LIFE IN ANCIENT INDIA: Studies in Rig Vedic India

The authors delved deep into the history of Life in Ancient India to explore new avenues to put the thing right perspective. Veda is primarily ‘knowledge in general, among the Indians designates knowledge—the sacred knowledge—the sacred writings of which a brief survey follows. It is well known with what enthusiasm Voltaire, in his writings, especially in the Essay on the Manners and Spirit of Nations, repeatedly praised the ancient wisdom of the Brahmanism which he thought to have discovered in the Yajurvedas, brought to his notice from India about the middle of the last century. Although many scholars were not in a position to disprove its genuineness, they preserved a sceptical attitude toward it. The nine centuries described in this book, ending with the political upheavals of the seventh century AD, coincide with a golden age of Indian civilization. In the context of political and religious enlightenment, the Brahmanic and Buddhist religions flourished side by side; artistic creation was at its height and India's most beautiful monasteries and shrines were founded then. Throughout the book, the author evokes the fascinating complexities of India's ancient epoch, with its caste system, its endless ritual, and the ceremonial nature of human relations - even in the matters of love. Here is the perfect introduction to one of the world's most noble and refined civilizations. This book is very useful to the researchers and students.