Select Contents of Orlental Journals
Summary
The *Select Contents of Oriental Journals* compiles scholarly articles from various journals, focusing on Indian history, literature, and culture. Key contributions include P. V. Bapat’s analysis of the *Digha Nikaya*, identifying three strata in its literary material and highlighting its coverage of Buddhism’s evolution. C. D. Devadhar challenges the authenticity of plays attributed to Bhasa, arguing they may be works of a later poet from Southern India. Haran Chandra Chakladar explores the geography of Vitsyayana, while P. L. Vaidya examines Hemacandra’s *Desinimamali*, listing lexicons and Marathi dialect words. J. P. C. Ganguly and P. V. Kane discuss Hindu theories of punishment and Sankha-Likhita’s *Dharmasitra*, respectively. D. Bhandarkar examines the *Parasika* system in ancient India, and K. K. Lele presents a fragment of a hymn to Saraswati from Mandu. D. M. Rave’s study of ninth-century Jain mathematics reveals their focus on pure mathematical science, contrasting with Hindu astronomers. The *Journal of the Bihar and Orissa Research Society* features V. H. Jackson’s notes on Barabar Hills caves and A. Banerji-Sastri’s analysis of the Ajivikas’ hostility toward Jains. Sarada Kanta Ganguly examines Aryabhata’s contributions, while A. Banerji-Sastri explores Asuras in Indo-Iranian literature. P. Acharva reconstructs the chronology of Orissa’s Bhanja rulers, and K. Mitra analyzes music and dance in the *Vimana Vatths At
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Conclusion
This collection of scholarly articles presents significant contributions to understanding ancient Indian literature, religion, and culture. P.V. Bapat’s analysis of the Digha Nikaya reveals distinct evolutionary strata in Buddhist thought, while C. Devadhar’s critical examination challenges traditional attributions of plays to Bhasa, suggesting later authorship origins. The geographical and mathematical studies of Vitsyayana and Jaina scholars highlight regional intellectual traditions, while explorations of Asuras and Ajivika-Buddhist dynamics illuminate complex religious interactions. These findings collectively advance interdisciplinary insights into India’s intellectual heritage, emphasizing textual criticism, historical context, and cross-cultural exchanges. The document underscores the importance of re-evaluating traditional narratives through rigorous scholarship, offering a nuanced perspective on ancient Indian society’s religious, literary, and scientific achievements.