‘The history of India is a history of the mortal conflict between Brahmanism and Buddhism.’ B.R. Ambedkar

Building on this premise, Gail Omvedt presents a radical new history of India. She rekindles the residual fire of Buddhism and shows us how—as the flame of enlightenment—it was a singular challenge to Brahmanic Hinduism. This pioneering work accounts for 2,500 years of the development of Buddhism, Brahmanism and caste in India. Brahmanism emphasised magic and ritual, rules and hierarchy, whereas Buddhism emphasised rationality and ethics, principles and individuality. Drawing on original sources from the Buddhist canon and recent literature, Omvedt chronicles Buddhism’s place in the development of Indian civilisation, and its role in the modern, industrial age.

With a Foreword by historian Uma Chakravarti.

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