I have great pleasure in placing before the world of scholars and enthusiasts the monograph Rock Art Studies in India-A historical perspective" by Dr Somnath Chakraverty In the Rock Art Studies in India the Asiatic Society, Kolkata, played a pioneering role in focusing attention on the importance and significance as a source material in the reconstruction of ancient period of Indian History, from the Palaeolithic age The Rock An Studies were initiated by the Asiatic Society in 1870, thanks to the discovery of H Rivett-Carnac followed by John Cockburn, AC Carlyle, CA Silberrad and others and their findings are replete in the pages of the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal.

There was, however, a lack of serious studies on Rock Art in recent years this year, the Asiatic Society has decided to organize a national seminar on Rock Art Studies in India to revive and initiate fresh and serious studies on Rock Art. The publication of the present monograph is part of that programme.

It is hoped that this monograph would rekindle our young researchers to undertake fresh studies on Rock Art with particular reference to its preservation for posterity.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge with thanks the assistance rendered by Professor Amita Roy, Dr. Yashodhar Mathpal, Dr. Robin Chatterjee, Archaeological Survey of India (for photography) and my colleagues in the Council in making this publication and the seminar a success.