Studies in the Epics and Puranas c8.10

c8.10

In order, however, to fully appreciate the evolution of cosmogonic ideas in India, it is better to begin our investigation from the oldest period in India, the period of the *Ṛgveda*, and consider in their chronological order, as far as possible, the views subsequently expressed down to the period of the Purāṇas so that we can easily understand how far the Purāṇas are indebted to the past and what is their contribution in the field of cosmogony. I may mention here that I have followed the generally accepted scheme of chronology in this chapter.