Reunderstanding Indian Philosophy (Some Glimpses)

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Is it determined by any geographical boundaries? Does it emerge out of cultural patterns of the society? With such and other basic questions Prof. Barlingay analyses the concepts theories and trends in philosophy as they have developed in our sub-continent over the ages. Although this account of philosophy is called ‘Indian’ he emphasises that the issues discussed by the ancient and medieval philosophers are essentially abstract and there is nothing ‘Indian’ about this philosophy are exclusively. Moreover, the understanding of Indian philosophy that has emerged in the past two centuries owes its direction and commitment to Indologist of Western orientation. Prof. Barlingay’s aim is to overview the Indian philosophy as presented by ancient and medieval philosophers and not the ‘re-routed’ interpretation. Hence, he refers to it as a ‘Re-Understanding ‘. In this challenging endeavor Prof. Barlingay has discussed in–depth and critically the basic issues and problems raised by the orthodox and unorthodox systems like Carvaka, Jain, Buddhism, Nyaya, Vaisesika, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva Mimamsa and Vedanta. The book is replete with his logical reasoning. Within its anthropological context the author establishes a epistemological, metaphysical and axiological significance of the Indian philosophy offering the reader a unique insight in the subject.

Prof.S.S.Barlingay (1919-1997) would be remembered as a teacher, educationist, journalist, social reformer, political activist rolled in one and for his markedly unorthodox views on different fields ranging from epistemology and logic to aesthetics and social philosophy.

Though a believer in concept of one-world and one international order, his belief in ‘Indianness’ is reflected in many of his writings, philosophic or otherwise. The present book is a unique example of this. Educated in Nagpur, Prof. Barlingay was associated with several national and international institutions from Amalner, Nanded and Pune to SV University, Tirupati, Delhi University, University of Zagreb, Croatia and University of Western Australia, Perth. He was founder editor of Indian philosophical Quarterly and Paramarsh (Hindi and Marathi). Dr. Barlingay was recipient of many academic honours and awards. He was a senior fellow of Indian Council of Historical Research (ICPR), national fellow of ICPR, national lecturer of University Grants Commission of Poona. Prof. Barlingay, traveled extensively in India and abroad, had authored several books in English, Hindi and Marathi.

While the book was at a preparatory stage, our beloved father, Prof. S.S Barlingay passed away. Publication of one of his last works remained our sole consideration. When Shri Susheel K. Mittal of D.K Printworld wished to continue with the publication, our gratitude knew no bounds. We are extremely grateful to Shri Mittal for taking personal interest in the publication of this work.

We are equally grateful to Dr. S.E. Bhelkey, Reader, Department of Philopophy, Pune University , without whose help, this monumental task would have become impossible.

Since the publication of this work was completed after the demise of Prof. Barlingay, some lapses might have remained inspite of all our efforts. We tender our apology for the same.