Indian Antiquary Vol 46

This comprehensive summary covers the key content of the provided text, which is a collection of articles from The Indian Antiquary, Volume XLVI, for the year 1917. The articles cover a wide range of topics related to Indian history, archaeology, languages, and culture, with a particular focus on specific historical periods, events, and individuals.

Here's a breakdown of the content and a summary of the key themes and discussions:

I. General Context and Introduction:

• Publication: The text is from The Indian Antiquary: A Journal of Oriental Research, Volume XLVI, published in 1917 and reprinted by Swati Publications in 1985. It was edited by Sir Richard Carnac Temple and Prof. Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarkar.
• Scope: The journal covers a broad spectrum of Oriental research, including archaeology, epigraphy, ethnology, geography, history, folklore, languages, literature, numismatics, philosophy, and religion.

II. Key Articles and Themes:

The volume features a diverse array of articles contributed by prominent scholars of the time. The following is a summary of the major discussions and themes presented:

1. James Burgess (Obituary and Tribute):

   • Authored by J. F. Fleet, this article is a tribute to the life and work of James Burgess, a significant figure in Indian historical and archaeological research.
   • Key Contributions: Burgess founded the Indian Antiquary in 1872, aiming to consolidate diverse research efforts and provide a platform for scholars. He also played a crucial role in the development of the Archaeological Survey of India, particularly in Western and Southern India. His official work included significant reports on the antiquities of Kathiawad, Kachh, Bidar, Aurangabad, and the Buddhist cave temples of Western India. He was instrumental in the establishment of Epigraphia Indica to focus on inscriptions.
   • Legacy: Burgess's work laid the foundation for systematic archaeological exploration in India, and his dedication to scholarship, even in later years despite ill health, is highlighted. He received numerous honors and memberships in academic societies, recognizing his immense contributions.

2. The Cyclone at Pondicherry, 1761:

   • Authored by Sir Richard Temple, this paper presents contemporary accounts of a devastating cyclone that occurred at Pondicherry on New Year's Day, 1761.
   • Historical Significance: The cyclone played a crucial role in the blockade of Pondicherry during the Seven Years' War. It caused significant damage to the British naval squadron, initially leading to hopes of French relief. However, the British quickly recovered, and the capitulation of Pondicherry followed shortly after.
   • Primary Sources: The article includes detailed accounts from Colonel Eyre Coote's journal, reports to the Council at Fort St. George, Admiral Charles Steevens' report, Captain Amlock's account, and Captain Kempenfelt's account. These provide a vivid and multi-faceted perspective on the storm's impact on naval and military operations.

3. The History of the Naik Kingdom of Madura:

   • Authored by V. Rangachari, this is a multi-part historical account of the Naik kingdom, focusing on its rulers, administration, religious landscape, and interactions with other powers.
   • Key Rulers and Events:
     • De Nobili: His missionary work and establishment of the Jesuit Mission in Madura are discussed, emphasizing his adaptation of methods and assimilation of local customs.
     • Martinz: De Nobili's successor, known for his ascetic life, humility, and significant success in proselytism despite persecution.
     • De Costa and Alvarez: Missionaries in Trichinopoly, noted for their charitable work and the persecution they faced.
     • Tirumal Naik's Death: Discusses traditional accounts of his violent death, attributed to religious conspiracy or a love affair, though historical evidence remains inconclusive. His policy of religious tolerance and friendship with Christians despite being a devout Saiva is highlighted.
     • Muttu Alakadri and Chokkanatha: The succession disputes and the reigns of these Naik rulers are detailed, marked by internal factions, Mughal incursions, and administrative decline. Chokkanatha's ambitious but ultimately disastrous wars and the palace intrigue leading to the blinding of a minister are described.
     • Mangammal's Regency: Her significant role as a capable administrator and philanthropist, her diplomatic handling of Mughal and Mysorean pressures, and her eventual tragic death are recounted.
     • Vijaya Ranga Chokkanatha's Reign: Characterized by piety and religious focus, leading to state disorganization and exploitation by officials.
     • Ranga Krishna Muttu Virappa: His character as a capable ruler who tried to restore independence and his personal adventurousness are discussed, alongside his unfortunate death.
     • Vijaya Ranga Chokkanatha (again) and the Mughal Supremacy: The weak reign of Vijaya Ranga Chokkanatha, his submission to Mughal suzerainty, and his perplexing encounter with the Mughal slipper envoy are detailed. His piety and the resultant neglect of state affairs are noted.
     • Mangammal's Regency (Continued): Her renewed focus on public works, her religious tolerance despite personal piety, her handling of the Mughal invasion, and her wars with Travancore and Tanjore are elaborated.
     • The Setupati Affairs: The death of Kilavan Setupati and the subsequent succession dispute are discussed, leading to the partition of the Ramnad kingdom.
     • Queen Minakshi and the Extinction of the Naik Raj: Minakshi's reign is described as a period of discord and misfortune, leading to foreign interference and the fall of the Naik dynasty. Her personal weakness and the turbulent times contributed to the kingdom's demise. The complex succession dispute between Bangaru Tirumala and Vijaya Kumara, and the subsequent Muhammadan intervention by Chanda Sahib, are thoroughly analyzed. Chanda Sahib's betrayal of Minakshi and the subsequent conquest of Trichinopoly and Madura by the Nizam are central to this section.

