Tamil Arts Academy Releases Works of Archaeologist R. Nagaswamy Under Open Access
On the occasion of the 96th birth anniversary of eminent archaeologist, epigraphist, and scholar R. Nagaswamy, who earned his master's degree in Sanskrit from the University of Madras, the Tamil Arts Academy announced that all his works published by the non-profit organisation will be released under open access with national rights. The decision removes copyright restrictions on his published books and articles, allowing them to be freely shared and redistributed to inspire future generations.
The announcement was made on social media by the Academy, which is comprised of Nagaswamy's children, Uma Nagaswamy and Mohan Nagaswamy, along with his daughters-in-law, Shyamala Ramachandran and Geetha Mohan. All of his published books, articles, and other scholarly works are now accessible on the organisation's website.
Nagaswamy was the first Director of the Department of Archaeology in Tamil Nadu and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2018 for his contributions to archaeology and epigraphy. An authority in archaeology, architecture, epigraphy, numismatics, iconography, South Indian bronzes, and temple rituals, he was also instrumental in starting the Natyanjali festival at Chidambaram. In addition to his master's degree from the University of Madras, he held a Ph.D. in Indian Arts from Pune University and possessed deep knowledge in both Tamil and Sanskrit.
Over his career, Nagaswamy authored more than 50 books in English and Tamil. His titles include 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. His published articles, including titles 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.
Speaking about her father's legacy, Uma Nagaswamy stated that he never wanted to keep the knowledge he gained to himself, noting that throughout his life he loved to reach out and share whatever he knew with college students, scholars, and goatherds alike. She added that he regularly collaborated with artists to add better context and content to their presentations. Last year, the Academy invited scholarly articles from interested contributors for its silver jubilee volumes.
