Select Contents of Oriental Journals
By Unexhibited
Summary
This section provides summaries of recent articles published in various Oriental journals, offering readers an overview of ongoing scholarship. In the Calcutta Review (February 1949), Dines Chandra Sircar, delivering his presidential address at the Indian History Congress, highlights how elements from different races shaped the Indian population and religious practices; he uses the widespread Siva–Sakti cult as an example of syncretism and notes that medieval conceptions of the Mother Goddess fused tribal and classical forms. Nalinaksha Dutt contributes a note on the Buddhist disciples Sariputta and Moggallana, pointing out that Sariputta specialised in Abhidharma (Buddhist philosophy) while Moggallana focused on meditation. In the Journal of the Andhra Historical Research Society (vol. XVI), S. Sastri reconstructs early Andhra history before the Satavahanas; A. Appadorai analyses Telugu place names; Vepa Ramesam publishes the Mushinikunda grant of Eastern Chalukya king Vishnuvardhana; and C. Narayana Rao argues that dialects like Kashmiri, Khaskura, Sindhi and Lahanda belong to the Dardic group and share features with Dravidian languages, reflecting the expansion of Paisaci Prakrits across India. The section also lists other contributions from journals such as the Bulletin of the Deccan College, the Journal of Oriental Research and the Indian Historical Records Commission, though details are omitted. Collectively, these articles illustrate the diversity of current Oriental research, encompassing epigraphy, historical linguistics, archaeology, religious studies and cultural history. The summaries enable readers to identify publications relevant to their interests without reading the full journals. The section emphasises cross‑regional linkages: for example, linguistic studies compare Dardic and Dravidian languages, while historical analyses draw connections between North and South India. It also highlights methodological advances, such as combining textual analysis with archaeological evidence. Though brief, the notes serve as a bibliographical resource and underscore the vibrant state of Oriental studies in the late 1940s.
Conclusion
The “Select Contents” section functions as an annotated bibliography, guiding readers to noteworthy articles in recent Oriental journals. By summarising studies on topics ranging from the syncretism of Indian religious practices to linguistic affinities between Dardic and Dravidian languages, it showcases the breadth of contemporary research. It encourages scholars to engage with developments outside their specialisms and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to South Asian history and culture.