This important book puts together, for the first time, the many essays, notes and reviews which D.D. Kosambi, an acknowledged pioneer who introduced new perspectives and methods in indological studies, wrote and published over a period of almost thirty years. Accepted as a polymath, Kosambi was professionally trained as a mathematician, but, in addition to researching in various fields of science, also contributed prodigiously to indological studies, both as an editor of classical Sanskrit texts and as an interpreter of India’s historical past. He was the first to use and interdisciplinary method in historical investigation, and to deploy his mathematical and scientific genius to the study of issues as wide ranging as the reading of ancient Indian texts to their context, numismatics, philology, religion, historical reconstruction, archaeology, and anthropology. Professor Brajadulal Chattopadhyaha has brought together these writings in an effort to publish a comprehensive anthology. Despite their disparate themes, the essays reflect an integrated framework which, in Kosambi’s own characterization, was Marxist. Many of Kosambi’s seminal ideas were worked out in great depth in these scholarly articles; published in different journals, in India and abroad, most of them have long remained outside the reach even of experts. This book will enable readers to sample the versatility and breadth of Kosambi’s work. The recovery and publication of these essays is an invaluable contribution to the discipline. The book will have a wide readership which includes indologists, historians, sociologists, Sanskritists, and social scientists.
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