The Relations between Indian Painting and Culture
Hermann Goetz
There is an old and widespread opinion that India the “Country without a History”. And this idea one of reasons its having become wrapped in veil mystic twilight which Romantic Period last century saw it, given up only to religious philosophical speculation. Perhaps has not yet fallen from whole antiquity. It true research enabled us attain some knowledge history many dynasties, wars social revolutions, struggles literary feuds; nevertheless, all seems be merely ripple on surface, waving billows above calm depth population never changes manner life. Again again we are told much oldest tradition survived present day. certainly true, for there no land so fitted serve as place refuge past forms civilization culture country is, great small continent, with contrasts plains, deserts, sultry jungle, mild hill climate exuberant tropical vegetation. But statement evades essential facts. In every country, side by latest civilization, traditions still alive, though they may interest folklorist, it task historian trace cultural developments their atavist remains, but beginnings culminating points evolution; these have always been supported leading classes, them more or less reigning time.
Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies