Reviews Of Studies In Indology

This document is a collection of reviews from the "Reviews Of Studies In Indology" by J S Jetly. It features reviews of several books, primarily focusing on Indology, ancient Indian history, philosophy, and epigraphy. Here's a summary of each review:

1. Studies in Indology, Vol. 1, Second Edition, by Dr. V. V. Mirashi:

This review praises the second revised edition of Dr. Mirashi's work for its scholarship and logical presentation, which have led to its re-publication. The reviewer highlights that the new edition includes updated material and five additional erudite articles. Specific points of interest from the new material include: * An article on the Kundamála, suggesting the author is Dhiranāga and dating him between the 7th and 11th centuries. * An article on the birthplace of Bhavabhūti, where Mirashi adds sculptural evidence to support his identification of Padampur in Bhandara district. However, the reviewer notes that 10th-12th-century sculptures are not relevant to Bhavabhūti's time. * Miscellaneous additions include an article on a reading in the Meghadūta, suggesting "on the first day of the bright fortnight of lunar Āṣādha" and not placing Kālidāsa in the 6th century. * Other articles suggest locations for Vālmīki's and Agastya's āśramas and the Naimiṣa forest. Mirashi identifies the river Muralā with Mulā in Ahmadnagar district for Agastya's āśrama and proposes the Naimiṣāranya could be in Sultanpur district, UP, instead of near Lucknow. The reviewer suggests the edition could have been improved by rectifying some misprints.

2. Society at the time of the Buddha, by Narendra Wagle:

This work is commended for shedding light on the social structure of the Buddha's era, drawing from the Pāli Canon (Vinaya, Sutta Nipata, and Nikāyas) and archaeological findings. The book focuses on the behavior of individuals and groups associated with the Buddha, their life stories, and their interactions. The reviewer notes: * Chapter I outlines the author's methodology, emphasizing a descriptive rather than law-seeking approach to society. * Chapter II discusses settlement patterns in cities, towns, and villages mentioned in Pāli texts, exploring their economic aspects. * Chapter III categorizes interpersonal relationships into forms of salutation, address, and reference. * Chapter IV examines kinship and marriage as depicted in Pāli texts. * Chapter V highlights the significance of kinship and the extended family in Buddhist society, influencing economic relationships. The reviewer suggests that the work would have been more comprehensive and interesting if it had also incorporated data from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Puranas, and Jain Āgamas. Despite this, the book is considered an important addition to existing scholarship.

3. Ajmer Through Inscriptions (1532-1852 A.D.), by S.A.I. Tirmizi:

This book presents Arabic and Persian inscriptions from Ajmer of the post-Sultanate period, previously published in journals. While the introduction provides a brief history of Ajmer and its Muslim-period buildings, and the index is exhaustive, the reviewer expresses disappointment that the material is not presented in a revised or developed form as claimed. The reviewer, who was associated with the original publication, points out several shortcomings: * Omission of a couple of Ajmer inscriptions. * Lack of a brief reference to Ajmer's pre-Muslim history. * Missed opportunities to trace more material for the Muslim period. * Inaccurate or unsubstantiated historical statements in the introduction, lacking correct historical sense. * Numerous issues with expression and language, including grammatical errors, loose phrasing, and incorrect translations. Examples are provided, such as misinterpretations of words, incorrect script identification, and inaccurate historical details (e.g., the cauldron presented by Akbar). * Printing errors, inconsistent use of diacritical marks, varied spellings of names, and inconsistent use of italics. The reviewer hopes these mistakes will be corrected in future editions, acknowledging the valuable service rendered to epigraphical research despite the criticisms.

4. Dvādaśaram Nayacakram of Ācārya Śri Mallavādi Kṣamāśramaṇa with the commentary Nyāyāgamānusāriņi of Śri Simhasūri Gaṇi Vādi Kṣamāśramaṇa Part I (1-3 Āras): Edited by Muni Sri Jambūvijayaji:

The reviewer praises Muni Sri Jambūvijayaji's expertise in editing Oriental texts, citing his work on the Vaiseṣika Sūtravṛtti. This edition of Nayacakra is described as a significant achievement, especially since the original manuscript is unavailable. The reconstruction of the text using the commentator's "pratikas" is considered a monumental task. * The editor's Gujarati introduction details the nineteen years of labor involved. * The reviewer congratulates the editor for his diligent reconstruction and imaginative approach to presenting the nearest possible original reading. * The publication by Sri Jaina Ātmānanda Sabhā is also noted. * The editor's learned notes and footnotes are found to be invaluable for understanding both the commentator and the author, Mallavādi. * An appendix featuring a Tibetan text in Nāgari script with commentary is also highlighted as useful. The reviewer joins in congratulating the editor and the publishers for making this "jewel" accessible at an affordable price.

5. Pramāṇa-Naya-Tattvalokálankára of Vadidevasūri: Rendered into English with a commentary by Dr. Hari Satya Bhattacharya:

This review focuses on the English translation of a complex Jain philosophical work. The translation, originally published in parts in the Jaina Gazette, gained the attention of scholar H. Jacobi. * The reviewer congratulates the Jaina Sahitya Vikasa Mandala for bringing this work back to light. * The translation is described as lucid, easy to follow, and making a difficult subject approachable. * However, the reviewer expresses significant disappointment with a long list of errata, containing about 396 mistakes in a 677-page book, attributing this to inadequate proofreading.

In essence, the "Reviews Of Studies In Indology" provides critical assessments of academic works in Indology, highlighting their strengths, contributions, and areas for improvement. The reviews cover a range of topics from ancient Indian literature and philosophy to epigraphy, offering insights into the scholarship of the time.