The beginnings of Indian Philosophy take us very far back to about the middle of the second millennium before Christ. The speculative activity begun so early was continued till a century or two ago, so that the history that is narrated in the following pages covers a period of over thirty centuries. During this long period Indian thought developed practically unaffected by outside influence; and the extent as well as the importance of its achievements will be evident when it is mentioned that it has evolved several systems of philosophy, besides creating a great national religion - Brahmanism, and a great world religion - Buddhism.

The present work is based upon the lectures which Prof. Hiriyanna delivered for many years at the Mysore University. Its foremost aim has been to give a connected and, so far as possible within the limits of a single volume, a comprehensive account of the subject. Indian thought is considered in detail in three parts dealing with the Vedic period, the early post-Vedic period and the age of the systems.

Excerpts from reviews:

This classical exposition of the Outlines of Indian Philosophy by Prof. M. Hiriyanna can be recommended to all students and the general public interested in having a reliable and lucid book on the subject. First published in 1932 it has been used as a text book, giving a comprehensive and connected account of the subject in three parts dealing with the Vedic period, the Early post-Vedic period and the Age of the Systems.

K. Kunjunni Raja,
The Adyar Library Bulletin, 1994