benefits of the recent nationwide lockdown caused by the Chinese-made Corona virus, Doordarshan’s re-telecast of the timeless classic series, Ramayana, Mahabharata and Chanakya counts as the foremost. Needless, their enduring popular appeal has remained intact as evidenced by the TRP of Doordarshan that shot through the roof.
A byproduct of the Chanakya telecast during this period was a complementary increase in the viewership of my interview with its maker, the legendary Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi. It has been my good fortune to interview him to understand the detailed process, research, groundwork, and trials and tribulations that went behind making this iconic TV series that is still unparalleled in the annals of Indian television.
A common thread that emerged even as Chanakya was being telecast was a request from our readers to provide a list of reference material that Dr. Dwivedi used for his research. Here it is, organised by language and subject.
Arthashastra – Kautilya
Mudrarakshasa – Vishakhadatta
Bhagawan Kautilya – K.M. Munshi
Mahaamatya Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya – Gauri Shankar Joshi (pen name: Dhumketu)
Arya – Vasant Patwardhan
Amrapali – Acharya Chatursen
Arthasastra of Kautilya – Translated by R. Shama Sastry
The Kautilya Arthasastra (in three volumes) --- R.P. Kangle
Maxims of Chanakya – V.K. Subramanian
Kautilya and his Arthasastra – Usha Mehta
Commentaries on Arthasastra – Various authors
Chandragupta Maurya and his Times – Radhakumud Mookerji
Invasion of India by Alexander the Great – Translated by J.W. McCrindle
Indian Polity – K.P. Jayaswal
Ancient Political Thought and Institutions – B.A. Saletore
Ancient India as Described in Jain Canons – Jagdish Chandra Jain
India as Known to Panini – Vasudev Sharan Agarwal
India as Described in Classical Literature – J.W. McCrindle
Indian Architecture (in two volumes) – Percy Brown
Archeological Excavation Report at Kumhrar – L.A. Waddell
Essays in Early Indian Architecture – Ananda K Coomaraswamy
Early Indian Architecture – K. Krishnamurthy
Village, Towns and Secular Buildings in Ancient India – Amita Ray
Town Planning in Ancient India – B.B. Grover
Food and Drinks in Ancient India – Dr. Om Prakash
Indian Art – Vasudev Sharan Agarwal
Life in Sanchi – A.L. Srivastava
Sculptures of Bharhuth – R.C. Sharma
Life in Ancient Uttarapath – N.P. Joshi
Costumes, Textiles, Cosmetics & Coiffure in Ancient and Mediaeval India – Motichandra, et al
Trade and Trade Routes in Ancient India – Motichandra
Material Culture of Ancient India – Malati Mahajan
We hope you found this list useful. Happy reading!
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