Indian Antiquary Vol 18

SR No.: 032510
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: John Faithfull Fleet, Richard Carnac Temple
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 454
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 19 MB

Page 175

MAY, 1889.]
occupied with the description of 1888 coins of the Eastern Caliphate, falling into the following semi-divisions, (i) Coins of the Byzantine type (96 examples); (ii) Coins Latin-Arab. (42 ex.); (iii) Coins Sassani-Arab. (21 ex.): (iv) assigned to the Khalifa 'Ali (1 ex.); (v) Ummayi (619 ex.); (vi) Adherents of the 'Abbasis (12 ex.); (vii) 'Abbasi (875 ex). The reviewer says that he has counted 266 which have not been published, and some of which make us acquainted with mints hitherto unknown. A remarkable feature of the Paris collection are the Byzantine-Arab and Latin-Arab coins, in which the Russian collections are very poor. On the other hand, the Parisian collection is poor in Sassani-Arabian coins, of which the Russians have a good quantity. The copper coins of the Khalifas are very interesting, and besides the customary inscriptions we find various representations (branches of trees, ears of corn, crescents, eagles, etc.)
MISCELLANEA.
In the introduction M. Lavoix refers to the only dirham of Basra, known to be of the fortieth year of the Hijra. It is in all respects like the latest 'Ummayi dirhams of A.H.78-132. Relying upon uncertain historical data M. Lavoix ascribes the first attempt to coin among the Musalmâns to the Khalifa 'Ali (35-40 A.H.); but upon the unanimous evidence of Arabian historians, confirmed by many 'Ummayi coins, its introduction belongs to the rule of the Khalifa 'Abdu'l-Malik (65-86 A.H.). If it had happened in the time of 'Ali, the Musalmån Chronicles would have mentioned it, and moreover in the stores of Kufic money excavated in Northern Russia, we should certainly have met with a few examples of the coins of 'Ali. The writer does not venture to say that the coin is the production of a modern falsifier, but does not feel inclined, like Mordtmann, se fléchir devant la brutalité du fait, and to acknowledge it as a coin of 'Ali. Either the engraver made a misake, or it is a trick of some old supporter of the party of 'Ali, who wished to magnify the imperial wisdom of the founder of his party. Moreover, it is not yet settled in what year the coining of money was introduced. According to chronicles it was between the years 74 and 77 A.H. The specimens, which were known up to the time of M. Lavoir's Catalogue were as early as A.H. 77. He now makes us acquainted with dirhems of the years 73, 75, 76. In conclusion, the writer hopes for the speedy continuation of the work of M. Lavoix. (9) Bühler, G., Ueber die Indische Secte der
NOTES AND A VARIANT OF THE BLOODY CLOTH. The following is an interesting, if unpleasant, variant of the legend of the "bloody cloth"
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Jaina. Wien, 1887. This is a masterly exposition in a condensed form of the leading principles of Jainism. Professors Bühler and Jacobi are the chief defenders of the independent development of Jainism, apart from Buddhism. To the former' weighty reasons in support of this view, new are added, taken from the latest discoveries in epigraphy. In inscriptions of the first century B.C. are found enumerations of different schools of the Jains (gana) with their sub-divisions (éakhd, branch, and kula, family), known to us from the traditions of the Jains. This discovery enables us to feel more confidence in these traditions. Bühler gives a complete text of these inscriptions in the Viennese Oriental Journal.
(10) Albérant's India, edited in the Arabic origi nal, by Dr. Edward Sachau. New editions of valuable Arabic texts are constantly appearing. Bêrani, however, always keeps one of the chief places. Arabists and Indian scholars have alike awaited this book with impatience, perhaps the latter most so. A proper estimate will be made when the promised English translation appears. The work of Bêrant is peculiar. It has no parallel in ancient and mediaval literature of the East or West. We find in it no prejudices of religion or caste, but a careful spirit of criticism, which is imbued with all the power of modern comparative methods. He understands the value of knowledge, and prefers silence to opinions based upon inadequate facts. His breadth of vision is truly astonishing.
In this book is heard a soul thirsting for truth, and hungering for righteousness, placing that truth above everything, and striving for it unweariedly. He pardons much because he understands much; but at the same time he is free from fanciful idealism. It is indeed wonderful that such a work could have been produced at such a time and in such a country.
A man like Bêrûnî appears to great advantage, if we compare him to European savants of the time. The West was full of prejudices. It had to wait two centuries before it produced the great figure of Frederick II.
The reviewer does not agree with the editor that Berani was a solitary rock in the ocean of Arabic literature, and explains his reasons at considerable length. This edition is a great monument of the critical skill and unwearied labour of Edward Sachau.
W. R. MORFILL.
QUERIES.
attached to so many "saints" in Europe. At Chenganar there is a temple to Siva of considerable celebrity. In it there is an image of Parvati,