Words, Sounds, Images. A History of Media and Entertainment in India

Ambitious and encyclopaedic in scope, Words Sounds Images is a pioneering book that presents an exhaustive account of the evolution of media and entertainment in India – from the Indus Valley civilization right up to the twenty-first century.

Presented here are topics such as forms of entertainment during the Harappan and Vedic times, including details from the Natya Shastra; the early drama, music and dance of Kalidasa; the development of ragas, musical instruments and early folk traditions; the genesis of classical dance forms; and developments through the ages, including in the Mughal period, the southern kingdoms, the north-east, and under the Marathas and the British. Independence onwards, it takes a decade-wise look at the evolution of print media, cinema, music, television, dance, theatre and radio.

Amit Khanna – himself a lifelong media professional with diverse experience as a film producer, director, lyricist and in various roles in the field of entertainment – brings his unique perspective to bear on the subject and makes this a lively, engaging read.

A must-read not just for the students and practitioners of media and entertainment but also their lay consumers