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This book was written and revised by my father, but unfortunately he did not live to see it published. The duty of, in some measure, still further revising it, and of seeing it through the Press, has therefore fallen upon myself.

The work is primarily meant for students, and if it can help to create in the heart of the rising generation a just pride in their national heritage, the deceased scholar's labours will be amply rewarded.

Opinions will almost inevitably differ as to the value of sources relied upon, and the soundness of conclusions reached, by the Author. To generous critics who would have me correct some slip or make good some omission I shall feel grateful.

My grateful thanks are due to Prof. S. Bhattacharji, M.A., of the Sanskrit College, Calcutta, and to Messrs. P. Gupta, M.A., and A. Raychaudhuri, M.A., for help received during the revision of the work.

I have to acknowledge a debt of gratitude to Mr. Donald A. Mackenzie, who has so kindly contributed a Foreword to the book. Mr. Mackenzie has expressed himself as being "particularly struck by observing how far advanced the deceased author was in his perception of the trend of anthropological discovery in India ".

Lastly, my thanks are due to members of the staff of our publishers, Messrs. Blackie & Son (India), Ltd., without whose interest and willing co-operation the book would never have seen the light of day.

A. C. BANERJI.

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