Words. Sounds. Images: A History of Media and Entertainment in India

Ambitious and encyclopaedic in scope this is a first-of-its-kind book that presents the history of media and entertainment in India -- from the times of the Indus Valley Civilization right up to the twenty-first century.

The book starts with an examination of the origins looking at a wide array of aspects such as: the state of entertainment during Harappan and Vedic times including details from the Natyashastra; the early drama music and dance of Kalidasa; the development of ragas; musical instruments and early folk traditions; the genesis of classical dance forms; developments through the ages including in the Mughal period in the southern kingdoms in the north-east and under the Marathas and the British. Independence onwards the book takes a decade-wise look at the evolution of newspapers cinema music television dance theatre and radio. The author himself a film producer director and lyricist who has worked in the entertainment industry all his life brings his unique perspective to bear on the subject.

This pioneering work is a must-read not just for the students and practitioners of the arts and media but also for their lay consumers.