About the Author
Dr Agam Prasad is a renowned social worker and Managing Director of Agam Kala Prakashan, Delhi. He was born on 13.10.1949 in the family of Shri Swami Prasad, a renowned advocate. After obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rajasthan, he did his Master’s in Political Science from Meerut University. He wrote his PhD dissertation in History under the guidance of Prof Agam Prasad Mathur, the renowned historian and former Vice-chancellor of Agra University, Agra. He also holds a Post-graduate Diploma in Museology from Bhopal University and MD (H) from Premier Medical College, Chandigarh. All this goes to show his love for knowledge, and his interest in higher education and heritage management. He has dedicated his life to the service of Indology. He has himself authored Rajasthan ki Prachina Rajanitika Samsthaen (Hindi), acted as co-editor of Felicitation Volumes (Triratna, Dimensions of Indian Art, Vajapeya, and Svasti-sri), and published over a dozen research papers. He is the Honorary General-Secretary of the Commonwealth Historians’ Society, and life Member of Indian Association for the Studies of Conservation of Cultural Property, Indian Archaeological Society, Museums Association of India, ICOM, INTACH, Epigraphical Society of India, Plane Name Society of India, Art and Culture Society of India, etc. He is a widely travelled man. The Indian Astro-Palmists Association of India awarded him the title of Hasta Rekha Martanda, and a silver medal.
Prof Prashant Srivastava (BA Honours, MA, PhD, D.Litt) is Head of the Department of Ancient Indian History and Archaeology, University of Lucknow. After he had received his Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, both with a first class first, from the University of Lucknow, he was awarded a research fellowship by the U.G.C., and his PhD dissertation on joint, commemorative, and victory coins of ancient India has been widely acclaimed. His DLitt dissertation on foreign elements in ancient Indian coins was also highly appreciated by his learned examiners. He is the recipient of four gold medals—one for BA Honours, two for MA, and one for DLitt. He is the author of twelve books, including Joint Coin-types of Ancient India, Aspects of Ancient Indian Numismatics, Art Motifs on Ancient Indian Coins, The Apracharajas, and Gleanings in Ancient Indian Numismatics, and co-editor of History and Heritage (Essays in Honour of Prof K K Thaplyal). His other publications include about sixty research papers, and over two dozen popular articles. His Encyclopaedia of Indian Coins is the fruit of his endeavours in connection with a major research project, awarded to him by the U.G.C.
Dr Sanjaya Kumar Mahapatra is Principal in Janata College, Kuhuri (Odisha). He has had an illustrious career, devoted to the study of the history, archaeology, and culture. He is the recipient of a number of prestigious awards and honours, like the Rashtriya Gaurava Award of the India International Friendship Society, and the Jyotishvidya Vachaspati Award of the Astrological Foundation, Dinalipi, Behrampur (Odisha). He has recently published Mahisasuramardini in Art, Iconography and Cult Practices, which embodies his PhD dissertation. Besides, he has to his credit, about seventy research papers and articles, published in reputed journals and magazines. He is well-versed in yoga, tantra, and astrology. He was initiated on the path of kirya-yoga by the divine grace of Sri Paramahamsa Hariharananda Giri, the beloved kriya-yoga guru.
