Synopsis In cultural terms, western contact brought about some important changes in political ideology, educational programmes and psychological orientations in the receiving society. There was an inevitable tension between the two types of change; the culture of the west stimulated political consciousness of subject peoples and then made them react to colonial exploitation with increasing vehemence. The nationalist struggles in Asia, whether liberal or Marxist, became sharply focussed on the same goal; gradual or swift elimination of alien rule. A valuable overview of the interaction of history and sociology is presented in the following papers, commentaries and essays. From ancient times to the modern day, here is a clear analysis of Indian society in its diverse facets, constantly interacting, imbibing, assimilating and above all, evolving into its dynamic form.