Kuchean or Western Arsi
By P. C. Bagchi
Summary
Kuchean, or Western Arsi, is an extinct Indo-European language once spoken in the Kucha and Karashar regions of northern Central Asia. Rediscovered in the early 20th century through manuscripts collected by French, British, Russian, and German archaeological missions, it has been extensively studied by scholars like Prof. Sylvain Lévi. Key texts include fragments of Buddhist works such as the *Udanavarga*, *Udinastotra*, *Udanalambara*, and *Karmavibhaiga*, alongside medical treatises and bilingual texts of uncertain origin. Lévi’s *Fragments de Textes Koutchéens* (1909) compiles these fragments with translations, vocabulary, and comparative notes, establishing Kuchean as a distinct language rather than a dialect of Tokhari. The *Udanavarga* fragments confirm a complete translation once existed, widely circulated in Kucha’s monasteries. The *Karmavibhaiga*, linked to the Sanskrit *Aarmavibhaiga*, includes parallels with Tibetan and Chinese versions. Scholarly debates persist over Kuchean’s classification: Lévi and others argue it is separate from Tokharian, while German scholars (Sieg and Siegling) tentatively link it to the Yue-chis (Indo-Scythians) based on a Uigur colophon referencing *Toxri*. However, Lévi contends this connection remains unproven, noting the geographical and linguistic distance between Kuchean and Tokharian territories. Kuchean’s discovery underscores its role in transmitting Buddhist texts across Central Asia, offering insights into ancient trade and cultural exchanges. Despite limited surviving materials, it remains a critical source for understanding
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Conclusion
This groundbreaking work by Prof. Sylvain Lévi revitalizes the study of Kuchean, a neglected Indo-European language, through the critical edition and analysis of its Buddhist texts. By reconstructing fragments from diverse collections and providing bilingual translations, Lévi elucidates Kuchean’s linguistic features, its relationship with the Tokharian dialect, and its role in transmitting Buddhist thought. The discovery of a complete Udanavarga translation highlights the text’s widespread monastic use, while the enigmatic Udinastotra and Udanalambara raise intriguing questions about original composition. The Karmavibhaiga fragments further bridge Kuchean and Sanskrit traditions, emphasizing cross-cultural Buddhist exchanges. Lévi’s meticulous scholarship not only recovers a forgotten language but also illuminates the dynamic interplay of Buddhist thought across Central Asia, making this work indispensable for Indo-European and Buddhist studies.