AC 7‐6‐13 

Item no. 4.2 

 
 
               UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI 
 

          Revised Syllabus for the M.A. 
                                               Program: M.A.  

        Course: (Ancient Indian History, 

          Culture & Archeaology)  

                                          Semester I to IV 
         

 (Credit Based Semester and Grading System  
          with effect from the academic year 2013–2014) 
 

1 
 
  

M.A. (Ancient Indian History,Culture & Archeaology)

Syllabus as per Credit Based and Grading System

Ancient Indian History,Culture And Archaeology

1. Syllabus as per Credit Based and Grading System.

i. Name of the Program: M.A. (96 Credits)

ii. Course Code: ‐ PAAIC

iii. Course Title: Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology

iv. Semester wise Course Contents: ‐ Listed below

v. References and additional references: ‐Listed below

v
i Sem III
.C I Religion and Philosophy I
CII Language and Literature I
OI Indian Aesthetics
C
rOII Economic History
eOIII History and Culture of SouthEast
d Asia
iOIV History and Culture of East Asia
Sem IV
t
C I Religion and Philosophy II
CII Language and Literature II
sO I Cultural Tourism
tOII Cultural History and Archaeology of
Maharashtra
OIII Social life in Ancient India2 
 
OIV Science and Technology in Ancient
India
 ructure: I Sem / II Sem - 24 / 24

Minimum Qualification for Teachers:

Course Code Name of the Course Minimum Qualification of Teachers

PAAIC Religion and Philosophy M.A. in Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology,
History, Sanskrit,
PAAIC Language and Literature M.A. in Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology,
History, Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit
PAAIC Indian Aesthetics M.A. in Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology,
History, Sanskrit
PAAIC Economic History M.A. in Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology,
History,
PAAIC History and Culture of South M.A. in Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology,
East Asia History,
PAAIC History and Culture of East Asia M.A. in Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology,
History,
PAAIC Religion and Philosophy II M.A. in Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology,
History, Sanskrit
PAAIC Language and Literature II M.A. in Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology,
History, Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit
Cultural Tourism M.A. in Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology,
History,
Cultural History & Archaeology M.A. in Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology,

3 
 
 of Maharashtra History,
Social life in Ancient India M.A. in Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology,
History,
Science and Technology in M.A. in Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology,
Ancient India
History,

Sem.III

Core Course I – ( C I)
Religion and Philosophy
1. To make student aware with the Religion-philosophy.
2. To make student aware of the importance of religious beliefs and philosophical studies
3. To make students aware with the Sociological, ritualistic and philosophical methods of
study.

Unit I – Religion in early period

Understanding Pre and Proto Historic religious beliefs with the help of
contemporary aboriginal beliefs and religious structure: Fertility and Prosperity
rituals, Nature worship, role of shamans and Ozas.

Unit II-Religious Beliefs and Faiths of the Vedic Period

Cult of sacrifice, Nature worship, Polytheism, Monotheism, Cosmology and
Cosmogony.

Unit III – Astika Darshanas (Early Formative Stage)

Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa and Vedanta

Unit IV – Religious Beliefs and Philosophy as seen in Epics, Puranas and

Agamas. (Early Formative Stage)

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Epic & Puranic –General tenets, harmony, synthesis, teertha, vratas, Saivism ,
Shaktism ,Vaisnavism.

Recommended Readings
Chakraborty,D.P.-Lokayata and other Sects
Bhandarkar,R.G.1965,Vaisnavism,Shaivism and Minor Religious
Systems(reprint).varanasi:Indological Book House
Madhavacharya-Sarvadarshanasangraha
Sharma,Ckladhara-Systematic Survey of Indian Philosophy
Dasgupta,S.N.-History of Indian Philosophy (Vols.1-5)
Fergussion , J.1971 Tree and Serpent Worship (reprint),Delhi:Oriental
Publishers
Gonda,J. 1970.Visnuism and Saivism, London:University of London
Gonda J.1985.Change and Continuity in Indian Religion.New
Delhi:Munshiram manoharlal
O’Flaherty,Wendy,D.1973.Asceticism and Eroticism in the mythology of
Siva.Oxford:Oxford University Press
Hirayannna,K.-Outlines of Indian Philosophy

5 
 
Core Course II ( C II)
 

Language & Literature

In an endeavour to understand of Ancient Indian History, Culture and

Archaeology in all the parameters ,this paper aims to provide a sound tool to
collect the literary data and analyze it thoroughly.

