The paramount objective of this volume is to focus attention on the problems and planning of a Sourcebook of Indian Civilization, specially its first phase, which may be equivalent to what is generally referred to as the ’ancient period’ of Indian Civilization.

Leading research scholars and experts have contributed to this volume. In following the policy of encouraging multidisciplinary approach, the problems and planning of a Sourcebook have been viewed from many angles. The contributing authors include scholars from History, Literature, Archaeology, Sociology and Anthropology. The topics covered and discussed in this volume include: the ideas and difficulties with regard to a Sourcebook, its methodology and its chronological problems; guidelines for the utilization of such sources as literary, linguistic, religious, philosophical, social, economic, anthropological, fine arts and archaeology; and of sources from outside India specially in the other parts of South and Southeast Asia.