The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c2: Preface
The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c2
- Language
- English
Preface
c2.1
THE scope of this thesis is confined to the treatment of the structure and practical working of political institutions in Northern India in ancient times, i.e., up to the Muslim conquest. The discussion of the origines of institutions is excluded from the work, except in so far as it is essential to an explanation of the structure of institutions in historical times. Social institutions in general, social or political theory, ordinary political history, and the institutions of the Deccan and the south of India are touched upon only as auxiliaries to the main theme. The work is based on a first-hand study of the original sources. In handling Vedic evidence, the Vedic Index of Professors Macdonell and Keith has been useful as suggesting references to original authorities. Dr. Richard Fick's Social Organisation in North-Eastern India in Buddha's time has likewise been extremely helpful for the Jātakas. A good many of the references in Chapter V (on Jātakas) are identical with those in Dr. Fick's excellent treatise but the sixth book of the Jātakas has also been utilised; some new facts are adduced throughout and fresh conclusions enunciated. In connection with Epic data some suggestions were derived from the well-known essay of Dr. Hopkins on the Social and Military Position of the Ruling Caste (J. A. O. S., XIII, 1888). In Chapters X and XII and in a few paragraphs of other chapters, dealing with theoretical books, the material used is much the same as in my Theory of Government in Ancient India (post-Vedic) but the point of view is different and some of the passages utilised are also different.
c2.2
The radical divergence of my hypotheses from the conclusions of my predecessors renders it all the more obligatory on my part to express my gratitude to them. But for their invaluable pioneer work in the domain of ancient Indian politics, it would have been impossible to write a connected account of the development of Hindu administration or to offer fresh interpretations of its various aspects. My particular obligations are due to my tutor Prof. H. J. Laski and other teachers at the London School of Economics and Political Science who guided my studies in Sociology, Political Science and Public Administration. Prof. A. Berriedale Keith and Dr. L. D. Barnett kindly offered valuable suggestions on the dates of some Sanskrit texts. Prof. C. N. Nallamuthu Ammal, M.A., B.Sc. (London), of Lady Willingdon's College, Madras, brought some Tâmil data to my notice and assisted in their evaluation. Dr. Pran Nath, D.Sc. (London), during his tenure at the India Office Library, extended to me all facilities of research there and directed me to a number of little known texts which, otherwise, might have escaped my notice. The advice of my colleague Mr. Kṣetreśa Chandra Chaṭṭopādhyāya, M.A., never grudged on the busiest of days, was always helpful in handling Vedic and classical Sanskrit texts. Another colleague, Mr. Bisheshar Prasad Srivastava, M.A., offered valuable criticism and saw part of the book through the press. Mr. Ram Shankar Prasad, M.A., read the proofs of the rest of the work and also compiled the Index.
c2.3
The Royal Asiatic Society's scheme of transliteration has been adopted with slight modifications which will explain themselves. The accepted spelling of place-names has been employed but diacritical signs have often been put to facilitate correct pronunciation. The proper names of persons are accented exactly in the manner adopted by their bearers.
c2.4
BENI PRASAD.
Linked texts (1)
- Jātaka — Pāli