Madhuvidya

The book "Madhuvidya" is a collection of the collected papers of Professor Madhukar Anant Mehendale, a renowned Indologist. The work is divided into several sections: (A) Articles, (B) Reviews, and (C) Obituary Notices. The articles are further categorized into: (I) Veda, (II) Iranian, (III) Pali and Prakrit, (IV) Linguistics, (V) Mahabharata, and (VI) Miscellaneous.

Professor Mehendale's collected papers cover a wide range of topics within Indology, reflecting his expertise in various fields such as:

• Vedic Studies: His papers delve into the interpretation of Vedic words and passages, including discussions on terms like cakran nā, gómāyu, ajamāyu, yātumāvant, satyam eva jayate, vanargu, sūre duhita, sahasah svajah, viśipriya, adhvan, adhvará, āsūśú, prakāmodya, cakravat, cakra, rathacakra, cakravṛddhi, cakravarta, rathyeveva, chakrānyāmya, mitradruh, mitradroha, sahagamana, svayamvara, rājasūya, dvaurgadhe badhyamāne, sapta devalokah, ekavṛt, ekavṛdh, gathās, duronā, durativyatha, durdhṛṣa, dhir and śrutam; his unique contributions on the interpretation of the Rgveda-Samhitakara and Father Esteller's thesis are also included.
• Iranian Studies: He explored Avestan language and literature, with notes on terms like vawā, Zarathushtra, Yasna IX.26, Yasna 34, garad-, and gərəzdi-.
• Pali and Prakrit Linguistics: Professor Mehendale's work sheds light on the phonological and morphological peculiarities of early Sinhalese inscriptions, as well as Takkāri Jātaka's Gāthās 8 and 10, and the language of the original Buddhist Canon. He also analyzed the linguistic characteristics of Tākki or Dhakkī dialect.
• Linguistics: His papers demonstrate a deep understanding of historical linguistics, covering topics like the limitations of internal reconstruction, the trace of old palatal sounds in Sanskrit, the evidence for affricate pronunciation of the cluster ts in Maitrayani Samhita, and the meaning of words like durativyatha.
• Mahābhārata Studies: He contributed articles on various aspects of the Mahābhārata, including its studies, Draupadi's question, the flora and fauna in the Aranyakaparvan, Draupadi's garments, the custom of sahagamana, Damayanti's svayamvara, the game of dice in ancient India, and Urubhanga and the critical edition of the Mahābhārata.
• Miscellaneous: His work also touches upon topics like ahimsa and the spread of vegetarianism, Medhātithi on Manu IX.256, Ashoka's policies on cow-slaughter, the Mitanni name Šattiuaza, Galayasti, the Indo-Aryans, Indo-Iranians, and Indo-Europeans, and Kālidāsa's poetic works.

The book also includes reviews of several scholarly works and obituary notices for prominent scholars in the field of Indology. The collection demonstrates Professor Mehendale's meticulous research, original insights, and significant contributions to the understanding of ancient Indian languages, literature, and culture. The comprehensive bibliography of his writings is also provided, showcasing the breadth and depth of his academic career.