"First published in 1962 by Popular Prakashan Pvt. Ltd"--Title page verso.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Social and economic aspects of the Bhagavadgītā -- Urvaśī and Purūravas -- At the crossroads : a study of mother-goddess cult sites -- Pilgrim's progress : a contribution to the prehistory of the western Deccan Plateau -- The village community in the "old conquests" of Goa.

"These essays are based upon profound study of literary sources and carefully planned field work--a unique combination not to be found elsewhere. Fresh data and logical interpretation cast fresh and novel light on the origins and development of Indian culture. Prof. Kosambi has raised and solved questions of vital importance to all those interested in the study of Indology: The data of Karle Caves; the background of Kalidasa's plays; the significance of the great Pandharpur pilgrimage; the economic, cultural and historical basis of the Goan struggle for reunion with India--these are a few of the many fascinating problems analysed by the author. The work is most refreshing in its range of new material presented here for the first time. Original discoveries of megaliths, microliths, rustic superstition and peasant customs. Prof. Kosambi makes an impressive use of scientific methods in many fields: archaeology, ethnography, philology. His masterly analysis is logically consistent and profoundly stimulating. The conclusions are often startling, but always convincing and undeniably important as a landmark in the study of Indian tradition"--Provided by publisher.