Shivalahara : Silahara Ki Guphaon Ka Rahasya

Description

Nestled in the picturesque valleys of the Maikal mountain range and along the banks of the Kewai River in the Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh, the Shivlahara (Silahara) Caves stand as an invaluable heritage of Indian archaeology and history.
This book is the culmination of intensive research, aimed at bringing the historical significance of this long-neglected archaeological site to the forefront for both the general public and the scholarly community. Based on rigorous archaeological surveys and concrete epigraphical evidence, the author unravels historical truths that were previously confined to mere local legends.
The narrative transports readers back to an era when this region was a thriving centre for ancient trade routes and vibrant cultural activities. It meticulously deciphers the ancient inscriptions etched on the cave walls and unveils the long-held secret of who originally excavated these magnificent rock-cut structures.
More than just a vital reference text for researchers in history, epigraphy and archaeology, this book is a must-have collectible for conscious readers, avid tourists and heritage enthusiasts who are deeply passionate about understanding and preserving India’s rich cultural legacy.

About The Author

Prof. Alok Shrotriya is a distinguished scholar and Senior Professor in the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture, and Archaeology at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak. With an academic journey spanning more than 29 years, he has combined rigorous research with passionate teaching to illuminate India’s rich archaeological and cultural heritage.
Before joining IGNTU, Prof. Shrotriya served at Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar, where he rose through the ranks from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor. At IGNTU, he has held several leadership positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Director of Academic & Research, and Head of the Department of AIHC & Archaeology. His academic career has been marked by consistent excellence, culminating in a Ph.D. from Vikram University, Ujjain.
An international scholar, he was awarded the prestigious Chinese Government Scholarship (2005–07) under the Indo China Cultural Exchange Programme, conducting post doctoral research at Nanjing University. He also earned a Chinese Proficiency Certificate (HSK) from Beijing Language and Culture University, adding a global dimension to his expertise.
Prof. Shrotriya specializes in field archaeology and art history, having directed excavations at Gambhirwa Tola (District Anuppur, M.P.) and led explorations across India and China. His prolific body of work includes landmark publications such as Buddhist Architecture in China, Puratattva: Puravashesh aur Manav Atit (Hindi), Bharatiya Kala aur Sanskriti ke Navin Ayam (Joint, Hindi), and Affinities and Expansion of Prehistoric & Archaeological Cultures in Northeast India (Joint).
A defining moment in his career came in 2023, when his co authored book Prachin Bharatiya Rajanaya aur Prashasan (published by U.G.C.) was released by the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
With numerous books, research papers, discoveries, and doctoral mentorships to his credit, Prof. Shrotriya continues to advance India’s archaeological narrative, making the past of Bharat accessible, meaningful, and inspiring for scholars, students, and heritage enthusiasts alike.