Out of the traditionally recognised 64 arts, this book speaks about 11, such as, architecture, painting, sculpture, music, dance, and drama. The author has also included health care.
According to him, it is the artistic expressions of mankind that had blossomed into Chithannavaasal paintings, the sculptures of the Big Temple in Thanjavur, etc. He says the Tamil kings were not averse to using the skills of artisans from other parts of India and even from abroad, and the palace in Kaveripoompattinam is a testimony.
While chronicling the major developments since the Sangam era, he has brought out the contributions of the Cholas, Pallavas and the Nayaks to various genres of arts. He quotes from the Tamil epics to substantiate his views, and gives, at the end of each chapter the sources from which he has drawn them. The section on theatre traces the history up to the 20th century and refers to notable personalities in the field.
An interesting piece of information is that Bharatamuni's Natyasastra has been translated into Tamil by Arapatha Navalar. It's indeed a scholarly work.
