The Ksatriyas in Ancient India

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The book highlights the kaleidoscopic nature o the Indian society and the development of the caste system as an organic response to the requirements of this multiple society. The origin, life and legacy of the Ksatriya caste are the central theme. The compelling charting of the romantic and adventurous journey of this caste through the various periods of Ancient Indian History illuminates their iconic life. The role of the Ksatriyas as the ruling class, their relationship with other castes, their socio-economic and political activities and liabilities have been chronicled in detail bringing history to life. Special reference to the position of the Ksatriya women adds a new dimension to the book. The book gives a better understanding of such fundamental topics as rise to power, charismatic leadership, theories of kingship, the position of women, socio-economic interface and decline of the supreme power associated with this enigmatic caste. The book is synthesis of knowledge and insight from many sources hence offers a comprehensive picture.

Dr. Madhumita Chatterji, a graduate of Sophia College, Bombay University, holds a Ph. D. in History from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, and his completed a programme in History, Politics and Society from Oxford University, where she was awarded the grade of excellence. She has published papers on Indian history, Indian ethos and
management. As a senior faculty in various management. Institutes she has been involved in research and teaching of the relevance of Indian ethos and culture in the Management Processes. Her areas of interest also include Cross cultural Management and Business Ethics.

Preface

The Rich Heritage of India has always fascinated me. The omnipresent caste system and its various components have goaded me to delve deeper into the problem and seek the real picture. To accomplish this end I have limited myself to the study of the Ksatriya caste during a prescribed period, making a comprehensive study of this caste in every aspect.

I owe deep gratitude to my learned guides Dr. S. K. Maity and Dr. Shukla Das of Jadavpur University for their interest, inspiration and guidance throughout the duration of my work.

Acknowledgements to various Indian and foreign authorities on the subject appear as references in the text. My indebtedness to them is immense. I would like to extend my thanks to the librarian and staff members of the Library of Jadavpur University; Library of Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Kolkata; Asiatic Society of Calcutta; National Library of Calcutta, Bihar Research Society in Patna; and Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya Library, Indore.

My husband Dr. S. K. Chatterji deserves my heartfelt gratitude for his sympathetic attitude in enduring the tribulations of authorship and providing constant support as well as encouragement. I must candidly admit that the work would never have been completed but for the remarkable patience and understanding shown by my son, Siddhartha and daughter Sukrita who were eight years and three years old respectively. I am greatly indebted to my parents late Mr. K. K. Adhikary and Mrs. Kamala Adhikary for their invaluable advice and support. I would like to express my sincerest thanks to my in-laws Mr. R. J. Chatterji and Mrs. Binapani Chatterji for their encouragement and goodwill. My sister, Mrs. Juthika Chakravarty and my niece, Anita Chakravarty deserve special thanks for their valuable suggestions and cooperation. The other members of the family deserve acknowledgement for helping me to overcome the obstacles and complete this work on time.