Reviews
By Sushil Kumar De, Mano Mohan Ghosh, U. N. Ghoshal, Narendra Ch. Vedantatirtha, Niharranjan Roy
Summary
The Dharma-Kosha, edited by Lakshmana Shastri Joshi and published in 1937, is the first volume of an ambitious encyclopedic project compiling Hindu legal, ethical, and religious literature from Vedic to 18th-century sources. Spanning over 700 pages, it focuses on *Vyavahara* (practical life), particularly legal administration and procedure, with detailed citations from primary texts, commentaries, and manuscripts. The work emphasizes historical context, correcting textual errors and incorporating emendations from manuscripts like the *Medhatithi-bhasya*. Three indexes (technical terms, subjects/authors, and verse references) enhance accessibility. Despite challenges like limited resources and labor-intensive research, the volume demonstrates meticulous scholarship, rescuing obscure quotations from lost works. If completed, the project aims to become a standard reference for Hindu law, ethics, and religious practices. The *ISTA-SIDDHI* (Kariki and Veti) by Vimuktitman, edited by M. Hiriyanna (1933), offers a critical edition of a key Vedantic text exposing the doctrine of *Maya* and epistemology. Hiriyanna situates Vimuktitman between 850–1050 CE, noting his rationalistic stance amid sectarian debates. The edition includes an introduction summarizing his philosophical position and enriches the Gaekwad Oriental Series with rigorous scholarship. Luigia Nitti-Doleit’s *Les Grammairiens Prakrits* (1938) and *Le Prakritanusasana de Purusottama* (1938) critically analyze Prak
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Conclusion
This comprehensive review highlights the ambitious scope and meticulous execution of the Dharma-Kosa project, particularly its first volume on Vyavahara. The editor’s unwavering dedication, supported by rigorous scholarship and innovative methodologies, sets a high standard for future installments. By integrating diverse texts—from Vedic literature to 18th-century manuscripts—this work not only rescues obscure citations but also provides a chronological, classified framework for understanding Hindu legal and ethical traditions. The inclusion of detailed indexes and emendations enhances its utility as a reference. If completed, this encyclopedia will stand as a monumental contribution to Indian scholarship, offering invaluable insights into Hindu law, ethics, and social institutions. The successful completion of such a daringly comprehensive endeavor remains a testament to the editor’s vision and perseverance.