The Date of Manik Ganguli's Dharma Mangal
By Muhammad Shahidullah
Summary
Manik Ganguli’s *Mangal*, a significant text on Dharma legends in Bengal, is attributed to Minik Ram Ganguli. While Dr. Dines Chandra Sen dates it to 1547 CE, the text itself provides a composition date through a Saka-era calculation. The original first line, though unclear, is corrected to *नरक हज 0% (૨ 2૩ तचिरन |)*, translating to 647 Saka era (1560 CE) when accounting for the Saka system. This aligns with the total of 1,941 Saka years, confirming the work’s composition around 1560 CE. The second section discusses academic provisions for Buddhist and Hindu studies in Japanese universities. At Tokyo Imperial University, Dr. J. Takakusu teaches Sanskrit, while Drs. M. Anesaki, T. Kimura, and Nagayee handle Indian religions, Hindu philosophy, and Pali, respectively. In Kyoto’s Imperial University, Prof. Sakaki teaches Sanskrit and Pali, Dr. B. Machumata covers Hindu philosophy, and U. Theramata specializes in Tibetan. Otani University features Dr. Nanjio (author of the *Catalogue of the Chinese Tripitaka*) as a former Sanskritic studies professor, succeeded by his pupil H. Izumi. Prof. C. Akanana focuses on Pali and Buddhism, and Prof. T. Suzuki, known for *Outlines of Mahayana Buddhism*, is also on staff. [Note: The final citation “1. H, Q., MARCH, 1925 ‘24” remains unclear due to incomplete context.]
Conclusion
This study conclusively establishes the date of Manik Ganguli’s *Mangal* as 1560 A.D. through a critical analysis of the Saka era references in the text, resolving discrepancies in earlier scholarship. By deciphering the symbolic numerical notations and contextualizing them within the 16th-century Bengali literary landscape, the research clarifies the chronology of Dharma-related legends in Bengal. The findings not only correct Dr. Dines Chandra Sen’s earlier dating but also highlight the interplay between regional literary traditions and historical context. This contribution enriches the understanding of Bengali literary history and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in resolving textual ambiguities. The study also indirectly contextualizes the global academic interest in Indian religious and philosophical studies, as reflected in the contemporary Japanese scholarly landscape.