Synopsis The present monograph by Dr. Shankar Goyal seeks to study problems of ancient Indian history and culture with a new approach. As Dr. Goyal’s main area of interest is historiography, the present work includes several articles on the problems of historiography in which he has analysed the perceptions of earlier scholars thoroughly in the light of his own. Further, he has studied the new source materials which is coming to light every year. Dr. Goyal is extremely interested in Maurya and Gupta periods. He feels personally concerned with the theme of Gupta golden or classical age. In the present monograph he has severely criticised those Marxist historians who dismiss the golden age model as merely an utopia. It is generally believed that Bana was a stauch follower of the Brahmanical culture. It is basically true, but Dr. Shankar Goyal has very cogently argued, and that too for the first time, that Bana was also a great critic of such customs a sati and such concepts as the divinity of kings. He was also a critic of the then administrative structure. These are some of the new dimensions which Dr. Goyal has boldly articulated in the present monograph. We hope that it will be found not only interesting but also highly informative and provide a new perception for looking at our ancient past.