My chief source of information in compiling this book has been an excellent work entitled "Tattvanidhi," published by the Sri-Venkatesvara Steam Press at Bombay, and compiled by His Highness the Maharaja Mummadi Krishnaraja Vodeyar Bahadur of Mysore. A short bibliography of other Sanskrit works consulted by me is given at page xv.
Among the many friends who have kindly helped me in this task, my special thanks are due to Sir J. H. Marshall, Kt., C.I.E., M.A., LITT.D., F.S.A., Director-General of Archaeology, Simla, and his assistant Mr. V. Natesa Aiyar, B.A., for extracts from ancient manuscripts on the subject of Indian iconography; to Mr. A. H. Longhurst, Archaeological Superintendent, Southern Circle, for the numerous illustrations without which the book would be almost unintelligible; and to Mr. C. S. Anantarama Aiyar, the Under Secretary to the Government of Madras, for much valuable criticism which has been of great assistance to me. My thanks are also due to Mr. T. Fisher, Superintendent, Government Press, Madras, for his many kind suggestions about the get-up of the book and a practical arrangement of the numerous illustrations.
Ootacamund,
1st April 1916.
