Aurel Stein’s Central Asia

Book Details

• Author: Sir Aurel Stein
• ISBN: 8170200954
• Volumes: Set in 12 Volumes
• Pages: 2750, with 1000 illustrations (including drawings, plates, etc.)
• Portfolio: 33 illustrations
• Maps: 53 maps (75×52 cm)
• Year of Publishing: 1981
• Binding: Hard Bound
• Publisher: Cosmo Publications

Description:
The vast territories of Central Asia, along with the areas bordering the Indo-Pak subcontinent, have been pivotal culture centers throughout history, especially due to their role in the Silk Route, which facilitated the exchange between Occidental and Oriental cultures. These regions were home to diverse traditions, including Indian, Iranian, Chinese, West Asiatic, and Hellenistic influences. One of the significant aspects of Central Asian history was the rise of Buddhism during the pre-Islamic era, which left behind rich legacies in the form of Buddhist art, murals, sculptures, and structural remains.

Despite the importance of this cultural heritage, much of it was forgotten until rediscovered by European explorers, with Sir Aurel Stein being the foremost among them. Between 1900 and 1916, Stein undertook three major expeditions in Central Asia, discovering numerous Buddhist shrines and a variety of cultural artifacts. He also explored parts of Baluchistan, uncovering protohistoric sites.

This monumental work, consisting of 12 volumes, includes Stein’s detailed reports on his discoveries. The first ten volumes focus on Buddhist art and the cultural remains of Central Asia, while the final volume covers the protohistoric archaeology of Baluchistan, known in classical European texts as Gedrosia. The comprehensive collection has been made available as a limited edition set by Cosmo Publications, ensuring that Stein's invaluable contributions to archaeology and history remain accessible to scholars and enthusiasts.