Review of Index internationalis indicus (1993)

Summary

The “Index internationalis indicus (1993)” is a bibliographical index compiled by Satya Ranjan Banerjee that catalogues articles, essays and micro‑writings on Indology and Buddhist studies published primarily in Calcutta journals. The reviewer explains that the index serves as a universal bibliography covering a wide range of subjects related to India. Entries are organised alphabetically by topic and author, enabling researchers to locate references quickly. Each entry provides the title of the article, the author, the journal, year of publication and page numbers, and in many cases a brief annotation. The index also includes cross‑references to alternative spellings and related terms, enhancing its usability. By collating materials scattered across numerous journals and monographs, the index preserves the results of decades of scholarship. The reviewer emphasises the importance of bibliographies and indexes for academic research. Bibliographies are systematically arranged lists of books, articles and other works that guide researchers to credible and relevant sourceshttps://lis.academy/information-sources-and-services/bibliographies-tools-for-academic-research/#:~:text=A%20bibliography%20is%20a%20systematically,for%20exploring%20a%20subject%20deeply. By saving time and helping scholars understand the existing research landscapehttps://lis.academy/information-sources-and-services/bibliographies-tools-for-academic-research/#:~:text=Importance%20of%20bibliographies, bibliographical tools ensure that new studies build on sound foundations. The “Index internationalis indicus” fulfils this role for Indology and related fields. The reviewer notes that the compiler consulted major libraries in India and abroad, resulting in a comprehensive coverage that spans languages and disciplines. The inclusion of micro‑writings—short notes, book reviews and obscure articles—adds significant value, as such items are often missed in larger databases. Researchers interested in Sanskrit, Pāli, Prakrit, Jainism, Buddhism, linguistics or South Asian history will find the index indispensable. While praising the index, the reviewer offers a few suggestions. An introductory essay explaining the scope, methodology and limitations would help users better understand the selection criteria. The reviewer also suggests that future editions could incorporate subject headings or thematic sections to complement the alphabetical listing. Nonetheless, the current edition already represents a monumental labour of compilation and indexing. The reviewer concludes that “Index internationalis indicus (1993)” is a “must” for scholars of Indian studies and a model for similar projects in other disciplines.