Dharmshastra Ka Itihas Shabdanukramanika

This Jain text, "धर्मशास्त्र का इतिहास (Dharmashastra ka Itihas) - Shabdanukramanika" by Dr. Pandurang Vaman Kane, published by Hindi Bhavan, Lucknow, is a comprehensive index for his monumental five-volume work on the history of Dharmashastra.

Here's a summary of its content based on the provided pages:

• Purpose: The "Shabdanukramanika" (Verbal Index/Concordance) is intended to facilitate access to the vast information contained within Dr. Kane's magnum opus, "Dharmashastra ka Itihas." It lists key terms, names of scholars, texts, concepts, rituals, and social practices discussed in the main work.

• Scope of the Main Work: The publisher's note (Page 4) highlights that Dr. Kane's "Dharmashastra ka Itihas" is a "national scripture" that guides readers through numerous aspects of Indian life and culture. It delves into:

  • Dharma (duty, righteousness) and Dharmashastra (the law books).
  • Caste (Jati), Varna (class), and individual duties and rights.
  • Samskaras (rites of passage).
  • Achar-Vichar (conduct and thought).
  • Yajna (sacrifices), Dana (gifts), Pratishtha (consecration).
  • Vyavahara (legal and social transactions).
  • Tirtha (pilgrimage sites), Vrata (vows), Kala (time, calendar), Utsava (festivals).
  • The author has meticulously gathered essential aphorisms and references from foundational texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Smritis, Puranas, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.

• Structure of the Index: The index is divided into five parts, corresponding to the five volumes of the main work. Each part has its own separate "Shabdanukramanika."

• Selection Criteria for the Index: The compilers have focused on including words that are likely to be of interest to readers or are essential for general understanding. To keep the index manageable due to the cost and scarcity of paper, many names, texts, subjects of discussion, and unfamiliar words have been omitted. For instance, an entire chapter on over two thousand Tirtha sites is mentioned, but their names are not listed in the index itself, directing curious readers to the main text.

• Volume Size and Content: The entire five-volume set comprises 2,585 pages and 124 chapters. Dr. Kane's extensive study and profound understanding are reflected in the breadth of scriptures he has consulted and the amount of knowledge presented.

• Significance: The index is presented as a gateway to Dr. Kane's work, which is described as a "world encyclopedia" of Hindu religion and culture, and a significant contribution to literature. The translation into Hindi by Shri Arjun Chaubey is commended for its dedication and success.

• Editorial and Publishing Information:

  • The publication of the translation is referred to as a "Yajna" (sacrifice), which has been completed.
  • Key figures in the publication process are mentioned, including the translator, editorial department members (Chief Editor Shri Ramakant Srivastava, Associate Editor Shri Chiranjeev Sharma), and primarily Mrs. Dr. Usha Chaudhary for her diligent work on the index.
  • The publication of the index is a gesture of dedication to Hindi readers and scholars of Indian culture.

• Pricing: The five volumes of "Dharmashastra ka Itihas" are priced at ₹62, and the "Shabdanukramanika" is priced at ₹2.50, offered free to those who purchase the complete set.

• Content Preview (Pages 6 onwards): The subsequent pages provide actual alphabetical entries of the index, starting with "Angira," "Akratu," "Agnichayan," "Agnipurana," etc., and continuing through various Vedic texts, scholars, concepts, and rituals. This demonstrates the thoroughness of the index in covering the vast subject matter.

In essence, this "Shabdanukramanika" is an indispensable tool for anyone wishing to navigate and benefit from Dr. P.V. Kane's seminal historical work on Dharmashastra, offering a detailed roadmap through its extensive scholarship on Indian legal, social, and religious history.