Preface

The Nyaya and the Vaisesika are two important orthodox systems of Indian philosophy. There is no doubt that originally they represented two separate systems. But there is also no doubt about the fact that the two were closely allied with each other from a very early period. Specially, the Nyaya authors and commentators were very much friendly to the Vaisesika system and they quoted, referred to, and also explained on many occasions the different Vaisesika doctrines. Many of the early Vaisesika works are lost. But it appears that through the centuries the Vaisesika views have been developed admirably by the commentators of the Nyaya. In the present thesis I have tried to trace the Vaisesika doctrines which have been specially noted and treated in many of the important works of the Nyaya system. I have also tried to show how the Nyaya authors have further developed the Vaisesika views and whether there has been any deviation or not.

The present study has been completed under the supervision of Professor Sarbani Ganguli, Department of Sanskrit, Jadavpur University, Kolkata. Without her invaluable help it would not have been possible for me to complete this work. She has extended all necessary help to me and devoted a lot of her valuable time in helping me to get an access into the intricacies of the subject. I am indeed very grateful to her.

I have also received valuable help from my teacher, Mrinal Kanti Gangopadhyay, formerly Asutosh Professor of Sanskrit, Calcutta University.

Naturally I have received help from the works of many earlier scholars and authors. I record my indebtedness to all of them. I am also thankful to all the teachers and employees of the Department of Sanskrit, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, for their goodwill and co-operation.

DIPTASREE SOM