Select Contents of Oriental Journals
Summary
This article is a bibliography of recent scholarly articles in the field of Oriental studies, primarily focusing on Indian history, Indology, and Sanskrit literature. It compiles select contents from various academic journals published in 1948 and 1949, including the Annual Bulletin of the Nagpur University Historical Society, the Calcutta Review, and the Journal of the Ganganatha Jha Research Institute. The subjects covered are diverse, ranging from the political history of medieval India and the philosophical interpretations of Advaita Vedanta by Sureśvara and Gaudapada, to the linguistic analysis of Greek words in Sanskrit astrology and the nature of the Kautilyan state. The text also discusses studies on early Buddhist slavery, Vedic social practices like marriage, and the historical geography of locations mentioned in the edicts of Asoka and the Satapatha Brahmana. Additionally, it reviews articles examining the religious practices of the Ibahatiyas, the phonological correspondences between ancient Egypt and the Rgveda, and the historical account of Ala-ud-din Muhammad Khalji. The author presents these summaries to highlight recent contributions to the understanding of ancient and medieval Indian texts, legal codes, and historical figures. The sources discussed include the Futihat-i-Firoz Shahi, Puranic and Tantric literature, the Rgvedasamhitā, and various inscriptions. The article serves as a record of contemporary academic discourse, noting which papers were continued in subsequent issues or were part of larger monographs. It captures the scholarly interest in comparative literature, the evolution of religious and social concepts, and the critical examination of historical and philological texts. The author's own terms are used to describe the content, such as the comparison of Whitehead and Sankara, the identification of Ibahatiyas with Isma‘ili sects, and the analysis of the Vedic conception of ‘Asura’. The text also includes corrections and notes on the readings of Max Müller’s edition of the Rgveds and the etymology of the name Sunasepa. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the research being conducted in Oriental studies during that period, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of the field.
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Conclusion
This compilation of scholarly abstracts highlights the diverse and interdisciplinary nature of Indological research in the late 1940s, encompassing history, philology, philosophy, and religious studies. The key findings reveal significant cross-cultural exchanges, such as the incorporation of Greek terms into Sanskrit astrology, the potential amalgamation of Vedic priestly families, and the linguistic parallels between ancient Indian and Middle Eastern civilizations. The research also delves into the evolution of core theological concepts, re-evaluating the original benevolent nature of the Vedic "Asura" and the aquatic origins of Gandharvas and Apsarases. Furthermore, the studies critically examine historical practices, including the prohibition of infanticide in ancient India and the complex religious and social dynamics between Rajputs and Mughals. The significance of these contributions lies in their meticulous textual analysis and their ability to reconstruct historical, linguistic, and cultural landscapes, thereby advancing a deeper, more nuanced understanding of India's rich and interconnected heritage.