Ancient Indian Historical Tradition c29.2

c29.2

ALL the genealogical data have now been considered, synchronisms co-ordinating them have been established, and the resulting chronological scheme has been set out in the tables at pages 144–9 and 191–2. That is a skeleton, and an attempt may now be made to add thereto all the other particulars to be gathered from tradition, and to sketch in outline the course of history which all that information suggests. This is now offered here, based on what tradition actually says. It is impossible to avoid repeating a good deal of what has been narrated above in various connexions, but that has been reduced as much as possible, and this sketch should be read with the genealogical exposition in chapters VII to IX and with the discussions of synchronisms in chapters XII to XIV and elsewhere. The authorities for every statement are cited in the notes or by reference to preceding pages, and no statement is made without authority. In considering this outline we must put aside views formed from brahmanical literature, for to construct history from theological works and especially works with a strong priestly bias and lacking the historical sense is inadmissible (pp. 10, 14, 61). There is nothing in this account inconsistent with the Rigveda, as far as I am aware, if we do not read preconceived ideas into the Veda.