Ancient Indian Tradition and Mythology

The Ancient Indian Tradition and Mythology (AITM) series is a monumental scholarly project published by Motilal Banarsidass that renders classical Sanskrit Puranic literature into English.

Spanning over 70 volumes, this collection serves as an authoritative encyclopaedia of Hindu cosmology, theology, ritual practices, genealogy, and cultural history.

Spearheaded by prominent Indologists and scholars including J. L. Shastri, G. P. Bhatt, and N. A. Deshpande, the series translates major texts such as the Śiva Purāṇa, Liṅga Purāṇa, Agni Purāṇa, Bhāgavata Purāṇa, Garuḍa Purāṇa, and Skanda Purāṇa.

Each volume features detailed footnoting, scholarly introductions, contextual glossaries, and comprehensive indexes, making ancient Vedic and Puranic traditions accessible to academic researchers and spiritual seekers worldwide.

Overview and Scope

• Extensive Coverage: The series spans over 70 volumes, rendering the vast Sanskrit Puranic corpus into readable, unabridged English prose.
• Core Subject Matter: It covers ancient Indian cosmology, genealogy, mythology, philosophy, temple architecture, ritual liturgy, ethics, and socio-cultural history.

Key Translated Puranas

The series systematically translates major Mahapuranas, including:

• Shiva Purana & Linga Purana: Essential texts detailing Shaiva theology, rituals, and cosmic manifestations.
• Bhagavata Purana, Garuda Purana & Narada Purana: Major Vaishnava scriptures covering avataric lore, devotion (bhakti), and eschatology.
• Skanda Purana: The largest of all Puranas, occupying dozens of volumes within the series, detailing sacred geography (tirtha-mahatmya) and regional legends.
• Agni Purana & Brahma Purana: Encyclopaedic texts encompassing medicine, polity, martial arts, and rituals alongside mythology.
• Kurma, Varaha, Brahmanda, Padma, and Vayu Puranas: Standard texts dealing with creation cycles, dynasties, and philosophical discourses.

Scholarly Significance

• Unabridged Translations: Unlike condensed retellings, the series provides complete verse-by-verse translations based on authentic Sanskrit recensions.
• Critical Annotations: Each volume features scholarly introductions, detailed explanatory footnotes clarifying obscure allegories, glossaries of Sanskrit terms, and comprehensive indices.
• Academic Reference: It serves as an authoritative primary source for Indologists, comparative religion scholars, historians, and students of Indian heritage.