Select Contents of Oriental Jonrnals
Summary
The *Select Contents of Oriental Journals* compiles scholarly articles from various publications, focusing on Indian history, religion, literature, and archaeology. Key highlights include: 1. **Buddhist Texts & History**: E.H. Johnstone’s translation of the last four cantos of Avaghoṣa’s *Buddha-carita* (XV–XXVIII) from Tibetan and Chinese versions due to the unavailability of the original Sanskrit. The *Bulletin of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute* also features discussions on Buddhist cave temples and Yogic Upanishads. 2. **Puranic Cosmology**: R. R. Hazra identifies Mount Meru in the *Vishnu Purana* not as the North Pole but as a symbolic center, correlating *dvīpas* (islands) and *sāgaras* (oceans) with geographical regions like Asia, the Indian Ocean, and Africa. 3. **Dating Ancient Texts**: Rajendra Chandra Hazra argues the *Vishnu Purana* was likely composed in the 4th century BCE, while C. Gokhale examines Vasubandhu’s *Paricaskandbaka* and its commentary. 4. **Archaeological Findings**: A Sumero-Babylonian inscription on a jar from Mohenjo-Daro (c. 2800–2700 BCE) is analyzed, suggesting Indus Valley artifacts may not predate 2700 BCE. H. Heras discusses the people and land of Mohenjo-Daro based on deciphered inscriptions. 5. **Cultural & Literary Studies**: Articles explore
AI-assisted summary, not yet checked. Consult the original PDF before citing.
Conclusion
This volume of *Select Contents of Oriental Journals* offers a rich tapestry of scholarly contributions spanning Buddhist studies, Sanskrit scholarship, and cultural history. Key highlights include the reconstruction of lost Sanskrit texts like Advaghoṣa’s *Buddhacarita* through Tibetan and Chinese versions, the re-dating of the *Viṣṇu Purāṇa* to the 4th century BCE, and the exploration of ancient geographies in the *Purāṇas*. The volume also delves into literary analyses, such as the comparison of Bhāsa’s plays and the unique expressive techniques of Kathakali. Additionally, it features critical editions of Sanskrit works, including commentaries and Upaniṣads, while examining cross-cultural influences, such as Dutch painting’s engagement with Eastern themes. These studies collectively advance our understanding of India’s intellectual and artistic heritage, bridging textual scholarship with broader historical and artistic contexts.