[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India)](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930) › v5.c72.3 # History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v5.c72.3 History of Dharmaśāstra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v5.c72.3 - **Language:** English ### [v5.c72.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v5.c72.3) What happens after death to a human being (which is the subject matter of Eschatology) has been a great mystery that has intrigued and baffled mankind in all ages and was a question of vital importance among almost all ancient peoples such as the Indians, Egyptians, Chaldeans, Greeks and Persians. The word Eschatology is derived from a Greek term meaning 'last things' and is applied to the study of opinions that men have held from time to time concerning the future, including such matters as the state of man after life on this earth and the end of the world. It exercises a great fascination over most people and speculation on it can be carried on endlessly. Every religion has its own eschatology. There are two aspects of Eschatology; one is concerned with the destiny of the individual after death, immortality of the soul, sin and punishment, the meaning and content of 'Heaven' and 'Hell'; the other aspect of eschatology has relation to the whole universe, its creation, destination and renovation, and the ultimate end of all things. The first aspect and matters relevant to it from the ancient Indian point of view will be dealt with in this section and the second aspect of Eschatology is reserved for treatment in a later section. In ancient works far more emphasis was laid on the first than on the second, while modern men with a more or less scientific outlook and attitude are inclined to think more of the second aspect. - [Previous: v5.c72.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v5.c72.2) - [Next: v5.c72.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v5.c72.4) - [Up: v5.c72](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v5.c72) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v5.c72.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v5.c72.3) · Pramāṇa