Unit I - Indo-Aryan Languages and Sanskrit

a) Indo Aryan Languages and Sanskrit

b) Nature of Early Sanskrit Literature (Vedic literature: Contents and
Linguistic Peculiarities)
c) Shadangas

Unit II Epics

1. Ramayana and Mahabharata: Chronology and Contents

2. Buddhist and Jain Parallels of stories/ legends/akhyanas (Nala
Damayanti, Dasharatha ,Rishyashringa, Shibi, Three
birds(Suvarnaprabhasa), Karakandu, Mandhata

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 3. Folk versions of Epics and their nature- Story of Mahisha, Jambhula
Akhyana, Mukteshwara, Rukmini Svayamvara, Renukamahatmya

Unit III: Puranas and Smritis

1. Nature of Contents, Chronology of major and minor Puranas

2. Smriti (Manu, Yajnavalkya, Devala, Narada, Gautama ) Literature:
A review
3. Purpose and socio-religious applications in the folk literature-
Durgabai Bhagavata, Chaturmasya-Vrata-katha, mahatmya

Unit IV Classical Sanskrit Literature

a) Poetry-Ashvaghosh, Kalidasa, Bharavi

Drama- Charudatta, Bhana,Nagananda

b) Prose –Kadambari

Didactic – Pancatantra, Hitopadesha

Historical – Vikramankadevacharita

Reference Books

1. Dey S.C. –History of Sanskrit Literature

2. Warder A.K. - History of Indian Literature
3. Kunhan raja ,C.1962.Survey of Sanskrit Literature .Bombay: Bharatiya
Vidya Bhavan
4. Macdonell,A.A.1917.A Histrory of Sanskrit Literature .London: William
Heinman.
5. Winternitz, M.1972 Historyof Sanskrit Literature(3 Vols)New
Delhi:Oriental Book Reprint Corporation.
6. Gawronski, A. (2010.) Studies about the Sanskrit Buddhist Literature.
Charleston, SC: BiblioBazaar,
7. Winternitz, M. (1998 )A History of Indian Literature vol. I-III, Delhi:
Motilal Banarsidass,.
8. Coulson, Michael. ( 1992 )Sanskrit: An Introduction to Classical 
Language. Sevenoaks: Hodder & Stoughton. 
9. Gonda, J. (1966 )A concise elementary grammar of the Sanskrit 
language: with exercises, reading selections, and a glossary. Leiden: E.J. 
Brill,  

7 
 
 10. Law, B.C. History of Pali Literature, 2 volumes; Varanasi: Bharatiya
Publishing House, 1974.
11. Davids, T.W. Rhys , Buddhist Birth Stories (Jataka Tales), Indological
Book House, Varanasi, 1973.
12. Cowell E.B., Jataka, , New Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers,
1990.
13. Kapadia,h.R.1944, Jaina Religion and Literature.Lahore
14. Katre,S.M. 1964.Prakrit and their Contribution to Indian Culture. Poona:
Deccan College

Optional Course- ( O I )
Indian Aesthetics
1. To make student aware with the Indian Aesthetics.
2. To make student aware of the importance of literary studies

3. To make students aware with the Indian and western methods of studying Literature and
Art History

Unit I- Fundamentals of aesthetics-

Western & Indian: Three levels of meaning

Unit II- Indian Aesthetics & Poetics

- Natyasahastra(Performing Arts)
1. ( RasaVichara):

- Literary traditions

1. Alankar School
2. Riti School
3. Vakrokti School
4. Auchitya School
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 5. Dhvani-

