Innermost Asia

• ISBN: 9788170202318
• Volumes: Set in 5 Volumes
• Author: Sir Aurel Stein
• Pages: 1400 pp
• Year of Publishing: 1982
• Binding: Hardbound
• Publisher: Cosmo Publications

Innermost Asia by Sir Aurel Stein is a monumental work that details his extensive excavations and explorations in Central and Innermost Asia. Known for his contributions to Orientalism and archaeology, Sir Aurel Stein used his knowledge of Sanskrit, Persian, Chinese, Turkish, Greek, and Latin to decipher the geographical and historical mysteries of Central Asia.

This work narrates his rediscovery of the ancient Silk Route, stretching from Western China across the Tarim Basin to the upper reaches of the Oxus, and onward to Iran and the Hindukush valleys. During his explorations, Stein unearthed numerous ancient sites buried in the desert sands of Central Asia, revealing the forgotten civilizations and cultures of the region.

His discoveries, including antiquities, silk paintings, manuscript remains in Sanskrit and Prakrit, Kharosti documents, coins, textiles, and more, illuminate the connections between China, India, Mongolia, Russian Turkistan, and beyond. Stein's findings also provide insight into the nomadic tribes and clans he encountered during his travels.

This five-volume set is a treasure trove of geographical, historical, and anthropological information.

• Volumes 1-2 contain descriptive text in 30 chapters, along with appendices and inscriptions.

• Volume 3 features 505 large-scale pictures of geographical and historical descriptions.

• Volume 4 includes 200 plates of antiquities, arts, and other objects found during Stein's expeditions.

• Volume 5 contains 56 maps of Chinese Turkistan and Kansu, based on surveys conducted during the explorations.

This set is an invaluable resource for scholars of Indology, history, geography, and anthropology.