The Basics of Indian Philosophy is a comprehensive introduction to the diverse philosophical traditions of India. Covering both the orthodox (sad-darsana) schools - Nyaya, Vaisesika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta - and the heterodox systems including Carvaka, Jainism, and Buddhism; this book provides a clear and accessible exploration of key philosophical concepts, debates, and worldviews. It also includes a discussion on the tribal or indigenous worldview, highlighting its communitarian and ecological perspectives. Designed for beginners and those seeking a foundational understanding, this book serves as an essential guide to the rich and profound heritage of Indian philosophy.

Contents

Preface
Introduction

Chapter 1: An Overview of Indian Philosophy

1. The Meaning and Nature of Indian Philosophy
2. History of Indian Philosophy
3. The Schools of Indian Philosophy System
4. Place of the Vedas in Indian Philosophical System
5. The Place of Authority and Reasoning in Indian Philosophy
6. The Common Characters of Indian System

Concluding Remarks

Chapter 2: Carvaka Philosophy

Introduction 

1. Carvaka’s Epistemology
2. Carvaka Metaphysics
3. Carvaka Ethics

Concluding Remarks

Chapter 3: Jaina Philosophy

1. Jaina Theory of Knowledge
2. Jaina Metaphysics
3. Jaina Theory of Judgement (Syad-Vada)
4. Jaina Theory of Anekantavada
5. Bondage of Soul and Liberation

Concluding Remarks

Chapter 4: Baudha Philosophy

1. Four Noble Truths
2. Dependent Origination (Pratityasamutpada)
3. Doctrine of Momentariness (ksanikavada)
4. The Doctrine of Not-Soul (Anatta)
5. Karma-Samsara and Nirvana

Concluding Remarks

Chapter 5: Nyaya School of Philosophy

1. Epistemology: The Sources of Knowledge (Pramanas)
2. Nature of Physical World
3. Individual Self and its Liberation
4. Arguments for the Existence of God
5. The Unseen Power (Adrsta)
6. Ethics

Concluding Remarks

Chapter 6: Vaisesika School of Philosophy

1. Categories of Existence (Padartha)
2. Atomism

Concluding Remarks

Chapter 7: Samkhya School of Philosophy

1. Theory of Knowledge
2. Samakhya Metaphysics

Concluding Remarks

Chapter 8: Yoga School of Philosophy

1. The Eight Limbs of Patañjali’s Yoga
2. The Place of God in Yoga

Concluding Remarks

Chapter 9: Mimamsa Philosophy

1. Theory of Knowledge (Pramana)
2. Authority of the Vedas
3. Supremacy of Vedas and Vedic Rituals
4. The Idea of Apurva

Concluding Remarks

Chapter 10: Vedanta School of Philosophy

1. Vedanta Critique of Mimamsa Philosophy
2. Major Schools of Vedanta

Concluding Remarks

Chapter 11: Tribal Worldview

1. Communitarianism among the Tribal or Indigenous People
2. Divine-Human-Creation Relations in Tribal Worldview

Bibliography

Rev. Dr. Rodinmawia Ralte is an ordained minister of the Baptist Church of Mizoram. He is currently a professor and the Dean of the Senate Centre for Extension and Pastoral Theological Research (SCEPTRE); Kolkata, as well as the Secretary of the Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore College (BTESSC), Kolkata. Previously, he served as an Associate Professor of Religion at Bishop’s College, Kolkata, and the North India Institute of Post Graduate Theological Studies (NIIPGTS). He also taught for several years at the Academy of Integrated Christian Studies (AICS), Aizawl. In June 2025, he will be joining AICS, Aizawl, as its Principal. His English publications include: (1) Hindus and Hindutva, (2) The Unveiled Christ of the Indian Gurus, (3) The Interface of Science and Religion, (4) Karma and Jñana in Sankara’s Advaita Vedanta, (5) Inter Religious Relations in India, and (6) Science and Religion. In addition, he has authored seven books in Mizo. He teaches M.Th. (Religion) and supervises D.Th. students at NIIPGTS. He has edited several books in English and has published more than 30 articles in various Indian and international journals. He is married to C. Laltanpuii, and they have three children - Laldinpuia Ralte, Lalruatfeli Ralte, and Vanlalawmpuii Ralte.