This volume investigates the intricate relationship between the study of Sanskrit and the broader intellectual and political landscape of Germany from the mid-18th to the mid-20th century. The book traces the evolution of Indology and comparative linguistics within German universities, examining the influence of German travelers to India, the foundational work of scholars like Friedrich Schlegel, and the reception of Indian texts such as the Bhagavadgita and Buddhist philosophy. It further explores the connections between Indology and racial theories, providing a comprehensive historical analysis of these academic disciplines.

The essays in this volume offer a thoroughly researched history of Sanskrit philology and comparative linguistics, situating these fields within German intellectual and political history. The collection examines key figures, texts, and theoretical developments, including the impact of Indology on racial theory. The studies aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the discipline's evolution and its broader societal connections.