Translated by Daniilou's powerful rebuttal to the conventional view of India's history, which calls for a massive reevaluation of the history of humanity.
*Explores historical occurrences from each major time period starting with the first appearance of man 30,000 years ago.
*Couples the clarity and perspective of an outsider with the unique and specific knowledge of an insider.
*By the internationally recognized Hindu scholar and translator of The Complete Kama Sutra (200,000 copies sold).
Alain Daniilou approaches the history of India from a new perspective-as a sympathetic outsider, yet one who understands the deepest workings of the culture. Because the history of India covers such a long span of time, rather than try to create an exhaustive chronology of dates and events, Daniilou instead focuses on enduring institutions that remain constant despite the ephemeral historical events that occur. His selections, synthesis, and narration create a thoroughly engaging and readable journey through time, with a level of detail and comprehensiveness that is truly a marvel.
Because of the continuity of its civilization, its unique social system, and the tremendous diversity of cultures, races, languages, and religions that exist in its vast territory, India is like a history museum. Its diverse groups maintained their separate identities and never fully supplanted the culture and knowledge of their predecessors. Even today one may encounter in India primitive Stone Age people whose technology has remained at what is considered prehistoric levels. Thus Daniilou's examination of India reveals not only the diversity and historical events and trends of that country, but also thehistory of all mankind. Through Daniilou's history of India we learn from whence we came, what we have discovered over the years in the fields of science, arts, technology, social structures, religions, and philosophical concepts, and what the future may hold for us.
Publisher Marketing:
Alain Danielou approaches the history of India from a new perspective -- as a sympathetic outsider, yet one who understands the deepest workings of the culture. Because the history of India covers such a long span of time, rather than try to create an exhaustive chronology of dates and events, Danielou instead focuses on enduring institutions that remain constant despite the ephemeral historical events that occur. His selections, synthesis, and narration create a thoroughly engaging and readable journey through time, with a level of detail and comprehensiveness that is truly a marvel.
Because of the continuity of its civilization, its unique social system, and the tremendous diversity of cultures, races, languages, and religions that exist in its vast territory, India is like a history museum. Its diverse groups maintained their separate identifies and never fully supplanted the culture and knowledge of their predecessors. Even today one may encounter in India primitive Stone Age people whose technology has remained at what is considered prehistoric levels. Thus Danielou's examination of India reveals not only the diversity and historical events and trends of that country, but also the history of all mankind. Through Danielou's history of India we learn from whence we came, what we have discovered over the years in the fields of science, arts, technology, social structures, religions, and philosophical concepts, and what the future may hold for us.
Review Citations:
- Library Journal 02/01/2003 pg. 100 (ISBN 0892819235, Hardcover)
Contributor Bio: Alain Daniilou
Alain Daniilou (1907-1994) spent 20 years in India studying music and philosophy with eminent scholars of the Hindu tradition. He is the author of more than 30 books on the religion, history, and arts of India and the Mediterranean, including The Myths and Gods of India and The Hindu Temple, and is the translator of The Complete Kama Sutra.
Contributor Bio: Alain Danielou
Alain Danielou (1907-1994) was without question a Renaissance man. Following his early years as an artist, dancer, and musician in Paris (Cocteau, Diaghilev, and Stravinsky were among his friends), Danielou settled in India, where he spent fifteen years in the study of Sanskrit, philosophy, and music. After numerous university appointments in India, he returned in 1963 to Europe, establishing the Institute of Comparative Music Studies in Berlin for the reevaluation of Asian music. Danielou wrote more than thirty books about the philosophy, religion, history, and arts of India, including Gods of Love and Ecstasy; Myths and Gods of India; Virtue, Success, Pleasure, and Liberation; While the Gods Play; The Phallus; and The Complete Kama Sutra.
