Natural Science of the Ancient Hindus

Here is a work of conspicuous significance dug out from the unpublished papers of one of the foremost philosophers of modern India. The text contains 'main features of the conflicting theories of matter, motion and cosmic changes held at different times by different schools of philosophy-Hindu, Buddhist and Jain.' In a bare outline, the discussion provides a comparative survey of Western thought 'in ancient and modern times', and striking 'points of similarity and difference' between the Indian and Western approaches are brought to light.

The distinctive feature of Indian thought lies in the concept of soul which is a new dimension introduced by the ancient sages of India into their study of phenomenon. In the words of the author: ...the intro- duction of soul from the organic stage marks the epoch of a new kind of progress.' And again: 'Soul is the actionless, passion- less entity for the enjoyment and liberation of which the whole material world moves in diverse lines.'

In this brief survey, the author successfully brings home that the 'views of the Indians on the matter, motion, etc. were not the results of mere guesses but were consistent deductions from definite systems of philos-ophy and often the result of a close and systematic chain of reason'.

The text is enriched with an appendix summarising Sankhya theory of tanmatra and the author's scholarly notes.

About the Author:

Late Prof. Surendranath Dasgupta, C.I.F., I.E.S., Ph.D. (Cal.et Cantab.), D.Litt. (Hony, Rome), was the Principal, Government Sanskrit Collage, Calcutta and King George 5th Professor of Mental and Moral Science, Calcutta University. He represented Cambridge University at the Congress of Philosophy in Paris in 1921 and the Calcutta University at the International Congress of Philosophy at Naples in 1924 and at Harvard in 1926. He represented India at the International congress of religion in London in 1936 and in Paris in 1939. Among his several works a few are mentioned: A study of Patanjali, Yoga Philosophy in Relation to Other System of Indian Thoughts, Yoga as Philosophy and Religion, Hindu Mysticism, Indian Idealism, Philosophical Essays, A History of Sanskrit Literature and Religion and Rational Outlook.