Studies in Indian History and Culture (Review)

This review covers U.N. Ghoshal’s book 'Studies in Indian History and Culture'. The volume is divided into four parts. The first part reconstructs Indian history from Vedic and Buddhist literature, emphasising that a careful reading of these sources yields valuable historical information. The second part critiques the conventional division of ancient Indian history into the Vedic, Epic‑Puranic and Classic ages, arguing that such rigid periodisation obscures continuity. The third part studies Indian polity, describing royal ceremonies, the administration of republican states, the role of ministers and the concept of dharma. The final section discusses a variety of topics including slavery, the head‑offering ceremony and other cultural practices. The reviewer appreciates Ghoshal’s critical approach and his ability to synthesise literary and historical evidence. He notes that the essays encourage readers to rethink traditional assumptions about Indian history and culture.

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