Ancient India boasts a rich literacy tradition that dates back more than 3,000 years. While the script of the Harappan civilization remains undeciphered, the literacy heritage of India has been preserved through an array of remarkable texts. This article delves into some of the most notable books and their authors from ancient India, shedding light on the profound knowledge and creativity that thrived in this period.
Here is the complete list of books and their authors in ancient India which holds great significance even today:
| Books and Authors in Ancient India | ||
| S. No. | Books | Author |
| 1. | Mudrarakshasa | Vishakhadatta |
| 2. | Rajtarangini | Kalhana |
| 3. | Kathasaritsagar | Shaivite Somadeva |
| 4. | Kamasutra | Vatsayana |
| 5. | Prashnottarmalika | Amoghavarsha |
| 6. | Swapanvasdattam | Bhasa |
| 7. | Buddha Charita | Asvaghosa |
| 8. | Natyashastra | Bharata Muni |
| 9. | Abhigyaan Shankuntala | Kalidasa |
| 10. | Vikramorvashi | Kalidasa |
| 11. | Raghuvansan | Kalidasa |
| 12. | Amarkosa | Amarasimha |
| 13. | Panchsidhantika | Varharmihara |
| 14. | Brihat Samhita | Varharmihara |
| 15. | Surya Sidhanta | Aryabhatta |
| 16. | Aryabhatta | Aryabhatta |
| 17. | Panch Tantra | Vishnu Sharma |
| 18. | Nitisara | Kamandaka |
| 19. | Aihole Prasasti | Ravi Kriti |
| 20. | Indica | Megasthanese |
| 21. | Arthasastra | Kautilya |
| 22. | Charaka Samhita | Charaka |
| 23. | Lilawati | Bhaskara II |
| 24. | Harshacharita | Banabhatta |
| 25. | Kadambari | Banabhatta |
| 26. | Nagananda | Banabhatta |
| 27. | Ratnavali | Banabhatta |
| 28. | Gathasaptashati | Hala |
| 29. | Astadhyayi | Panini |
| 30. | Mahabhasya | Patanjali |
| 31. | Mrichhakatika | Shudraka |
| 32. | Gitagovinda | Jayadeva |
| 33. | Navratna | Virsena |
The ancient books of India hold immense significances as they represent the intellectual and cultural heritage of a civilization that has endured for thousand of years. These texts cover a wide range of subjects, from literature and philosophy to science and governance, shaping the foundation of Indian knowledge systems. They continue to inspire and inform, serving as a testament to the profound wisdom and creativity of ancient Indian scholars and their enduring influence on the world.
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