First published between 1922 and 1955, ‘A History of Indian Philosophy Volume 1’ is written by Surendranath Dasgupta, in which he examines the principal schools of thought that define Indian philosophy. It elaborates on Buddhist and Jaina Philosophy and the six systems of Hindu thought; Samkara School of Vedanta besides the philosophy of the Yoga-vasistha and the Bhagavadgita; a detailed account of the principal dualistic and pluralistic system; the Bhagavata Purana, Madhva and his school; and Southern Schools of Saivism.
Professor Dasgupta describes philosophy as the most important achievement of Indian thought, arguing that understanding its history is necessary to appreciate the significance and potentialities of India's complex culture.