4. The Dravidian Element in Prakrit:

   • Authored by K. Amrita Row, this article investigates the influence of Dravidian languages on Prakrit.
   • Key Argument: Contrary to some scholars like Dr. Caldwell, the author argues that Prakrit has borrowed more than just specialized words from Dravidian languages, including terms for relationships and body parts, suggesting a deeper level of contact.
   • Methodology: The analysis relies heavily on Hemachandra's Désinamamala, comparing Prakrit words with their possible Dravidian cognates, drawing upon principles outlined by Dr. Kittel and Dr. Caldwell.
   • Examples: Numerous examples of words borrowed from Dravidian languages are provided, categorized into nouns of relationship, parts of the body, personal nouns, names of animals, and miscellaneous terms.

5. The Antiquities of Mahabalipur:

   • Authored by Professor S. Krishnaswami Aiyangar, this article provides an in-depth look at the historical and archaeological significance of Mahabalipuram.
   • Historical Context: The place was known as Mamallapuram, named after the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I (Mahamalla). It served as a significant port for the Pallavas, likely their capital's port.
   • Monument Types: The antiquities are categorized into monolithic rock-cut shrines (rathas), cave excavations, and structural buildings (temples).
   • Key Monuments and Debates:
     • Pancha Pandava Ratha: The popular name is debated, with the author favoring the traditional attribution over newer suggestions.
     • Arjuna's Penance: The author engages with the debate on whether the bas-relief depicts Arjuna's penance or Bhagiratha's penance, ultimately arguing for Arjuna's Penance based on the narrative of the Mahabharata and its depiction in the relief.
     • Varahavatara Cave and Trivikrama Panel: Detailed descriptions of the iconography, comparing them to the Vaikanasagama.
     • Shore Temple: Its structural and possibly later nature is discussed, along with its historical names like Jalasayana and Rajasimha Pallavesvaram, linking it to Pallava kings.
   • Pallava Chronology: The article touches upon the Pallava dynasty, linking the structures at Mahabalipuram to Narasimhavarman I, Paramesvara Varman I, and Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha).

6. Job Charnock - His Parentage and Will:

   • Authored by Sir R. C. Temple, this note clarifies the parentage and provides the full text of the will of Job Charnock.
   • Parentage Discovery: Based on his will's mention of the parish of Cree Church, London, and a search of Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills, Charnock's father was identified as Richard Charnock.
   • Richard Charnock's Will: The article includes the full text of Richard Charnock's will from 1663, detailing his bequests to his sons Stephen and Job, his brother William Marsh and his family, and others. The will also outlines provisions for the apprenticeship of poor boys from Penwortham, Lancashire, funded by the rent of the Bell Inn.

