The present study is divided into three parts, intended to answer three main questions. Despite ramifications, the questions are interconnected and may be viewed as three aspects of one basic question, namely that of the tension in ancient India between science and its opposite. From the viewpoint of science, the latter is referred to as the counter-ideology.

The first part of the study discusses the question of science and its decline the ancient India. It begins with a brief sketch of some of the prominent theoretical achievements of Indian science
during its creative period. This is followed by an account of how the ideological requirements of the hierarchical society militate against these and finally stifle science.