Select Contents of Oriental Journals
By Unexhibited
Summary
The *Select Contents of Oriental Journals* compiles scholarly articles from various journals, including the *Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal*, *Journal of the Department of Letters*, *Journal of Indian History*, and *Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society*, spanning 1926-1927. Key contributions include textual critiques, historical analyses, and philosophical discussions on Indian literature and culture. C. W. Gurner proposes emendations to Aivaghosa’s *Buddhacarita*, while Umesh Chandra Bhattacharya argues that early Upanishads emerged within Brahmanical literature, countering views of their independence from Kshatriya influences. Narendra Nath Law emphasizes the spiritual dimensions of Hindu civilization as integral to its interpretation. Carlo Formichi examines the Upanishads as landmarks in Indian thought, covering their period, the concept of *Atman*, and the doctrine of *Karma*. Suresh Chandra Dutt compares the dialectics of Sankara and Ramanuja with Western traditions. Sarat Chandra Mitra explores the Sun god’s cult in medieval East Bengal, and Kshetresa Chandra Chattopadhyaya investigates the Rgvedic river Sarasvati’s denotation in early Vedic texts. In *Journal of Indian History*, Krishna Swamy Aiyangar discusses the Gurjara Empire, while B. Bhattacharya identifies Vindhyaviasin with Varsaganya, dating him earlier than Isvarakrishna. R. Sathyanatha Iyer assesses the impact of the Battle of Talikota on Vijayanagar. D. B. Dikshitar examines Pasamara rulers’ chronology. The *Journal
Conclusion
This collection of Oriental Journals offers critical insights into ancient Indian textual and cultural traditions, emphasizing scholarly debates on the Upanisads' origins, Hindu spiritual influences, and Buddhist developments. Key contributions include re-examining the Brahmanical roots of early Upanisadic literature, reinterpreting the Sarasvati River's historical significance in Vedic texts, and challenging homogeneous views of Buddhism's origins by highlighting diverse early contributions. The studies on Sanskrit phonetics, dialectical traditions, and textual emendations further enrich understanding of linguistic and philosophical nuances. Collectively, these works underscore the interconnectedness of spiritual, literary, and historical contexts in shaping Indian civilization, while advocating for nuanced interpretations that account for regional and temporal complexities.