The nine centuries described in this book, ending with the political upheavals of the 7th century AD, coincide with a golden age of Indian civilization. The Brahmanic and Buddhist religions flourished side by side; artisticcreation was at its height and India's most beautiful monasteries and shrines were founded. Throughout, Jeannine Auboyer evokes the fascinating complexities of India's ancient epoch, with its caste system, its endless rituals and the ceremonial nature of human relations, even in matters of love. Notes, Index. Illus., 31 b&w. 344p.