-Rasa & Dhvani traditions

Unit III Aesthetics of Architecture,-

Town planning, Forts,Vapis & Pushakaranis, Temples,Stupas

Unit IV Aesthetics of Sculpture & Paintings

From aniconic to iconic , Iconometry, Rasa in Paintings,

Bibliography

1. Podar Rashmi- Rasa and Ananda- A Visual Discovery, A Doctoral Thesis,

university of Bombay, 1996.
2. Kalatattvakosa – A lexicon of fundamental concepts of the Indian Arts.
Vol. I-V. General Edition. Kapila Vatsyayan. Indira Gandhi National
Centre for the Artrs, New Delhi and Motilal Banarsidass Publishers
Pvt.Ltd. 1992.
3. Santarasa and Abhinavgupta’s Philosophy of Aesthetics. J.L.Masson &
M.V. Patwardhan. Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institutre, Poona, 1985.
4. Indian Aesthetics- An Introduction. V.S.Seturaman (Ed.). Macmillan India
Ltd., Madras, 1992.
5. Art Experience. M.Hiriyana. Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts,
New Delhi, Manohar, 1997.
6. Philosophy of Art, Virgil C Aldrich, 1963, Engelwood Cliffs, NJ
(Foundations of Philosophy Series).
7. An Introduction to Aesthetics, Dabney Toensend, Blackwell, 1997.

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Optional Course- ( O II )

Economic History
1. To make student aware with the Economic life.
2. To make student aware of the importance of economics.
3. To make students aware with the different methods of study in economics.

Unit I- Economic thought

a) Different stages of economy
b) Varta
c) Jain thought on development of human culture
Unit II - Agrarian Economy
a) Methods of Agriculture, Irrigation
b) Agricultural Products
c) Forests
Unit III Industrial Economy
a) Various arts & crafts
b) Growth of town life
c) Guilds
Unit IV -Trade & Commerce
a)Trade & trade –routes
b) Medium of Exchange, Banking, Weights & Measures
c) Fiscal economy

Recommended Readings
Chopra,P.N. ,B.N. Puri, and M.N.Das 1974.Social,Cultural and Economic
History of India. Delhi: Macmillian India.
Ghosh,A. 1973. The City in Early Historical India. Simla:Indian Institute of
advanced Study.
Maity, S. K. 1958. Economic Life in Ancient India in the Gupta
period.Calcutta:World Press Ltd.
Majumdar, R. C. 1922. Corporate Life in Ancient India. Calcutta: Calcutta
University
10 
 
Motichandra 1977. Trade and trade Routes in Ancient India New Delhi.
Abhinav Publications.
Rawlinson, H.G.1916.Intercourse between India and the Western World,
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Sharma R.S. 1987. Urban Decay in India. New Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal.
Sharma, R.S. 1985. Material Culture and Social Formation in Ancient India :
New Delhi : Macmillian India
Sharma, R.S. 1966. Light on early Society and Economy.Bombay: Manaktalas.
Sharma , R.S. 1965 Indian feudalism. Calcutta: Calcutta University.
Warmington , E.H. 1928 Commerce between the Roman Empire and
India.Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Wheeler,R. E.M.1954. Rome beyond the Imperial Frontiers. London: G.Bell
and Sons.Ltd.

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 Optional Course- ( OIII)
History and Culture of South-East Asia
Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Mainland & Indonesia

Unit I - Trade –
Trade guilds of South India, Trade with Eastern Coast, Material Culture
finds: images, beads, inscriptions, pottery (rouletted wares)

Unit II - Political Life-

Urbanization, statecraft, royal coronation, royal succession, based on
Rajasuya, Devaraja Cult

Unit III - Social Life –

Social structure- Brahmanas ,Kshatriyas, & other two Varnas, inequality-
local tradition , Position of women

Unit IV-Religion –
Buddhism: Hinayana, Mahayana
Hinduism – Pauranic & Agamic ,Saiva Siddhanta & Pancharatra,other
Tantric cults.

Bibliography
Majumdar R. C. 2008. Champa: History and CUltural of an Indian Colonial
Kingdom in the Far East 2nd - 16th Century A.D.. Reprint. New Delhi: Gyan
Publishing House.

