R. Nagaswamy
| Ramachandran Nagaswamy | |
|---|---|
|
R. Nagaswamy at a lecture in 2015 | |
| Born | August 10, 1930 |
| Influences |
K. A. Nilakanta Sastri, T. N. Ramachandran |
Ramachandran Nagaswamy (born 10 August 1930) is an Indian historian, archaeologist and epigraphist who is known for his work on temple inscriptions and art history of Tamil Nadu. He served as the founder-Director of the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department. He was also instrumental in starting the annual Chidambaram Natyanjali festival in 1980.
Early life
Nagaswamy was born on 10 August 1930 to Sanskrit pundit Ramachandran Sastrigal.[1][2] He graduated in Sanskrit from the University of Madras and pursued a master's degree in Sanskrit.[1] Nagaswamy obtained his PhD in arts and archaeology from the University of Poona.[1] Nagaswamy underwent archaeological training under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and in 1959, joined the Government Museum, Chennai as curator for art and archaeology.[1]
Career
Nagaswamy served as curator for art and archaeology in the Government Museum from 1959 to 1963. In 1963, he was appointed Assistant Special Officer for Archaeology for Tamil Nadu state and from 1966 to 1988, he headed the newly formed Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department.
Honours
Nagaswamy was awarded the "Kalaimamani" award by the Government of Tamil Nadu for his pathbreaking work on Sekkilar's Periyapuranam. He appeared as an Expert Witness in the London High Court, in the London Nataraja case.
Works
- R. Nagaswamy (1980). Art and culture of Tamil Nadu. Sundeep Prakashan.
- Vidya Dehejia, Richard H. Davis, R. Nagaswamy, Karen Pechilis Prentiss (2002). The sensuous and the sacred: Chola bronzes from South India. American Federation of Arts. ISBN 0295982845, ISBN 978-0-295-98284-7.
- R. Nagaswamy (2003). Facets of South Indian Art and Architecture. Aryan Books International. ISBN 8173052441, ISBN 978-81-7305-244-6.
- R. Nagaswamy (October 10, 2003). "Democracy of a high standard — ancient example". The Hindu.
- R. Nagaswamy (2006). Art and religion of the Bhairavas. Tamil Arts Academy.
- R. Nagaswamy (2010). Monumental Legacy Series: Mahabalipuram. Oxford University Press India. ISBN 0198071272, ISBN 978-0-19-807127-3.
Notes
References
- "Call for professional approach to preservation of monuments". The Hindu. May 9, 2010.
- "The case of the peregrinating Nataraja". The Hindu. Apr 3, 2003.