Select Contents of Oriental Journals
Summary
The article "Select Contents of Oriental Journals" presents a compilation of scholarly articles published in various Indian and international journals during the mid-1940s. The subject matter spans a wide array of topics within Indology, including linguistics, history, religious studies, and art history. The main argument across the selected contents is to highlight recent research and critical analyses of ancient Indian texts, historical dynastic lineages, and regional cultural artifacts. The evidence and sources discussed include manuscript analyses, epigraphic records, literary references, and archaeological findings. V. KANE examines passages from Sabara’s Mahabhasya and Bhasya, concluding that the author was well-acquainted with Patañjali’s Vyakarana-mahabhashya. K. SINHA discusses the Durrani king Sha Shuja’s residence in Lahore from 1813 to 1845. R. MAJMUDAR notes the peculiarity of Vayu-worshippers in Gujarat and their temples. N. JOSHI analyzes a manuscript of Ghatakarpara Kavya with a new commentary. H. C. DRYAN explores the nature of verses and vocables in Middle Indo-Aryan. C. HAZRA examines the Adipurana, noting its publication by the Venkatesvara Press and its presence in the Haribhaktivilasa and Laghubhagavatamarata, while distinguishing it from an earlier Upapurana. C. MAJUMDAR traces the Dynasty of Bhagadatta, identifying Kamarupa with ancient Pragjyotisa and citing an eighth-century Nepalese inscription and another from Hatun on the Gilgit river. S. TRIVEDA argues that the Indian Kaliyuga era starting in 3101 B.C. also marks the beginning of other ancient world eras, including Chinese, Egyptian, Babylonian, and Chaldean. DINES CHANDRA SIRCAR identifies Kalapriya with modern Kalpi in the Jalaon district of U.P. and Brahmasila in the Doab between Kanauj and Allahabad, based on Rajasekhara’s mentions. R. MANKA discusses the derivation of Pisaca and Paishaci as western people and their language. K. GOPAL studies the Indian Paper Industry in Bihar and Arwal as described by Francis Buchanan in A.D. 1811-1812. M. V. KRISHNA SARMA analyzes the Viramitrodaya of Mitramisra, noting the Anup Sanskrit Library of Bikaner possesses manuscripts of 17 Prakasas dated A.D. 1629, 1630, and 1632. H. GOERZ proposes a Dynamic Theory of Indian Art History. B. BHATTACHARYYA describes seven Buddhist sculptures from Kurki-hara in Bihar. UMAKANT P. SHAH discusses Jain sculptures in the Baroda Museum. O. C. GANGOLY studies Vallabhacharya or Nathdwara Paintings. A. S. GADRE examines seven bronzes in the Baroda State Museum. B. C. LAW discusses animals in Early Jain and Buddhist Literature. DASARATHA SHARMA analyzes the term Nrpati-parivrajaka. BISNUPADA BHATTACHARYYA examines the validity of Smriti canons in relation to Kumarila Bhatta. T. K. JOSEPH presents documents proving the existence of foreign and indigenous Christians in South India as early as 317 A.C. PERCY BROWN discusses the Art of Nepal. JATIN NATH expresses doubts about the antiquity and authenticity of the Kaliyugarajavrittanta. TUHINIKA CHATTERJEE discusses Palm-leaf manuscripts from Chinese Turkestan, noting their age compared to preserved Indian dramatic arts. C. SARKAR translates and elucidates a chapter from the Arthasastra of Kautilya to argue that Kautilya was an efficient idealist with a democratic and benevolent outlook. A. SHERE describes three medieval sculptures from District Saran. ACHARYA edits the Banai Copper-plates of Udaya Varahadeva. RAMADAS discusses the Suryavamshi kings of Orissa.
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Conclusion
This compilation of 1945 Oriental journals reveals a broad spectrum of Indological research, spanning linguistics, history, art, and religious studies. Key findings include Sabara’s familiarity with Patañjali, the regional significance of Vayu worship in Gujarat, and the contested antiquity of the Adipurana. The articles also challenge historical narratives, such as the authenticity of the *Kāliyugarājavṛttānta* and Kautilya’s political ethics. Furthermore, the collection highlights the value of unpublished manuscripts, like the *Viramitrodaya*, and ancient textual fragments from Chinese Turkestan. These studies collectively underscore the importance of critical textual analysis and archaeological evidence in reconstructing India’s cultural and historical landscape, offering significant insights into ancient literary traditions, regional histories, and the evolution of religious and artistic practices.