History and Culture of Indian People , Vols 1-6, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan,
 
 
 

12 
 
Optional Course- ( O IV )

History and Culture of East Asia

China, Japan, Nepal, Tibet
Unit I -Trade –
Silk- route & Maritime Trade, Trade routes, articles of trade , famous
Travelers & Pilgrims

Unit II- Interactions between Local Religious traditions & Buddhism

, and their influence on the state & society

Unit III - Religion –

Northern Buddhism, Various Buddhist Sects in East Asia, Hinduism :
Saivism ,Vaisnavism, Saktism,
Tantrika Hinduism & Buddhism

Unit IV-Art & Architecture –

Temples, Monasteries, Stupas & Pagodas, Sculpture & Painting

Bibliography
Majumdar R. C. 2008. Champa: History and CUltural of an Indian Colonial
Kingdom in the Far East 2nd - 16th Century A.D.. Reprint. New Delhi: Gyan
Publishing House.

History and Culture of Indian People , Vols 1-6, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan,
 
 
 

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Semester IV
Core Course I - CI

Religion and Philosophy II

Unit I – Jainism
Non Vedic traditions including Lokayata and Jainism, Early Jainism
Shvetambara Jainism
Digambar Jainism
Development of Jainism in Western India in the Medieval Period

Unit II- Buddhism:

Non Vedic including Lokayata traditions and the Buddha
Theravada Buddhism
Mahayana and Advanced Mahayana Buddhism in Western India

Unit III- Development of Indian Philosophy in the medieval period:

Mahanubhava, Veerashaivism, Natha Sampradaya, Vedanta (Advaita, Dvaita
and Dvaitadvaita)

Unit IV- Development of Various Cults:

Lajja Gauri & Shakti Cults (Kolhapur, Tuljabhavani, Mahur)
Vithoba
Khandoba
Other Bhakti traditions (Dattatreya, Rama, Hanuman)

Recommended Readings
Chakraborty,D.P.-Lokayata and other Sects
Bhandarkar,R.G.1965,Vaisnavism,Shaivism and Minor Religious
Systems(reprint).varanasi:Indological Book House
Madhavacharya-Sarvadarshanasangraha
Sharma,Ckladhara-Systematic Survey of Indian Philosophy
Dasgupta,S.N.-History of Indian Philosophy (Vols.1-5)
Fergussion , J.1971 Tree and Serpent Worship (reprint),Delhi:Oriental
Publishers
Gonda,J. 1970.Visnuism and Saivism, London:University of London

14 
 
Core Course II – C II

Language and Literature II

Unit I: Buddhism

1. Canonical Literature – Tripitaka & Commentaries

2. Non Canonical Literature-Saundaranada,Buddhacharita,Milindapanho
3. Buddhist Sanskrit Literature-Vaipulyasutra

Unit II: Jain Literature

1. Canonical Literature-Svetambara canon
2. Non Canonical Literature-tattvarthasutra, dravyasangraha,
Samaraikachhakha
3. Jain Sanskrit Literature – Mahacharita, Vividhakalpateertha,
brihatkathakosha

Unit III: Regional Literature

1. Characteristic features and Linguistic peculiarities of Prakrit Language

and Literature
2. Prose-paumacariya, Poetry - Gathasaptashati and Grammar-Hemachndra
3. Sangama literature-Manimekalai, Silapadikaram, Tirukkural

Unit IV: Inscriptions, language and literature

1. Edicts of Ashoka
2. Dhara Prashasti of Arjunavarman
3. 84 cha lekha at Pandharpur (८४ चा लेख)

Reference Books

1. Dey S.C. –History of Sanskrit Literature

2. Warder A.K. - History of Indian Literature
3. Kunhan raja ,C.1962.Survey of Sanskrit Literature .Bombay:
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
4. Macdonell,A.A.1917.A Histrory of Sanskrit Literature .London:
William Heinman.

