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Synopsis A Significant feature of this volume is the critical analysis of archaeological and historical sources relating to the specific issues of cultural history with special reference to Andhra region. Besides the historical sources, the oral traditions and folkloristic materials provide substantial materials for the better understanding of the culture of the people on which certain historical generalizations can be made. Further, it allows for a range of historical interpretations especially regarding the legitimization of kingship and the relationship between royalty, rituals and religion. This volume deals with the different aspects of the cultural history and some of the topics included have long been the subject of interest, debate and importance. It throws a fresh light on the tantric goddesses, the temples constructed on the essentials of tantrism and tantric practices in every day life. The religious meanings and symbolism of the iconographical forms of Ganesa and Vishnu in the forms of panchanana Ganesa and Adivaraha are analysed. The book speaks of the seamy side of the socio-cultural life of the people of medieval Andhra, throwing a new light on robbery and alcoholism, which are studies in detail for the first time.