Prachin Bharat Samaj O Sahitya

• Author: সুকুমারী ভট্টাচার্য (Sukumari Bhattacharya)
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers
• Language: Bengali
• Edition: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788170660897
• Pages: 236

Book Description:

প্রাচীন ভারত সমাজ ও সাহিত্য (Prachin Bharat Samaj O Sahitya) by Sukumari Bhattacharya is a compelling work designed to bridge the gap for readers curious about ancient Indian society and Sanskrit literature but hindered by language barriers. In this collection of essays, Bhattacharya provides an accessible yet thought-provoking exploration of topics such as the evolution of ancient Indian literature, the role of society, and the cultural foundations of the time.

The book covers a broad spectrum of subjects including the Vedic period, the philosophical contributions of figures like Yajnavalkya and the Upanishads, and the historical significance of works like the Mahabharata and Mṛcchakatika. One of the key themes in the book is the role of women in ancient Indian society, with several essays dedicated to the subject, including discussions on the position of women from the Rigvedic period to the 6th century CE.

Through a series of insightful and carefully crafted articles, the author brings forward a nuanced perspective on ancient Indian culture, social structures, and literature. This work not only appeals to those interested in Sanskrit literature but also offers valuable insights for anyone keen on understanding the historical and social context of ancient India.

About the Author:

Sukumari Bhattacharya was born in 1921 in Medinipur. She completed her M.A. in English Literature from Calcutta University in 1944 and later pursued a second M.A. in Sanskrit Literature, followed by a doctorate from Jadavpur University in 1966.

She taught English Literature at Lady Brabourne College and Sanskrit at Jadavpur University, from which she retired in 1986. An esteemed scholar and author, her works include Literature in the Vedic Age and The Indian Theogony. Bhattacharya was an active member of the Asiatic Society and a member of the Bengali Academy. Passionate about music, literature, and the arts, she also contributed significantly to the discourse on women’s progress and humanist values. Politically, she was a proponent of socialism, advocating for gender equality and progressive social thought.