15 
 
 5. Winternitz, M.1972 Historyof Sanskrit Literature(3 Vols)New
Delhi:Oriental Book Reprint Corporation.
6. Gawronski, A. (2010.) Studies about the Sanskrit Buddhist Literature.
Charleston, SC: BiblioBazaar,
7. Winternitz, M. (1998 )A History of Indian Literature vol. I-III, Delhi:
Motilal Banarsidass,.
8. Coulson, Michael. ( 1992 )Sanskrit: An Introduction to Classical 
Language. Sevenoaks: Hodder & Stoughton. 
9. Gonda, J. (1966 )A concise elementary grammar of the Sanskrit 
language: with exercises, reading selections, and a glossary. Leiden: 
E.J. Brill,  
10. Law, B.C. History of Pali Literature, 2 volumes; Varanasi: Bharatiya
Publishing House, 1974.
11. Davids, T.W. Rhys , Buddhist Birth Stories (Jataka Tales), Indological
Book House, Varanasi, 1973.
12. Cowell E.B., Jataka, , New Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers,
1990.
13. Kapadia,h.R.1944, Jaina Religion and Literature.Lahore
14. Katre,S.M. 1964.Prakrit and their Contribution to Indian Culture.
Poona: Deccan College

16 
 
Optional Course- ( O I )

Cultural Tourism
1. To make student aware with the Cultural Tourism.
2. To make student aware with the importance of Tourism
3. To make students aware with the practical aspects of culture.

1. Tourism
a Definition & Scope.
b. Types of Tourism

2. Tourist resources of India

1. Natural
2. Manmade
3. Functioning Tourism Agencies:
1. I.T.D.C
2. M.T.D.C
4. State & National Economy.
Sustainable model of Cultural Tourism.
Cost – benefit ratio of monuments.

Recommended Readings
1) Robert Pockyard, Policy of law in Heritage Conservation, E & FN Spoon.
2) Kernal Balsar, The concept of the common heritage of Mankind, Vol. 30 Martinus Nijhoff.
3) Nicholas Stanley Price (ed), Historical & Philosophical issues in Conservation of cultural
heritage, getty education in the arts.
4) Richard Harrison (ed), Manual of Heritage Management, Butterworth Heineman.
5) Giorge Croci, Conservation & structural restoration of architectural Heritage, Computational
Mechanics.
6) Richard Prentice, Tourism & Heritage attractions, Queen Margaret College.
7) Wittlin Alma, The Museum, London, 1949.
8) Nego JMS, Tourism & Travel, Gitanjali Publication house, 1998.
9) Bhatia A, Tourism in Indian history & development, Delhi, 1978.
10) Davide T Herbert (ed), Heritage Tourism & society, Mausell.

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Optional Course- ( O II )

Cultural History & Archaeology of Maharashtra

Unit 1. Geographical divisions of Maharashtra and concept of Maharshtra

in Inscriptions and Puranas
a. Tribes and castes of Maharashtra
b. Markendeyapurana’s description of India with special reference to
Deccan: Tribes, Janapadas and Rivers.
c. Trimaharashtraka

Unit 2. Oral Tradition and Sacred, Secular Literature as a source of

cultural history of Maharashtra
Gahasattasai, Bruhadkatha, Lilavai, Lilavati, Dashakumaracarita, Jatakas,
Avadanas, Setubandha ,legends about historical figures

Unit 3.Archaeology of Maharashtra

Satavahana, Vakataka, Rashtrakuta and Yadava
Sites-Nasik, Kolhapur, Bhokardan, Paunar, Ter, Sanjan, Mandhal, Mansar,
Paithan & Nevasa

Unit 4- Development of Technology and Material Culture from earliest

times to Yadava period in Present Maharashtra –
Tool Industry , Pottery, Water management

Bibliography:

