Indian Antiquary Vol 19

SR No.: 032511
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: John Faithfull Fleet, Richard Carnac Temple
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 510
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 21 MB

Page 411

NOVEMBER, 1890.)
BOOK-NOTICES.
381
BOOK-NOTICES. ALBERUNI'INDIA : an account of the Religion, Philo- that he has not only carefully consulted the sophy, Literature, Geography, Chronology, Astronomy, translations of the Vishnu-Purdna, the Bha. Custom, Laws and Astrology of India, about A. D.
gavadgita, Varahamihira'a Brihat-Sanhita, the 1030. An English Edition with Notes and Indices. By Dr. EDWARD C. SACHAU. London ; Trübner & Co.,
Savukhyakirika and the Patañjala Yogasútra, 1888. Two Volumes; pp. 1., 408, 431.
but that he has even utilised the original texts of Some years ago I called attention in the pages
which he was able to procure printed copies. of this Journal, ante, Vol. XV. p. 31 f., to the im
Nor has he forgotten Colebrooke's and Prinsep's portance of Bêruni's Indica, a translation of which
Essays, Lassen's Indische Alterthumskunde, A. Professor Sachau had then begun to print. This
Weber's numerous contributions to the history translation has now been some time before the
of Sansksit literature and antiquities, Cunningpublic, and I believe that a further notice is de
ham's important works on geography and archosirable both in the interest of Sansksit philology
logy, and Elliot's History of India. Where the and in acknowledgment of the eminent service
published works failed to give the requisite help, which Professor Sachau has rendered to the
Professor Sachau has availed himself of the students of Indian history and literature, by
services of a number of specialists. Thus, our making the famous Muhammadan's work acces.
distinguished Viennese astronomer, Dr. Schram, sible to those not acquainted with the Arabic lan.
has verified the numerous calculations. And
Prof. Kielhorn and other Sanskritists have fur. guage.
nished notes on various single points. The result An Arabist who undertakes the translation of
is that a very considerable proportion of Bêrani's a book like the Indica, has the choice between
statements and quotations has been verified, and two different methods. He may either content
that a very large number of the dark points himself with rendering his text as exactly as
as exactly as have received light. Taken together with the possible, leaving it to the Sanskritists to make
copious and judicious introduction, the notes fur. of it what they can ; or he may attempt not only
nish a very good guide for those who wish to to translate, but to do also the work of a com
utilise Bêrûni's work. mentator and to trace the statements of his text in Sanskpit literature. Professor Sachau, These achievements are such that even a San. who is not only one of the most distinguished skritist, and so much more an Arabist, might regard Arabic scholars of the day, but is also acquainted them with just pride. Nevertheless there is yet, as with the sacred language of the Brahmans, has Professor Sachau himself says, (Preface, p. xlix.) chosen the second more ambitious course, which something to do for Sanskritists in connection in the case of Bêráni's work is particularly with the Indica. It will probably take some time arduous and toilsome. For Bêrani gives hun. antil all the Sanskpit names and words in Berani's dreds of quotations from Sanskrit authors, text have been restored to their proper shape, anil numerous mathematical or astronomical calcula- perhaps somewhat longer until his sources have lations, and very extensive lists of Sanskṣit names been all identified and his treatment of them has and technical terms, the verification or identifica- been fully elucidated. For the restoration of the tion of which frequently presente very great rarer names and terms one must wait, 49 in the difficulties. The Sanskrit books which he quotes case of all more difficult conjectural emendations, have by no means all been published and transla- for a lucky moment, without which were laborions ted. Some are not even known, while others are poring over the distorted letters remains useless. preserved only in MSS., of which no sufficient A few instances which, it seems to me, confirin the account has been given. The Sanskrit names and truth of this assertion, and which possess some words, for the expression of which the Arabic interest, may be here adduced. Beruni repeatalphabet is at the best not very convenient, have edly quotes astronomical works with the title been sadly mangled and distorted in very numer. Sridhawa or rather SRVDHV, which he ascribes ous cases, be it through Berani's or his copyist's to different authors. There cannot be a doubt carelessness. Their restoration frequently be- that the name is corrupt. Professor Sachau sug. comes so much more difficult, as they have not gests that it may be Sarvadhara (p. xxxix.) or been preserved in the Sanskrit works hitherto Brötavya (p. 158, 307), to which former emendaaccessible, and as hence purely conjectural emendation I gave my adhesion, when Professor Sacháu tions are required. Professor Sachau has manfully consulted me regarding it. Neither is, however, grappled with these numerous difficulties and correct. SRVDHV is without doubt the Sansksit with signal success. His elaborate notes show Sdrôddhara, 'an extract of the essentials. This