6_Glorious_Epochs_of_Indian_History

7
J Glorious Epoch
CHAPTER 1
CHANDRAGUPTA—CHANAKYA I
1. According to modern historical research, the first
phase of the dawn of our national life dates back almost
from five to ten thousand years ago^. Like that of China,.
Babylon, Greece and other ancient nations our ancient his­
tory, too, is clothed in the poetical garb of mythology. It is
replete with anecdotes, folk-lore, and deification of national
heroes and heroines, and resorts to supernatural and symbolic
description. Yet these ancient mythologies (Puranas) of ours
are the pillars supporting the edifice of our ancient history*.
Just as these extensive Puranic texts of ours are a magni­
ficent treasure of our ancient literature, our knowledge, our
glorious deeds and our grandeur and wealth, in a similar way
they are a vast store-house of the accounts of our past, desul­
tory, chaotic, even at times, ambiguous though it may be.
2. Our 'Puranas, however, are not 'history' pure and
unadulterated'.
3. Hence, I propose to set aside the consideration of
the 'Pauranic times' in the present context. For the 'Glorious
The number indicate reference to the book given in the Appendix.