The first, text-only volume of a classic account of 5,000 years of Indian art The Art of Indian Asia is a unique work of scholarship and photography in two volumes (each sold separately). This is the first volume, which contains the text; the second volume, available separately, contains the photographic illustrations. Together, the two volumes present a comprehensive view of Indian art, spanning from 3000 BC to the twentieth century and an area from Afghanistan to Bali. The volume of text combined with the volume of photographs form an "imaginary temple" that conveys the spiritual messages of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is strongly recommended that readers buy both volumes of The Art of Indian Asia as together they form an integrated work-Volume 1 containing only the text and Volume 2 containing only the photographs.