A History of Indian Philosophy, Volume 1   By: Surendranath Dasgupta (1887-1952)

Surendranath Dasgupta’s "A History of Indian Philosophy, Volume 1" provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the development and evolution of Indian philosophy. This scholarly work delves into the fundamental concepts and ideas that have shaped Indian philosophical thought for thousands of years.

The book is divided into extensive sections that cover different periods in Indian history, starting with the pre-Vedic and Vedic periods. Dasgupta masterfully guides readers through the intricate philosophical ideas found in the Upanishads, building a strong foundation for understanding the later schools of thought.

One of the book’s strongest aspects is its adherence to a strictly historical approach. Dasgupta presents an unbiased and meticulous analysis, relying heavily on original texts and drawing from a multitude of sources. This ensures that readers are exposed to a wide range of philosophical viewpoints, providing a balanced overview of the subject.

Another commendable feature of this book is its clarity and accessibility. Despite the complexity of the subject matter, Dasgupta’s writing style is engaging and easily understood. He avoids excessive jargon and explains concepts in a way that caters to both scholars and general readers. This makes "A History of Indian Philosophy, Volume 1" an excellent resource for those new to the subject as well as seasoned scholars seeking a comprehensive understanding.

Furthermore, Dasgupta’s comprehensive approach to the subject matter should be commended. He explores not only the major schools of thought, such as Samkhya, Yoga, and Nyaya, but also delves into lesser-known traditions, shedding light on their contributions to Indian philosophy. By covering the historical context, key ideas, and prominent figures of each school, Dasgupta effectively creates a broad panorama of Indian philosophical thought.

However, one drawback of this book is its dense and detailed nature, which may overwhelm readers seeking a more concise overview. The extensive inclusion of Sanskrit terms and translations may also pose a challenge for those unfamiliar with the language. However, the author does provide helpful explanations and a comprehensive glossary, mitigating some of the difficulties.

In conclusion, "A History of Indian Philosophy, Volume 1" by Surendranath Dasgupta is a remarkable and meticulously-researched work that serves as an invaluable resource for anyone interested in Indian philosophy. Dasgupta’s historical approach, accessible writing style, and comprehensive coverage make this book a must-read for scholars and individuals looking to deepen their understanding of Indian philosophical thought.

First Page:

The vowels are pronounced almost in the same way as in Italian, except that the sound of a approaches that of o in bond or u in but , and â that of a as in army . The consonants are as in English, except c , ch in church; @t , @d , @n are cerebrals, to which English t , d , n almost correspond; t , d , n are pure dentals; kh , gh , ch , jh , @th , @dh , th , dh , ph , bh are the simple sounds plus an aspiration; ñ is the French gn ; @r is usually pronounced as ri , and s' , @s as sh ... Continue reading book >>