Select Contents of Oriental Journals
Summary
The ‘Select Contents of Oriental Journals’ section provides abstracts of articles published in various scholarly journals related to Indology and Oriental studies. The first entry summarises a paper from the Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute tracing the evolution of the personality of the Vedic god Indra. The author argues that neither the rain-god piercing the cloud-demon nor the sun-god melting the winter-devil adequately explains the Indra‑Vrtra myth; instead, he posits that Indra was originally a national hero who led Vedic tribes to victory against “Vrtra”, a term meaning resistance or enemy. Over time, this heroic figure was deified as a war god, and naturalistic and cosmic elements were superimposed on his character. Another article discussed in the selection critiques the use of historical sources and methods, emphasising the need for careful interpretation of inscriptions, coins and literary evidence. The section notes an essay on the creative role of sacrifice in primitive societies, suggesting that ritual acts were seen as acts of creation and central to social cohesion. A study on Mahabharata text transmission defends the inclusion of certain passages in the critical edition’s Bhisma Parvan despite their absence in the Southern recension. Another entry summarises work on the Vedic sages Angirasas, emphasising their leadership role in early Vedic society. A note on the Bhagavadgita argues that a particular verse disapprovingly refers to Buddhist doctrines. Further summaries review research on the history of the Tambila verse, poetic theory in Anandavardhana’s Dhvanyaloka, the sources of Kumara’s Silparatna, problems in Rigvedic lexicography, and aspects of Indian prehistory. The selection also covers articles on the first Greek conqueror of India, suggesting that the Greek god Dionysus, identified with the Purana figure Nahusa, preceded Alexander. Other topics include the Gurjara‑Pratiharas in Broach, the dating of astronomer Sridharacarya, literary references to spectacles, and discussions on cosmic accounts in the Manusmrti. By presenting concise abstracts, this section allows readers to stay abreast of diverse research ranging from linguistics and literary criticism to archaeology and ancient history. The breadth of subjects reflects the multidisciplinary nature of Oriental studies and indicates vibrant scholarly activity across India and beyond.
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Conclusion
The ‘Select Contents of Oriental Journals’ section functions as a digest of recent scholarship, summarising findings on Vedic mythology, ritual studies, textual criticism, linguistic history, and cross-cultural contacts. It highlights the transformation of Indra from hero to god, debates over historical methodology, and explorations of Sanskrit literature and philosophy. By providing accessible abstracts, the section encourages readers to engage with specialised research and underscores the richness and diversity of contemporary Indological studies.