সুকুমারী ভট্টাচার্যের প্রচীন ভারত সমাজ হে সাহিত্য

Once, the language of Sanskrit was the vehicle for religion, culture, and literature across all of India. For various reasons, however, it has gradually become disconnected from the lives of the general public. The study of Sanskrit is now increasingly confined to a few dedicated enthusiasts. As a result, ordinary readers, unfamiliar with Sanskrit, find themselves largely cut off from the rich heritage of their past.

This book is primarily aimed at such readers. For those curious about ancient India and Sanskrit literature, yet for whom the language barrier feels insurmountable, these essays, rich in information and thought-provoking insights, will specifically cater to their curiosity. The essays are written in simple language, making complex topics accessible.

The underlying unity of the essays in this collection lies in their exploration of various aspects of ancient literature and society. The scope of discussion covers a range of topics, including the people of the Rig Veda era, the solar hymns of the Rig Veda, and the philosophical judgments from the time of Yajnavalkya and the Upanishads, all examined from new perspectives. There is an investigation into the absence of tragic literature in Sanskrit, an analysis of the excellence of the Mahabharata in its epic form, and the reasons behind the appreciation of Mṛcchakatika.

Some essays delve into the history of the rise and fall of the Shataka genre, while others discuss the success and limits of rhetorical devices in poetry. Kalidasa’s remarkable imagery and some of the active ideals behind certain tales are explored, as are the roles of the Shudra and women in Sanskrit literature from the 5th to the 11th centuries.

There are also two essays in the book focusing on the position of women in ancient India, one of which complements the other. One essay provides a lengthy discussion on the status of courtesans and their dual valuation from the time of the Rig Veda to the 6th century AD, while the other is titled "Women in Vedic Literature."

Without a doubt, this book will offer readers a deeper understanding of ancient India from multiple perspectives.