Indian Knowledge Systems: Vol.1

It is a fascinating, meticulously documented study unveiling, for the first time, the ancient Indian society in all its variegated evolutionary expressions across about two and-a-half millennia:

since the Vedic times (c. 1500 Bc) — with a beautifully well-knit religions and cultic practices; paradigms; polity and statecraft; educational set-up; customs, etiquettes; food habits, drinks, dress styles; sports, pastimes, modes recreations; sex life and sexual morality; casteist hierarchies; attitude towards women; and its crimes, punishments and legal codes.

Epitomizing a lifetime of Dr. Banerji’s research on ancient India, the book vividly captures all different articulations of sociological import from a whole body of traditional writings: both sacred and secular. Again, it turns out to be the first ever study to singly explore the sociological orientations of the Vedic Samhitas, Brahmanas, Upanisads, Kalpasutras, Vyakaranas, Puranas, Smrtiastras, Tantric texts, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, Kautilya’s Arthasastra, and many other Sanskrit classics — besides Buddhist and Jaina works in Pali, Prakrt and Apabhramsa languages.

With highly informative appendices, extensive bibliographic references and a glossary of technical/unfamiliar words, the book holds out enduring appeal to both scholars and discerning readers.