Archaeologist R. Nagaswamy’s works published by Tamil Arts Academy to be available under open access

On the occasion of the 96th birth anniversary of eminent archaeologist, epigraphist and scholar R. Nagaswamy, the Tamil Arts Academy has announced that all his works including books and articles published by the non-profit organisation will be released under open access with national rights. 

The Academy, comprising his children Uma Nagaswamy and Mohan Nagaswamy and his daughters-in-law Shyamala Ramachandran and Geetha Mohan, announced on social media and said that there would be no copyright restrictions on them, and may be freely shared and redistributed, to ensure that his scholarship continues to inspire future generations.

Nagaswamy, who received the Padma Bhushan in 2018 for his immense contribution to the fields of archaeology and epigraphy, was the first Director of the Department of Archaeology in Tamil Nadu and was an authority in archaeology, architecture, epigraphy, numismatics, iconography, South Indian bronzes, and temple rituals.

He had deep knowledge in Tamil and Sanskrit. He obtained his master’s degree in Sanskrit from the University of Madras. He was awarded a Ph.D. in Indian Arts by Pune University. Mr. Nagaswamy was instrumental in starting the famous Natyanjali festival at Chidambaram.

He has written over 50 books in English and Tamil including Senthamizh Naadum Pannum, Tirukkural, an abridgement of Sastras, Vedic Roots of Hindu Iconography, Vishnu Temples of Kanchipuram, Brahadishwara Temple, Mamallapuram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Kalavai, Uttaramerur and Master Pieces of South Indian Bronzes. 

The articles, such as Pancatantra in Silappatikāram, Dating Tolkappiyam, Brahma Deyam, A Brahmadeya gift by Pāṇdya Arikesari, Pandya Arikesari and Pandikkovai and Soundarya Lahari in Tamil, run into tens of volumes. The books, articles, and other works of the archaeologist that have been published by the Academy are all available on the website www.tamilartsacademy.com. 

Last year, the Academy had invited scholarly articles from those interested to contribute to it’s silver jubilee volumes. 

Uma Nagaswamy told The Hindu that her father never wanted to keep the knowledge that he gained to himself. “All his life he loved to reach and share whatever he knew. Be it college students or scholars or even a humble goatherd. He collaborated with artists to add better context and content to their presentations,” she said.