Outlines of Indian Philosophy

The beginnings of Indian Philosophy take us very far back to about the middle of the second millennium before Christ. The speculative activity begun so early was continued till a century or two ago, so that the history that is narrated in the following pages covers a period of over thirty centuries. During this long period Indian thought developed practically unaffected by outside influence; and the extent as well as the importance of its achievements will be evident when it is mentioned that it has evolved several systems of philosophy, besides creating a great national religion - Brahmanism, and a great world religion - Buddhism.

The present work is based upon the lectures which Prof. Hiriyanna delivered for many years at the Mysore University. Its foremost aim has been to give a connected and, so far as possible within the limits of a single volume, a comprehensive account of the subject. Indian thought is considered in detail in three parts dealing with the Vedic period, the early post-Vedic period and the age of the systems.

Excerpts from reviews:

This classical exposition of the Outlines of Indian Philosophy by Prof. M. Hiriyanna can be recommended to all students and the general public interested in having a reliable and lucid book on the subject. First published in 1932 it has been used as a text book, giving a comprehensive and connected account of the subject in three parts dealing with the Vedic period, the Early post-Vedic period and the Age of the Systems.

K. Kunjunni Raja,
The Adyar Library Bulletin, 1994