Review of the hardback: 'This insightful work offers an exciting, new perspective on the culture of classical India, one that is sure to inject fresh vigour into this neglected, and until recently almost moribund, field of study. Ali does what no one has done before … It is a major contribution to the field and should be read by everyone with a serious interest in India's early culture.' South Asian Studies

• Introduction; Part I. The Rise and Structure of Courtly Life in Early Medieval India: 1. The people of the court; 2. The culture of the court; 3. The protocol of the court; Part II. Aesthetics and the Courtly Sensibility: 4. Beauty and refinement; 5. The education of disposition; Part III. Anxiety and Romance: 6. Courtship and the royal household; 7. The battle of love; Postscript.

Review of the hardback: 'This insightful work offers an exciting, new perspective on the culture of classical India, one that is sure to inject fresh vigour into this neglected, and until recently almost moribund, field of study. Ali does what no one has done before … It is a major contribution to the field and should be read by everyone with a serious interest in India's early culture.' South Asian Studies

• Introduction; Part I. The Rise and Structure of Courtly Life in Early Medieval India: 1. The people of the court; 2. The culture of the court; 3. The protocol of the court; Part II. Aesthetics and the Courtly Sensibility: 4. Beauty and refinement; 5. The education of disposition; Part III. Anxiety and Romance: 6. Courtship and the royal household; 7. The battle of love; Postscript.

Review of the hardback: 'This insightful work offers an exciting, new perspective on the culture of classical India, one that is sure to inject fresh vigour into this neglected, and until recently almost moribund, field of study. Ali does what no one has done before … It is a major contribution to the field and should be read by everyone with a serious interest in India's early culture.' South Asian Studies

• Introduction; Part I. The Rise and Structure of Courtly Life in Early Medieval India: 1. The people of the court; 2. The culture of the court; 3. The protocol of the court; Part II. Aesthetics and the Courtly Sensibility: 4. Beauty and refinement; 5. The education of disposition; Part III. Anxiety and Romance: 6. Courtship and the royal household; 7. The battle of love; Postscript.