"This hardback book covers all early Indian objects (pre-600 AD) held by the Department of Eastern Art in the Ashmolean Museum. Containing previously unpublished material and new photography of all objects, there are over 400 illustrations of this immersive and comprehensive British collection of the art of the Indian subcontinent. The Ashmolean Museum is fortunate in having the most comprehensive British collection of the art of the Indian subcontinent outside London. Especially strong in sculpture, this rich representation of Indian art from prehistory to the twentieth century has come about through the generosity of our benefactors over more than three centuries."-- Provided by publisher.

The Ashmolean Museum wide ranging collection of the art of the Indian subcontinent includes important holdings of archaeological artefacts and a strong representation of early Indian sculpture in terracotta, stone and other materials dating from before AD 600. These works are fully discussed and illustrated in the present catalogue, with the exception of Buddhist sculpture of the Gandhara region.