Sukumari Bhattacharji’s writings have always evoked mixed reactions. Scholars may agree or disagree with her but her analysis can never be ignored. An astute and revered indologist, having a fine sense of literature, history and cultural movements, she makes this book a unique work offering new, penetrating insights into classical Sanskrit literature never before attempted. She analyses all major works of Sanskrit literature produced between the third century BC to the sixteenth century AD and sets them against the age and culture in which they were produced. She is forthright and original in her estimate of literary masterpieces as well as poor imitations, and thereby starts a new trend in the criticism of these texts.

Sukumari Bhattacharji, since retiring from the Department of Sanskrit, Jadavpur University, has been a visiting fellow at various institutes. Considered one of the leading scholars of Sanskrit in India today, her writings have acquired added significance at a time when Sanskrit texts are being frequently misinterpreted and misquoted. Amongst her many publications are The Indian Theogony published by Cambridge University Press.