Criminal Justice & Criminology

Forensic Science in Ancient India
Editors: Mahipal Singh Sankhla, PhD
Swaroop S. Sonone

Forensic Science in Ancient India

In production
Pub Date: Forthcoming August 2026
Hardback Price: $190 USD | £150 UK
Hard ISBN: 9781779644800
E-Book ISBN: 9781779644817
Pages: Est. 304 pages index
Binding Type: Hardback / ebook
Notes: 9 color and 32 b/w illustrations

Forensic science, often viewed through the lens of modern technology and contemporary law enforcement, has deep and fascinating roots that stretch far into the annals of human history. This new book, Forensic Science in Ancient India, explores and celebrates the remarkable contributions of ancient Indian civilization to the evolution of forensic practices.

Drawing from rich historical sources, legal texts, and classical literature, this volume delves into how ancient Indian societies applied scientific reasoning to investigate crimes, examine evidence, and deliver justice. It highlights the multifaceted nature of forensic knowledge in ancient India.

Chapters cover the development of forensic science in ancient India, the civilization and legal system, crime scene investigation, forensic medicine, questioned documents analysis, toxicology and poisons, judicial restitution and compensation, punishments, and how forensic science in ancient India has influenced modern forensics.

Each chapter, authored by scholars and practitioners from diverse backgrounds, presents a unique aspect of ancient Indian forensic practices. Together, they paint a vivid picture of a sophisticated justice system that seamlessly integrated empirical observation, moral philosophy, and legal acumen.

Forensic Science in Ancient India serves as a valuable resource for students, researchers, and enthusiasts of forensic science, history, and law. It stands as a tribute to the ingenuity of ancient Indian scholars and the enduring legacy they have left behind in the pursuit of truth.

CONTENTS:
Preface

1. Introduction to Forensic Science in Early India
Swaroop S. Sonone, Rohan Vishwas Jadhav, Pooja Ippar, Anuj Sharma, and Mahipal Singh Sankhla

2. Development of Forensic Science in Ancient India: Decoding the Past
Kanika Chauhan and Nishchal Soni

3. Ancient Indian Civilization and Legal System
Kavita, Amrita Dey and Spriha Sharma

4. Crime Scene Investigation in Ancient India
Gurleen Kaur, Debhjit Mukherjee, Bhavika Moza, and Amandeep Kaur

5. Forensic Medicine in Ancient India
Gunika Chaudhary and Shipra Rohatgi

6. Questioned Documents Examination in Ancient Times
Nitin Tyagi, Rajeev Kumar, and Akansha Tyagi

7. Toxicology and Poisons in Ancient India
Nimish Dhakad, Sachil Kumar, Poornima Mansoria, Saloni Dhakad, and Shipra Rohatgi

8. Restitution and Compensation in Ancient Society: Perspectives from the Arthashastra
Marathe Madhuri and Chhatre Yogita

9. Influence of Ancient Indian Forensic Science
Akshita Saini, Gurleen Kaur, Jyoti Dalal, and Kiran Kumari

10. Forensic Toxicology and Poisons in Ancient India: Historical Insights and Enduring Legacies
Shital Thacker and Mahesh Vasava

11. Trends of Punishments in Ancient India
Pancham Preet Kaur, Aseem Grover, and Gurvinder S. Bumbrah

Index


About the Authors / Editors:
Editors: Mahipal Singh Sankhla, PhD
Assistant Professor in Forensic Science, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, K. R. Mangalam University, Gurugram, Haryana, India

Mahipal Singh Sankhla, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in Forensic Science at the School of Basic and Applied Sciences, K. R. Mangalam University, Gurugram, Haryana, India. He holds BSc (Hons.), MSc, and PhD degrees in Forensic Science from Galgotias University, Greater Noida. Dr. Sankhla specializes in forensic toxicology, heavy metal toxicity, environmental forensics, nanotechnology, and fingerprint analysis. His professional training includes tenures at FSL Lucknow, CBI-CFSL New Delhi, Codon Institute of Biotechnology, and RSMML Udaipur. He previously served at Chandigarh University and Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur. He has been awarded a DST-funded Junior Research Fellowship at MNIT Jaipur, along with Young Scientist, Young Researcher, and Forensic Researcher Awards. As a mentor for NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission, he supports STEM development in schools. Dr. Sankhla has published over 170 peer-reviewed articles, over 30 book chapters, and edited 11 books, and he holds two copyrights, one German patent, three design grants, and more than 70 Indian patents. He is an active member of editorial boards, review panels, and organizing committees of national and international scientific events.

Swaroop S. Sonone
Assistant Professor, School of Behavioural and Forensic Sciences, JSPM University, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Swaroop S. Sonone is an Assistant Professor in the School of Behavioural and Forensic Sciences at JSPM University, Pune, Maharashtra, India. Beyond his academic pursuits, Mr. Swaroop advocates to raise awareness about the critical role of forensic science in society. His engaging talks at various forums highlight the importance of forensic techniques in unraveling complex cases and ensuring justice. Dedicated to knowledge dissemination, he has been actively participating in national and international conferences, workshops, and research-related activities, contributing innovative research and insights that further enhance the collective understanding of forensic practices. As an avid researcher, Mr. Swaroop has made significant contributions to the academic landscape by publishing papers in Scopus- and Web of Science-indexed journals. His research area includes forensics, digital forensics, cyber forensics, mobile forensics, cyberpsychology, judicial aspects of forensics, applications of digital technologies in forensics, etc. He completed his masters degree in Forensic Science, specializing in Digital & Cyber Forensics.




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