The opening of Preface
During the nine years that have elapsed since I last wrote on this subject,[1] very considerable progress has been made in the elucidation of many of the problems that still perplex the student of the History of Indian Architecture. The publication of the five volumes of General Cunningham’s ‘Archæological Reports’ has thrown new light on many obscure points, but generally from an archæological rather than from an architectural point of view; and Mr. Burgess’s researches among the western caves and the structural temples of the Bombay presidency have added greatly not only to our stores of information, but to the precision of our knowledge regarding them.
For the purpose of such a work as this, however, photography has probably done more than anything that has been written. There are now very few buildings in India--of any importance at least--which have not been photographed with more or less completeness; and for purposes of comparison such collections of photographs as are now available are simply invaluable.