Indian Antiquary Vol 12

This volume of the Indian Antiquary, Vol. XII, published in 1883 and edited by Jas. Burgess, is a compilation of research articles on various aspects of Oriental studies. While the title doesn't explicitly focus on Jainism, the table of contents reveals several articles relevant to Indian history, religions, and languages, some of which touch upon or are directly related to Jainism, or are published in a context that would include Jain studies.

Here's a summary of the content with a focus on what might be of interest to a Jain studies context:

Key Themes and Articles:

• Sanskrit and Old-Canarese Inscriptions: A significant portion of the volume is dedicated to the publication and translation of various historical inscriptions. While many relate to dynasties like the Eastern Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and Gujara kings, a few are of particular interest:

  • Rashtrakuta Grants: Several articles by J. F. Fleet deal with Rashtrakuta grants (Nos. CXXVI, CXXVII, CXXVIII, CXXIX, CXXX, CXXXI, CXXXII, CXXXIII, CXXXIV, CXXXV, CXXXVI, CXXXVII). These inscriptions provide details about the genealogy, reigns, and territorial administration of this important dynasty, which had significant interactions with Jainism in its historical context.
  • Yadava Dynasty: Pandit Bhagvanlal Indraji contributes an article on "A New Yadava Dynasty," which, while not explicitly Jain, delves into the historical and dynastic lineages of South India, a region with a rich Jain history.
  • Valabhi Grant: E. Hultzsch edits a "Valabhi Grant of Unknown Date," which pertains to a dynasty that played a role in the patronage and spread of Jainism, particularly in Western India.
  • Chaulukya Grant: Dr. G. Bühler edits "A Grant of King Jaikadeva," and also discusses the "Dhiniki Grant of King Jaikadeva." The Chaulukyas were significant patrons of Jainism, making these inscriptions historically relevant.
  • Old-Canarese Inscription at Toragal: K. B. Pathak discusses an inscription written in Old-Canarese, a language prevalent in regions with a strong Jain presence. The article also touches upon the "Jainendra-vyakarana" and its authorship, directly linking to Jain grammar and literature.
  • Date of Mahavira's Nirvana: K. B. Pathak also contributes an article on "The Date of Mahavira's Nirvana as determined in Saka 1175," which directly addresses a crucial chronological point in Jainism.
  • Pujyapada and the Authorship of the Jainendra-vyakarana: This article by K. B. Pathak is highly relevant, as it directly tackles the authorship of a foundational Jain grammatical text, identifying Pujyapada with Devanandi.

• Religions and Philosophies: Several articles touch upon religious themes:

  • The Oracle of Hubal: Rev. J. D. Bate writes on "The Oracle of Hubal," discussing a pre-Islamic Arabian idol, its origins, worship, and associated practices like divination by arrows. While not directly Jain, it provides context for religious practices in the ancient world. M. Beal writes on "Kukkutapadagiri and Kokkuta-gangâra," which relates to Buddhist geography and nomenclature.
  • The Whole Duty of the Buddhist Layman: This is a translation of a Buddhist sermon by Prof. R. C. Childers. While Buddhist, it offers insights into the ethical codes for lay followers within Indian religious traditions, a topic also relevant to Jain lay ethics.

• Languages and Linguistics:

  • Old Aryan Element in Sinhalese Vocabulary: Prof. E. Kuhn investigates the linguistic origins of Sinhalese, exploring its connections to Aryan and Dravidian languages. This contributes to understanding the linguistic landscape of ancient India, relevant to the spread of various traditions, including Jainism.
  • On Dr. Hoernle's Version of a Nasik Inscription and the Gatha Dialect: Prof. Ramchandra Gopal Bhandarkar discusses Dr. Hoernle's interpretation of a Nasik inscription and the "Gatha dialect." This article is significant for understanding the linguistic nuances of ancient Indian inscriptions, which often contain mixed languages or dialects that are crucial for historical and religious studies.

• Numismatics and Archaeology:

  • Indo-Scythian Coins with Hindi Legends: Edward Thomas presents a detailed study of Indo-Scythian coins, focusing on their legends and tribal designations. This delves into the historical interactions and cultural exchanges that occurred in ancient India, which would have included Jainism.
  • Buddhist Tope: Sir Walter Elliot writes a "Notice of a Buddhist Tope in the Pittapuram Zamindari," detailing archaeological findings. While Buddhist, the existence of such stupas and their associated finds can offer comparative context for Jain stupas and relics.

• Other Historical and Cultural Topics:

  • Chinghiz Khan and His Ancestors: H. H. Howorth continues his extensive series on the genealogy and history of Chinghiz Khan, covering shamanistic practices and Mongol customs. This provides broader historical and ethnological context for the ancient world in which Jainism also existed.
  • Nomenclature of Tawaf: A query by J. D. Bate seeks information on specific pilgrimage rituals within Islam.
  • Samvat and Maurya Eras: Dr. E. Leumann raises questions regarding the chronological systems used in ancient India, a topic vital for accurately dating Jain historical figures and events.
  • Corruptions of English: Capt. R. C. Temple notes linguistic shifts and adaptations.
  • Folklore in the Panjab: Mrs. F. A. Steel and Capt. R. C. Temple present collected folk tales, offering insights into cultural narratives and beliefs prevalent in regions where Jainism also had a presence.

Relevance to Jain Studies:

While not exclusively a Jain journal, this volume of the Indian Antiquary is a valuable resource for Jain studies due to:

• Direct Mentions of Jain Topics: Articles specifically address the "Jainendra-vyakarana" and the "Date of Mahavira's Nirvana," providing direct scholarly contributions to Jain chronology and grammar.
• Dynastic Histories: The detailed study of dynasties like the Rashtrakutas, Chaulukyas, and Silaharas is crucial for understanding the socio-political environment in which Jainism flourished, was patronized, and sometimes faced challenges.
• Inscriptions: The publication of numerous Sanskrit and Old-Canarese inscriptions, many of which were from regions with a significant Jain population (like Gujarat and the Deccan), often contain references to Jain donations, monks, or temples, even if the inscription itself is not purely Jain.
• Linguistic Analysis: The discussions on language, such as the Gatha dialect and the Sinhalese vocabulary, contribute to understanding the broader linguistic context of ancient India, which is essential for interpreting Jain texts.
• Cultural and Religious Context: Articles on folklore, other religious practices (Buddhism, Islam), and the general history of ancient India provide a vital backdrop for understanding the historical development and geographical spread of Jainism within the larger Indian subcontinent.

In essence, Vol. XII of the Indian Antiquary serves as a rich repository of primary source material and scholarly analysis relevant to multiple areas of Indian historical and religious research, including significant contributions and context for Jain studies.