Bharatiya Darshan Shastra Ka Itihaas

The history of Indian philosophy is a rich and diverse tradition that spans several millennia, encompassing a wide range of philosophical schools and thought systems. This intellectual tradition reflects the cultural, religious, and spiritual complexity of India. Indian philosophy addresses fundamental questions about the nature of reality, the self, and the universe, and offers diverse paths for achieving knowledge, ethical living, and spiritual liberation.

Ancient and Vedic Period (Time Unknown)

Vedas and Upanishads:

• The earliest phase of Indian philosophy is rooted in the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. The Vedas consist of hymns, rituals, and philosophical discussions. The Upanishads, which are part of the later Vedic literature, mark a shift towards introspective and metaphysical inquiry. They explore concepts such as Brahman (the ultimate reality) and Atman (the individual soul) and form the basis of Vedanta philosophy.

Epic and Sutra Period (c. 500 BCE – 200 CE)

Itihasas and Dharmashastras:

• The epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana, and the Dharmashastras (legal and ethical texts) provide philosophical and moral teachings in narrative and prescriptive forms. The Bhagavad Gita, part of the Mahabharata, is a significant philosophical text that synthesizes various strands of Hindu thought.

Sutra Literature:

• During this period, several key philosophical systems were systematized in the form of sutras (concise aphorisms). Major schools include:
  1. Nyaya (Logic):
     • Founded by Gautama (Akshapada), the Nyaya school emphasizes logic, epistemology, and systematic reasoning. The “Nyaya Sutras” are the foundational text.
  2. Vaisheshika (Atomism):
     • Established by Kanada, the Vaisheshika school focuses on metaphysics and natural philosophy, proposing an atomic theory of the universe. The “Vaisheshika Sutras” are its main text.
  3. Sankhya (Enumeration):
     • Attributed to Sage Kapila, Sankhya is a dualistic system that distinguishes between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter). It provides a framework for understanding the evolution of the cosmos.
  4. Yoga:
     • Closely related to Sankhya, the Yoga school, systematized by Patanjali in the “Yoga Sutras,” emphasizes practical methods for attaining spiritual liberation through physical and mental discipline.
  5. Mimamsa (Ritual Exegesis):
     • Founded by Jaimini, Mimamsa focuses on the interpretation of Vedic rituals and the principles of dharma. The “Mimamsa Sutras” are its foundational text.
  6. Vedanta (End of the Vedas):
     • Vedanta, based on the Upanishads, explores the nature of Brahman and Atman. The “Brahma Sutras” by Badarayana are a central text, and various sub-schools later emerged, interpreting these teachings differently.

Classical Period (c. 200 CE – 1200 CE)

Development of Schools and Philosophical Debates:

• This period saw the flourishing of diverse philosophical schools and extensive debates among them. Key developments include:
  1. Advaita Vedanta:
     • Propounded by Adi Shankaracharya, this non-dualistic school teaches that Atman and Brahman are identical and that the perceived multiplicity of the world is an illusion (Maya).
  2. Vishishtadvaita Vedanta:
     • Founded by Ramanuja, this qualified non-dualism posits that the individual soul (Atman) is distinct yet inseparably connected to Brahman.
  3. Dvaita Vedanta:
     • Established by Madhvacharya, this dualistic school maintains a fundamental distinction between the individual soul and Brahman.
  4. Buddhism and Jainism:
     • These non-Vedic traditions also developed sophisticated philosophical systems. Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), emphasizes the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Jainism, founded by Mahavira, teaches non-violence (ahimsa), non-attachment (aparigraha), and the many-sidedness of reality (anekantavada).

Medieval Period (c. 1200 – 1700 CE)

Bhakti and Sufi Movements:

• The medieval period saw the rise of devotional (bhakti) movements and Sufism, emphasizing personal devotion to God and mystical experiences. Philosophers and saints like Kabir, Mirabai, and Guru Nanak blended philosophical teachings with devotional practices.

Integration of Islamic and Indian Thought:

• The interaction between Islamic and Indian intellectual traditions led to new syntheses in philosophy, exemplified by scholars like Dara Shikoh, who translated Upanishadic texts into Persian.

Modern Period (c. 1700 CE – Present)

Colonial and Post-Colonial Developments:

• The encounter with Western philosophy during the colonial period led to new interpretations and adaptations of Indian philosophical ideas. Figures like Swami Vivekananda, Aurobindo, and Mahatma Gandhi integrated traditional Indian thought with contemporary concerns, emphasizing universalism, social justice, and non-violence.

Contemporary Indian Philosophy:

• Modern Indian philosophers continue to engage with both Indian and Western traditions, addressing global philosophical issues and contributing to fields like comparative philosophy, environmental ethics, and intercultural dialogue.

Conclusion

The history of Indian philosophy is a testament to the rich intellectual heritage of India, characterized by diverse schools of thought, rigorous debates, and profound insights into the nature of reality and the human condition. From the Vedic seers to contemporary philosophers, Indian philosophy has continuously evolved, integrating new ideas while maintaining its core principles. It remains a vibrant and influential tradition, offering timeless wisdom and fresh perspectives to the world.

Hindi Books On This Subject

There are two major books that describe the history of Indian Philosophy:

Bharatiya Darshan Shastra ka Itihaas by Devraj

Bharatiya Darshan Shastra ka Itihas by S. N. Dasgupt. It comes in five volumes.

Bharatiya Darshan by Devraj

Bharatiya Darshan K a Itihas by S. N. Dasgupt

Vol 1

Vol 2

Vol 3

Vol 4

Vol 5