Indian Philosophy

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• In ancient times, the Digambara sect of Jainism did not consider nuns the equal of monks. Women could attain salvation only after they were reborn as men.

• The earliest known formal document in Sanskrit on the method of conducting debates is the Charaka Samhita.

• The Saankhya system was among the first Indian philosophical schools to put forward the theory of matter, causality, knowledge and evolutionary process.

This Quick and Concise book on Indian Philosophy explores India's foundations in wisdom and reasoning.

This book is a comprehensive exploration of the different schools of thought in Indian philosophy and compares them to one another. The astika and nastika schools are discussed in detail, and the simple explanations make it easy to grasp the nuanced concepts propounded in ancient India. Modern readers will have no trouble traversing through the rich, erudite tapestry of our country with this book as their guide. Indian Philosophy offers a vault of information along with anecdotes, stories and poetry.

Raghavan Srinivasan is a chemical engineer (Madras University) and an MBA from McMaster University, Canada. He currently works as a development professional and has written a number of articles for print and online newspapers as well as international journals. He co-edits an online magazine called Ghadar Jari Hai. Raghavan is passionate about various aspects of Indian history and writes regularly on the same. His published books include Rajaraja Chola, Yugantar, Dogged Pursuit and Indian Cities.

The foundations of Indian culture are deeply rooted in its rich philosophical heritage, which has been the guiding light amidst the diverse facets of art, architecture, literature, religion and more. This heritage has transcended the ages, and remained steadfast against the tides of political changes and foreign invasions. As India stands perplexed in front of the rising tide of divisiveness, it is crucial to delve into the essence of its philosophical roots.

The unfolding chapters of Indian philosophy reveal not only a historical narrative but also a discourse that resonates with timeless enquiries and solutions, still pertinent in today's philosophical debates. Exploring the annals of Indian philosophical thought opens a doorway to understanding and appreciating the essence of Indian culture, untainted by misconceptions. The interplay of various philosophical systems offers a profound insight into the evolution of thought and the potential wisdom it carries for modern intellectual pursuits.

To truly grasp the essence of Indian thought, it is imperative to revisit the wisdom of bygone eras while considering the context in which they originated and aligning them with contemporary intellectual and spiritual aspirations. While caution is warranted against superimposing present-day interpretations on historical terms, it is essential to acknowledge the timeless relevance of certain perennial issues. Delving into our past reveals both shortcomings and strengths. To draw inspiration from history, we must approach it with discernment and empathy. The pinnacles of human intellect and spirit are not confined to yesteryears; the path to the future is boundless and beckoning.

With a focus on exploring the inner philosophical realms of various systems, this work aspires to be a guiding beacon for scholars, lay readers intrigued by philosophy, and students seeking to comprehend the profound wisdom enshrined in the annals of Indian thought.