The purpose of the present volume is to convey a meaningful account of the past in relation to the present and to trace and identify certain special features which characterize the history and civilization of ancient India as a whole. It offers a new perspective in the interpretation of facts presented by the historical materials pertaining to the political, social, economic and cultural aspects. Special emphasis has been laid, besides the study of material culture and socio-political institutions, on the history of ideas in which field, according to the author, there is an historical continuity through the ages. This insistence, needless to say, arises from the need of stratifying the successive phases of evolution through which the ancient Indians had to pass. Throughout the book, the main object has been to inspire the readers with a balanced sense of historical enquiry and understanding. Like other works of Dr. N.N. Bhattacharyya, this book is also expected to evoke much interest?among?the?readers. "As an Indologist, N.N. Bhattacharyya requires no introduction. He retired as professor of History from Calcutta University and passed away in 21. He wrote a large number of books most?of?which?have?gone?into?several?printings." \n