Lexicographical Notes
By Suresh Chandra Banerji
Summary
Lexicographical Notes is an annotated list of Sanskrit terms drawn from the Dharmasūtras and related legal literature that are absent from standard lexicons but important for understanding ancient Hindu law. The author argues that the Dharmasūtras contain many archaic or technical expressions that have been overlooked by lexicographers, and without clarifying their meanings it is difficult to interpret the texts. He therefore examines a selection of such words, presents interpretations by traditional commentators and modern scholars, and cross‑references them with other Sanskrit works. For example, the term aṃśupatta is identified as cloth made from bark or tree fibre, with references to Pāṇini and Yāska; commentators on Āpastamba explain it as garments worn by ascetics. Ākāra is defined as land exempt from taxes, while ākalya is glossed as “indisposed” or “ill‑natured.” The compound ākāṅcitavāṇija (one who causes profit by trade) appears in Āpastamba 1.9.23 and is explained by the commentator Hārita as a merchant who trades in goods, whereas Ānandasvāmī glosses it as “one who purchases for resale.” Other entries include aṅgāri (a kind of sword), ajjhitā (a type of fine cloth), adir̥ṣṭi (working for others), and aṅguṣṭhikā (a small measure). For each word the article provides textual citations, parallels from other Dharmasūtras such as Gautama and Baudhāyana, and notes how later smṛti writers interpreted them. Through this compilation the author demonstrates that many obscure terms can be explained by examining commentaries, regional usage, and related Prakrit forms. The article thus underscores the need for a specialized lexicon for Dharmasūtra terminology. It also highlights that several words reflect social and economic conditions, such as exemptions from taxation, types of fabrics, and categories of labourers, thereby offering insights into everyday life in ancient India. By clarifying these terms, scholars can better understand prescriptions regarding inheritance, penances, trade, and ritual purity found in ancient law codes. The author encourages continued collection of such words and collaboration between philologists and historians to produce a comprehensive lexicon of Dharmasūtra vocabulary.
Conclusion
By systematically collecting and elucidating obscure Dharmasūtra terms, this article fills gaps in Sanskrit lexicography and shows how technical vocabulary reflects social realities. Examining commentarial explanations and parallel passages reveals that many difficult words are not corruptions but specialized terms for fabrics, professions or legal categories. A dedicated lexicon of Dharmasūtra terminology would therefore aid scholars in interpreting ancient law texts and illuminate aspects of early Indian society that general dictionaries overlook.