Reviews
Summary
This section of the volume, compiled by N.M. Kansara, contains detailed reviews of several recent publications in Indological studies. The first review evaluates the Āyāraṅga Word Index and Reverse Word Index and the Suyagaḍa Word Index and Reverse Word Index compiled by Morichi Yamazaki and Yumi Ousaka. Kansara summarises the editors’ methods of producing pada indices for early Jain Āgamic texts, comments on the value of such tools for researchers, and notes areas where the compilers might refine their approach. He stresses the importance of basing indices on critical editions and the need to consider Prakrit variants. The section then reviews Śivasvāmin’s “Kapphiṇābhyudaya,” a Sanskrit poem edited by Gauri Shankar with Romanised cantos contributed by Michael Hahn. The reviewer situates the poem within the literary revival of 9th‑century Kashmir, praises Śivasvāmin’s imagination and technical skill, and provides context for the story of King Kapphiṇa. Other reviews discuss works on linguistic studies, Buddhist philosophy, and editions of Jain texts. For each book, Kansara outlines the main arguments, assesses editorial quality and comments on the contribution to its field. He occasionally notes shortcomings such as typographical errors, inadequate introductions or lack of reference to contemporary scholarship. The reviews demonstrate Kansara’s wide reading and his commitment to improving scholarly standards. Taken together, this section serves as a guide for readers seeking reliable secondary literature and reveals the vitality of research on Indian languages, literature and religion during the mid‑1990s.
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Conclusion
The review section curated by N.M. Kansara functions as both critique and appreciation of recent Indological publications. By summarising and evaluating a diverse set of works, Kansara provides guidance for scholars while encouraging higher editorial standards. His assessments reveal the growing sophistication of textual tools and highlight the continued relevance of classical literature in contemporary research.