Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c3: Preface to the Second Edition
Śūdras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c3
- Language
- English
Preface to the Second Edition
c3.1
Since the publication of the book in 1958, the critical edition of the *Mahābhārata* has been completed, and a couple of studies on the text of the *Arthaśāstra* of Kauṭilya have appeared. Proto-historical and historical archaeology has also made considerable advance, and new dimensions have been added to the anthropological studies of social differentiation and to the historical studies of several ancient societies. In the light of all this as well as in the light of published reviews and comments, certain portions have been modified. Some explanation has been offered for the proliferation of servile castes in the form of two appendices. Most chapter headings have been changed, and several chapters heavily recast. The concluding chapter has been rewritten, and the bibliography updated.
c3.2
An important consideration for bringing out the book has been its absence from the market for a long time. A more thorough revision would have delayed publication without improving the book materially. All that has been done in the present edition may not satisfy the expectations of readers, but something is always better than nothing.
c3.3
I would like to express my sincere thanks to Dr Mohanchand for help in preparing the index and bibliography.
c3.4
Department of History, University of Delhi 26 June 1980
c3.5
R. S. Sharma
Linked texts (2)
- Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra — Kauṭilya, Sanskrit
- Mahābhārata — Vyāsa, Sanskrit