The book is a maiden voyage to compile and analyze the interpretations of ancient Indian law in modern historiography. There has been a dearth of books with historiographical approach to the study of classical Indian law, despite the fact that law has occupied a prominent place in the historical studies over the past two hundred years. Starting from British ideologist Sir Williom Jones, the historian owing allegiance to different school like Imperialism, Nationalism, Marxism and postmodernism commented fervently upon the ancient Indian law. Irrespective of their interpretive models, such comments and studies have broadened our understanding of the ancient Indian law and enriched the historiography of the same.
But the comprehensive study of such vast intellectual heritage, remained a virgin territory. The follower of ancient history confined themselves to Sutra-Smriti texts and those from the law schools focused on post independent codified Hindu law.
In this backdrop, the present work, by studying the modern historiography of ancient Indian law stands to be the first of its own kind.
