Preface

During my post graduate classes I became interested in the Purāṇa literature. It was a favour from God that by His grace and suggestions from my revered teachers I have got the chance to choose a topic on Purāṇa literature for my Ph.D research work. Eventually I choose Matsyapurāṇa for the purpose. Honestly I must admit that I did not have clear idea about the vastness of the Purāṇas specially of the Matsyapurāṇa at that time. After going through the Matsyapurāṇa I have come to know that this Purāṇa is a stockpile of knowledge. Although the contents of this Purāṇa increased my interest on this particular subject but at the same time I became nervous as it was a big challenge for me. But with the mental strength that I have found in the words of Prof. Sujata Purkayastha who had taken the responsibility to guide me on this comparatively difficult task, I proceeded.

After choosing my Research topic I have gone through many good books on the Matsyapurāṇa but during this time I have not found any such work which entirely covers all the aspects of the Matsyapurāṇa. The Matsyapurāṇa has covered almost all the topics from mythology to religion, from history to geography and from art and architecture to politics of the then India. By going through this Purāṇa one would definitely be able to collect huge information specially on the political system and art and architecture of ancient Hindu civilization. Therefore, a humble attempt is made in this thesis by focusing all the important aspects of the Matsyapurāṇa in one single work.

Altogether the thesis is divided in to nine chapters including Introduction and Conclusion. The Second chapter deals with the literary elements as found in the verses of the Matsyapurāṇa. The Third chapter consists with the information of the history as narrated in the passage of this Purāṇa. The long genealogies of kings and princes who reigned in ancient India constitute a vast topic which embellishes this chapter itself. The Fourth chapter is also a vast chapter as it deals with the religious aspects of the Matsyapurāṇa. Here, two prime related topics i.e., dāna and vrata are highlighted. The next chapter deals with the philosophical aspects of the Matsyapurāṇa where theory of creation and the philosophies like Yoga and Sāṃkhya are discussed mainly. The Sixth chapter elaborates the then political system of India. The Seventh chapter focuses on the data on art and architecture and the Eighth chapter presents the geographical information as reflected in the Matsyapurāṇa where seven continents, rivers, mountains, places of pilgrimage are the main topic of discussion. In the Ninth chapter, concluding remarks are given based on the discussions made in the previous chapters.

Lastly, I must admit that in spite of my utmost care, there may be some mistakes and shortcomings in my exposition and interpretation.

Kushal Kalita

Date: 24.04.19