Indian Antiquary Vol 45

The Indian Antiquary, Vol. 45 (1916), a journal of Oriental research, published by Swati Publications, Delhi, contains a diverse collection of articles on archaeology, epigraphy, ethnology, history, folklore, languages, literature, numismatics, and religion. The volume features contributions from esteemed scholars like Sir Richard Carnac Temple and Prof. Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarkar.

Several articles delve into Jainism and related topics:

• The Nyasagara and the Jaina Sakatayana by K. B. Pathak discusses the relationship between the Nyasagara and the Jaina grammarian Sakatayana, analyzing their respective grammatical works and chronological positioning within Sanskrit literature.
• Madhavacharya and His Younger Brothers by R. Narasimhachar provides detailed research on the prominent Advaita teacher Madhavacharya, his brothers Sayana and Bhoganatha, and their family lineage, gurus, and literary contributions. The article also addresses the common confusion between Madhavacharya and Madhava-mantri, distinguishing their roles as ministers and scholars during the Vijayanagar period. It further explores the identity of Vidyaranya and the authorship of significant works like the Sarvadarshana Sangraha.
• The Ancient History of Magadha by S. V. Venkateswara Ayyar offers a comprehensive historical account of Magadha, tracing its origins from prehistoric times through the Brihadratha dynasty, the rise of the Saisunaga dynasty, the reigns of Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, and the early stages of the Magadha empire. The article discusses the political landscape, religious movements, and territorial expansion of Magadha during these crucial periods.

Other notable articles cover a wide range of subjects:

• Some Anglo-Indian Worthies of the Seventeenth Century by Lavinia Mary Anstey profiles individuals like James Harding, detailing their careers, conflicts, and religious beliefs during the early period of the East India Company's presence in India.
• Thirteen Newly Discovered Dramas Attributed to Bhasa by Bhattanaatha Svamin critically examines the attribution of these dramas to the ancient playwright Bhasa, questioning the editor's arguments and proposing alternative interpretations of textual evidence.
• The History of the Naik Kingdom of Madura by V. Rangachari provides an extensive historical narrative of the Naik dynasty, covering its foundation, administrative and financial systems, military exploits, architectural achievements, and religious policies. It also discusses the reign of Tirumal Naik, his controversial decisions, and his impact on the political and artistic landscape of South India.
• An Embassy from Vijayanagar to China by Vincent A. Smith highlights a little-known diplomatic mission from the Vijayanagar Empire to the Chinese court, based on Chinese historical records.
• Some Literary References to the Isipatana Migadaya (Sarnath) by Brindavan C. Bhattacharya explores the significance of Sarnath in Buddhist literature, citing various texts that refer to this sacred site where the Buddha delivered his first sermon.
• The Manusmriti in the Light of Some Recently Published Texts by Hiralal Amritlal Shah analyzes the authorship, original form, and date of the Manusmriti, using recently published texts to support his arguments.
• The Patanarayana Stone Inscription of Paramara Pratapasinha by Sahityacharya Pandit Bisheshwarnath Sastri deciphers an inscription detailing the genealogy of the Paramaras, the repairs to the Patanarayana temple, and grants made by local rulers.
• Gazetteer Gleanings in Central India by Major C. Eckford Luard presents a ballad on the revolt of Khwaja Naik, providing historical context and geographical details related to the events.
• Some Notes on Yaska's Nirukta by Prof. P. D. Gune offers critical interpretations of passages from Yaska's seminal work on etymology, engaging with the commentary of Durga and Roth's scholarly work.
• The History of the Naik Kingdom of Madura (continued) by V. Rangachari further elaborates on the reign of Tirumal Naik, his architectural projects, his war with Mysore, and the arrival of European nations in South India.
• The End of the Chandragiri Dynasty by V. Rangachari discusses the final years of the Vijayanagar Empire and the subsequent rise of Muslim powers in South India.
• The Second Mysore War by V. Rangachari details the conflicts between the Naik kingdom and Mysore, highlighting the political maneuverings and military engagements of the period.
• The Jesuit Mission Controversy by V. Rangachari examines the theological and social debates surrounding the Jesuit mission in Madura, the methods of conversion employed by de Nobilis, and the subsequent controversies and their impact on the spread of Christianity.
• The Pusa. Yaka (and related spirits) are mentioned in the index, suggesting a focus on local folklore and belief systems.

The volume also includes supplements on Sinhalese folklore and the folklore of Gujarat, providing further insights into regional cultural traditions. The inclusion of plates illustrating dates in Indo-Chinese history further enhances the scholarly value of the volume.