Historiography of Ancient Indian Law: Paradigms from Imperialism to Postmodernism

Book Details

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Author: Shiva Kant Tiwari

• Language: English

• Edition: 2018

• ISBN: 9788131609255

• Pages: 213

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 1.0 inches

About the Book
This pioneering book offers an in-depth compilation and analysis of the historiographical interpretations of ancient Indian law. While the study of classical Indian law has played a prominent role in historical research over the last two centuries, there has been a scarcity of books adopting a historiographical approach to this subject. The work takes a critical look at how prominent historians, including British Indologist Sir William Jones, and those from various schools of thought such as Imperialism, Nationalism, Marxism, and Postmodernism, have commented on ancient Indian law.

Despite their varied interpretive models, these studies have significantly contributed to our understanding of ancient Indian law, enriching the historiography of the subject. However, a comprehensive study of this vast intellectual heritage remained unexplored until now. Historians focusing on ancient history have primarily concentrated on Sutra-Smriti texts, while those in law schools have focused on post-independence codified Hindu law.

In this context, the book stands as a first-of-its-kind work that addresses the historiography of ancient Indian law in a thorough and analytical manner. The author uses historiographical methodology, drawing from primary sources when necessary, to critically examine the assumptions of past historians. The various interpretations of ancient Indian law are presented in a clear and accessible language, offering a balanced and objective view on key topics such as Marital Laws, Son-ship and Adoption, Succession and Inheritance, Women's Property Rights, International Laws, and Laws of Judicature.

The book’s contents are structured to explore the evolution of legal studies through different lenses:

1. Modern Historiography: Special Reference to Ancient Indian Legal Studies

2. The Notion of Law in Ancient India: Reflections from Modern Historians

3. Interpretations of Social Legislation in Ancient India

4. Proprietary Laws in Ancient India: An Interpretational Insight

5. The Laws of State Affairs: Historiographical Perspectives

6. Judicial and Penal Laws: Historians’ Observations

This scholarly work presents a significant contribution to the field, addressing gaps in the historiography of ancient Indian law, and stands as a crucial resource for students, researchers, and legal historians alike.

About the Author
Shiva Kant Tiwari is a distinguished academic with a Ph.D. from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi. A Gold Medalist in his master’s degree, he was also honored with the prestigious A.S. Altekar Medal for academic excellence. Currently, he is actively contributing to the academic community with well-researched articles, particularly in the fields of historiography and gender studies, with a focus on new paradigms emerging in the discipline of history.