The history of the period covered by this volume revolves round the pivot to Kanauj from which it derives its name. The part played by Kabul and Zabul in resisting Muslim infiltration has for the first been brought into proper perspective. The Nagara and Dravida types of architecture take definite shape. The monolith Kailasa temple at Ellora remains an unique achievement with no parallel in the history of Indian architecture. The volume ends up with a brilliant chapter on the trans-oceanic cultural activities of the period. A comprehensive index, exhaustive bibliography, chronology, genealogy and maps complete the uniqueness of the volume.