1. Sarthavaha : Motichandra

2. Maharashtratil Puratatva: S.B.Deo

3. Itihas-Prachin Kal (Vol. I & II ) : A.S.Pathak

4. Maharshtra Lok ani Sanskriti : Iravati Karve

5. Inscriptions of Satavahana & Kshatrapa : V.V.Mirashi

6. Inscriptions of Shilaharas : V.V.Mirashi

7. Inscriptions of Vakataka : V.V.Mirashi

8. Inscriptions of Kalchuri : V.V.Mirashi

18 
 
 9. Gazetteer of Bombay presidency Vol.I & II
Gathasaptashati:S.H.Joglekar

10. Historical Geography of Goa & Maharashtra : H. S. Thosar

11. Prachin Marathi Shilalekh : S. G. Tulpule

12. Marathi Nivadak Shilalekh: V. B. Kolate

13. Lilacaritra : V.B.Kolate

14. Historical Geography and Cultural Ethnography of Deccan : Sumati

Mulye

15. Natha Sampradayacha Itihas : R.C.Dhere

16. Datta Sampradayacha Itihas : R.C.Dhere

17. Lajjagauri : R.C.Dhere

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Optional Course- ( O III )
Social life in Ancient India
To make student aware with the social life.
To make student aware of the importance of tribal, social and legal studies
To make students aware with the Sociological and Anthropologically methods
of study.

Unit I –Fundamentals of Ancient Indian Society

Origin of society-theories of social stratification
Fundamental Views-Four purusharthas,Tririna,value-based society
Samskaras

Unit II Varna, Caste and Tribes

Origin of caste system
Untouchability
Tribal Society

Unit III Position of Women

Different stages of womanhood
Women in religion
Women in public life
Women & Economy

Unit IV Education
Religious
Secular
Universities

Recommended Readings
Altekar,A.S. 1973.Position of Women in Hindu Civilization.Delhi:Motilala
Banarasidass
Altekar,A.S. 1975 .Education in Ancient India.Varanasi:Manohar Prakashan
Banerjea, G. 1923.The hindu Law of Marriage and Stridhana.Calcutta: Calcutta
University.
Horner,D.B. 1930 Women under Primitive Buddhism.London:George
Routledge and sons ltd.
Kane,P.V. 1941.History of Dharmashastra (Vol.II,pt.I)Pune: B.O.R.I.
Kunhan Raja, C.1950 Some Aspects of Education in Ancient India. Adyar:
Library
Mookerjee, Radhakamal: Education in Ancient India
Pandey ,Raja Bali 1966 .Hindu Sanskaras.Varanasi:Chowkhamaba
Vidyabhavan.

20 
 
Sharma ,R.S. and V.Jha (eds.)1974.Indian Society: Historical Probings.New
Delhi:People’s Publishing House.

Optional Course- ( O IV )
INTRODUCTION & SURVEY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY IN
ANCIENT INDIA

Unit I-Sources for the study of science & technology in ancient India.
Literature
Archaeology
Unit II-Specific science & technology in ancient India.
Health care & medicine based on Yoga, Ayurveda
Astonomy, Mathematics
Water management
Fine Arts
Ashvashastra&Gajashastra
Vastushastra
Rasashastra
Metallurgy
Unit III-Urbanization & development of crafts & industries
Unit IV-Recent studies & modern investigation of ancient sciences &
technology.

Bibliography
Concise history of science in India- D.M. Bose, S.N Sen, B.V. subbarayappa.
Positive sciences of the Ancient hindus- Brajendranatha seal, Motilal
Banrasidas, Delhi 1958.
History of Chemistry in Ancient India & Medieval India, P.Ray- Indian
chemicals society, Calcutta 1956.
Charaka Samhita- a scientific synopsis, P.Ray & H.N Gupta National Institute
of sciences of India, New Delhi 1965.
Macdonnel A.A- History of Sanskrit literature.
Winternitz M- History of Indian literature Vol. I,II & III.
Dasgupta S.N & De S.K- History of Sanskrit literature Vol. I.
Ramkrishna Mission- cultural heritage of India Vol. I,II & III.
Majumdar R. C & Pushalkar A.D- History & culture of the Indian people, Vol.
I,II & III.
Keith A.B- History of Sanskrit literature.
Varadachari V- History of Sanskrit literature.
Chaitanya Krishna- A new History of Sanskrit

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