Originally published in 1953, this book investigates the most important problems connected with the clan system of the Vedic Brahmans, and also presents the textual evidence for the details of that system at the end of the Vedic period. The volume is composed of an English translation of the Gotra-Pravara-Manjari of Purusottama-Pandita, together with an extensive introduction and critical notes. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the Brahmanical system and perspectives on Indian religion and society.

The Book Takes A Fresh Look At The Legacy Of Dr. G.S. Ghurye, A Pillar Of Indian Sociology. Through The Format Of This Dictionary The Author Takes A New Path. It Has The Widest Coverage Of Ghurye`S World Through All His Works And Papers. For The First Time The 80 Theses Done Under Him Have Been Documented In Short Entries. It Would Lead The Serious Reader To Some Unexplored By Laws Of Ghureye`S World And Also Of Indian Sociology.

Ascetics and mystics have played a prominent role in the development of nearly all religious traditions. The particular importance of such figures within Hinduism is especially evident in the traditions recounted of the Seven Rsis - the seven archetypal sages or seers who are depicted as being more important and powerful than even the gods themselves indeed, through their asceticism the Rsis become the progenitors of the gods, as also of men, demons and all other orders of creation. Traditions of the Seven Rsis is the first systematic study of these traditions and consists of two separate but closely related parts. The first part is a text-historical examination of how and when different traditions were formulated, while the second part explores the various activities and ideas associated with the Seven Rsis. Basing his study on the Sanskrit sources, but making use also of Tamil, tribal and non-Indian sources, Dr Mitchiner sets out the main traditions associated with the Seven Rsis and traces the underlying themes in those traditions, particularly that of the creative role of these ascetic figures. The work encompasses a wealth of original literary material, much of it previously un-translated and is both a sourcebook of the Rsi traditions and a study of the historical development, symbolic meaning and interconnectedness of those traditions, illustrating above all the dynamically creative role of the ascetic and mystic within Hinduism.