7. The History of Alamkara Literature:

   • Authored by P. V. Kane, this article discusses the chronology of Alamkara (aesthetics/poetics) literature in Sanskrit.
   • Agnipurana vs. Natyasastra: Kane argues against the Agnipurana being the most ancient work on Alamkara literature, presenting internal and external evidence to support the primacy of Bharata's Natyasastra.
   • Bharata's Natyasastra: The article details the significance of Bharata's work for its treatment of rasas and figures of speech, discussing its early date (pre-500 AD) and its influence on subsequent writers like Dandin, Bhāmaha, and Mammata.
   • Debates on Authorship: The article touches upon the complexity of establishing precise dates for ancient Indian authors and the challenges in identifying the original forms of texts.

8. Castes in India:

   • Authored by Bhimrao R. Ambedkar, this paper, presented as a seminar discussion, delves into the mechanism, genesis, and development of caste in India.
   • Key Argument: Ambedkar posits that endogamy (prohibition of marriage outside one's group) is the sole peculiar characteristic of caste, arising from the superposition of endogamy onto an originally exogamous Indian society.
   • Mechanism: He explains how endogamy is maintained through customs like sati, enforced widowhood, and child marriage, which manage the surplus of men or women within a caste.
   • Genesis: Ambedkar argues that caste originated not from a single law-giver like Manu or a conscious imposition by Brahmans, but through a process of imitation of the Brahman caste by lower castes. He also highlights the mechanistic aspect where closing the door for some groups to marry externally leads to others being closed out, forming new castes.
   • Critique of Existing Theories: Ambedkar critiques the theories of Western scholars and the "great man theory," emphasizing the cultural unity of India as a backdrop for the artificial parcelling of society into castes.

9. Some Interesting Parallels:

   • Authored by Hiralal Amritlal Shah, this article draws parallels between Vedic literature and Western literature (Shakespeare, Cowley, Wither, Herrick, Carlyle).
   • Themes: The parallels focus on the use of the number forty to denote a large or significant quantity, concepts of dawn and sunrise, the hero's departure, and the description of beauty.
   • Methodology: The author compares specific verses from the Rigveda with passages from English poets and historical accounts to highlight similarities in thought and expression.

10. Religion in Sind:

    • Authored by G. E. L. Carter, this article explores the diverse religious cults and traditions in Sind, highlighting the interplay between local Hindu practices and Islamic influences.
    • Key Cults: The cult of Shekh Tâbir (identified with Uderolâl), the Darya-panth (cult of the River Indus), and the crocodile cult (associated with various Pirs) are discussed.
    • Cultural Syncretism: The article emphasizes how Hindu cults were adapted or modified to accommodate Islamic influences, such as the veneration of Pirs and the incorporation of Islamic figures into Hindu traditions. The impact of Muhammadan proselytization attempts and the persistence of pre-Islamic beliefs are noted.
    • Vegetation Cults: The association of vegetation cults with femininity is explored, with examples like Pir Jhareon and Mai Pir.
    • Festivals and Customs: Hindu festivals like Sata-no and the agricultural rites are described, along with the Brahui custom of communal boiling of grains. The article highlights the deep-rooted respect for holy trees and sacred groves, regardless of religious affiliation.

III. Overall Significance:

• Scholarly Contributions: The volume showcases the rigorous scholarship and dedication of its contributors, offering valuable insights into various aspects of Indian history and culture.
• Historical Documentation: The inclusion of primary source material, such as colonial records and contemporary accounts of events, provides a rich historical tapestry.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: The journal demonstrates an interdisciplinary approach, integrating findings from archaeology, linguistics, history, and religious studies to present a holistic understanding of the subjects.
• Debates and Reinterpretations: The articles often engage with existing scholarly debates, offering new perspectives, challenging established theories, and proposing revised chronologies or interpretations, as seen in the discussions on Mahabalipur, Kalki, and Alamkara literature.

In essence, The Indian Antiquary, Volume XLVI (1917) is a significant academic publication that preserves and disseminates crucial research on India's past, contributing to a deeper understanding of its complex history, diverse cultures, and rich intellectual traditions.