Jignasa Journal Of History Of Ideas And Culture Part 01

This document is a table of contents and introductory material for Jignasa: A Journal of the History of Ideas and Culture, Vol. XVII-XVIII (2011-2012), specifically a Commemoration Volume for Professor Govind Chandra Pande. The journal is published by the Department of History and Indian Culture at the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.

Here's a breakdown of the content:

I. Commemoration of Professor Govind Chandra Pande:

• Tribute to a Scholar: The volume is dedicated to the memory of Professor Govind Chandra Pande (1923-2011), a renowned Indologist, historian, philosopher, and cultural scholar. His contributions are described as vast and influential across various fields of Indian studies, including religion, philosophy, society, art, aesthetics, and literature.
• Personal Reflections: The "Editor's Words" by Prof. Vibha Upadhyaya highlights Pande's legacy as a beacon of light in Indology and the founder editor of "Jijñāsā." It details the long-standing wish to bring out a felicitation/commemoration volume for him, acknowledging the significant effort involved in gathering scholarly papers from across the country.
• Contributors: The volume features contributions from numerous scholars, many of whom are associated with the University of Rajasthan, reflecting their deep respect and admiration for Prof. Pande.
• Selected Works: A comprehensive bibliography of Prof. G.C. Pande's books and articles is provided, showcasing the breadth and depth of his scholarship. This includes major works on Buddhism, Indian culture and history, philosophy, and poetry.
• "Vichar Yatra" (Thought Journey): A significant portion of the volume is dedicated to an autobiographical piece by Prof. G.C. Pande titled "Vichar Yatra." This section offers deep insights into his intellectual development, academic journey, influences (family, teachers, books), evolving philosophical and historical perspectives, and his lifelong pursuit of knowledge and understanding across diverse disciplines. It touches upon his early education, his engagement with Western and Indian philosophical traditions, his research in Buddhism and Jainism, his reflections on culture, history, and contemporary India, and his prolific writing career.
• Tributes and Praise: Several articles within the volume are specifically dedicated to commemorating Prof. Pande, such as "Govind Chandra Pande (1923-2011)" by S.N. Dube, "Govind Prashasti" by Abhiraj Rajendra Mishra, and essays by Krishna Gopal Sharma and Devarshi Kalnath Shastri.

II. Thematic Scope of the Journal (as reflected in the Commemoration Volume): The volume is structured into several thematic sections, reflecting the journal's focus and the diverse interests of its contributors, including:

• Religion, Philosophy, and Historiography: Articles on Bhakti traditions (Meera, Kabir, Krishna), Buddhist meditation, comparative historiography of Vedic and Pre-Socratic thought, Sankara's philosophy, the decline of Buddhism in India, and the tradition of historical writing on Rajasthan.
• Archaeology, Epigraphy, and Numismatics: Papers on ancient coins of Rajasthan, archaeological discoveries in the Mid-Ganga Plain (Pakkakot), and the study of ancient Indian inscriptions and their methodologies.
• Art, Architecture, Iconography, and Paintings: Articles on Jain temples, folk traditions in Bundelkhand art, the concept of beauty in Prof. G.C. Pande's philosophy, and representations of Dana Paramita in Buddhist art.
• History and Miscellaneous Topics: Papers covering social regeneration movements (Dayanand Saraswati), historical observations by travelers (Ibn Battuta), cultural interpretations through literature, secular religiosity in Kabir's philosophy, moral thought of Krishna, Akbar's Jainism, and the historical context of various regions and historical periods in India.

III. Key Themes and Disciplines Covered: The collected articles showcase a broad spectrum of historical and cultural studies, with a particular emphasis on:

• Indian Philosophy and Religion: Bhakti traditions, Vedic thought, Buddhist philosophy and meditation, Jainism, Advaita Vedanta (Sankara), Yoga, and the philosophy of culture.
• Indian History: Ancient, medieval, and modern periods, with a focus on Rajasthan, the Gupta and Vakataka periods, Buddhist history, the Bhakti movement, and the historiographical traditions of India.
• Art and Culture: Indian aesthetics, temple architecture, sculpture, painting, and the role of literature in cultural understanding.
• Archaeology and Numismatics: Excavations, inscriptions, and coin studies of ancient India.
• Comparative Studies: Comparisons between Indian and Western philosophical and cultural traditions.

In essence, the Jignasa Journal of History of Ideas and Culture, Part 01 (Vol. XVII-XVIII) is a significant academic publication serving as a tribute to the monumental work of Professor G.C. Pande. It compiles a wide array of scholarly research reflecting the rich and diverse intellectual landscape of India, with a particular focus on history, philosophy, religion, and culture, and highlights Prof. Pande's profound influence on these fields.