Select Contents of Oriental Journals
Summary
The *Select Contents of Oriental Journals* compilation includes diverse scholarly articles from multiple journals, focusing on historical, linguistic, and cultural studies. Key entries include an analysis of a 10th-century Khotanese Saka itinerary detailing travel through northern regions, and linguistic remarks on verbs in Vedic literature. Research on the Buddha's mission and journey (Buddhacarita) explores Pali Canon authenticity, with arguments suggesting later interpolations in supporting chronicles. Studies on Indian trading castes in Ceylon and Vedic etymologies in the Nirukta are included, alongside comparisons between the *Arthashastra* and *Silpasastra* texts. Political conditions in India (220-320 A.D.) and religious movements like those led by Rammohan Roy and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa are examined. Epigraphic studies feature inscriptions from Kamboja, Chola, and Paramara rulers, while articles on Indian art, monuments, and historical portraits are also present. A notable anecdote recounts an Indian philosopher’s critique of Socrates in Athens, as documented by Eusebius. The compilation spans linguistic analyses, historical inscriptions, and cultural exchanges, reflecting interdisciplinary research in Indology.
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Conclusion
This collection of Oriental Journals offers a rich tapestry of scholarly insights into ancient and medieval India, spanning linguistic studies, historical analysis, and cultural exchanges. Key contributions include the editing of a 10th-century Khotanese Saka itinerary, shedding light on regional travel and trade during Abhimanyu-gupta's era, and linguistic explorations of Sanskrit and Prakrit, such as the verb structures in Vedic literature and the evolution of negative constructions in Indo-Aryan languages. The volume also challenges traditional narratives, as seen in the reevaluation of the Pali Canon's historical reliability and the questioning of Indian trading caste influences in Ceylon. Additionally, it examines cross-cultural connections, including parallels between the Purusa-sikta and Old Russian legends, and the potential influence of Silpaśāstra on Kautilya's Arthashastra. Together, these studies highlight the dynamic interplay of religion, politics, and cultural exchange in shaping South and Southeast Asian history, while emphasizing the need for critical reassessment of historical sources and traditions.