Zend Avesta Part 01

SR No.: 007671
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: James Darmesteter
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1895
Total Pages: 2695
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 49 MB

Page 1994

INTRODUCTION.
139
rata (the Sanatsugatiya commencing at the forty-first chapter), seven of which are quoted in the Paikatantra ', and the eighth in the Mahabhashya • of Patangali. Of course, it almost goes without saying, that neither the Pañkatantra nor the Mahabhåshya mentions the source from which they derive the verses in question. But I do not think it unallowable to make the provisional assumption, that they were derived from the Mahabharata, so long as we cannot produce any other, and more likely, source. It is true, that Professor Weber has, in another connexion, impugned the cogency of this argument. He seems to think, that the probabilityin the case he was actually dealing with of the Ramayana having borrowed from the Mahabhashya, is quite as strong as the probability of the Mahabhashya having borrowed from the Ramayana'. And doubtless, he would by parity of reason contend, in the case before us, that the probabilities, as between the Mahabharata on the one hand, and the Mahabhashya and the Pañkatantra on the other, bear the mame mutual relation. I cannot accept this view. I am not Dow concerned to discuss the merits of the conclusion in support of which Professor Weber has advanced this argumcnt'. I am only considering, how far it affects the question now before us. And as to that question, I may say, that the Paikatantra expressly introduces the stanzas dow under consideration with some such expression as, For it has been said,' indicating clearly that it was there quoting the words of another. And so, too, does the Mahabhashya,
Cl. Kosegustea's Pantatantra, p. 28 (1, 28, Bombay S. C. ed.), with Udyoga Parman, chap. XL st. 7 (Bombay ed.); Patlatantna, pp. 112 and 109 (11, 10; IV, 3, Bombay ed.), with Udyoga Puran, cbap. XXXVIII, 9: p. 36 I, 37, Bombay cd.) with chap. XXXVI, s. 34: p. 140 (II, 40, Bombay ed.) with chap. XXXVII, s. 15; p. 160 (III, 69, Bombay ed.) with chap. XXXVII, R17, 18; p. 106 (II, 2, Bombay ed.) with chap. XXXVI. st. 59.
* Udyogi Parma, chap. XXXVIII, s. 1, and Mahabhashya VI, 1-4, p. 33 (Baalrus ed.)
* See lodiao Antiquary IV, 247. The parallel from Madban which Professor Weber adduces is quite inconclusive, and a far as it gocs appears to me to militate against the Professor's own view.
• I may, however, admit at once, that I ought not to bave expressed mysell M strongly u I did to the note which Professor Weber criticises.
. See p. 303 lain.
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