Comparative Study of Mantrashastra

Author(s): Mohanlal Bhagwandas Jhaveri
Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab

Page 10

INTRODUCTION
"HE purpose and scope of an introduction in these days have become
much wider. Many a time it is not merely an introduction to the work which is being published but is also an introduction to the subject treated therein. That is not all. A history of the subject treated is expected to be given, and in giving the history the writer of an introduction is also expected to solve knotty historical as well as antiquarian problems relating to the subject. Thus an introduction is many a time more in the nature of an independent treatise than confined strictly to its original purpose of introducing the reader to the work.
It is natural, when a subject treated is abstruse or is such that about whose utility diverse conflicting opinions are held or about which doubt is raised whether it can have a place at all amongst the scientific subjects, that more is expected of the writer of an introduction. However, unless the writer can assume that the class of readers for whom the introduction is meant is sufficiently educated and cultured in the lores of the day his task becomes difficult. He may be unnecessarily occupied with the elementarily phases of the subject and may not be able to do full justice to the comparatively advanced and important phases thereof,
The writer has also to bear in mind that the class generally interested in the present subject in this country is comprised largely of members who, though very educated and cultured according to the ancient modes of instruction prevailing in India, are yet comparatively ignorant of the English language and many a time do not have even tolerable acquaintance with the modern thoughts and culture.
While writing therefore, this part of the introduction dealing with the general aspect of the subject, the writer has kept in view before him the well educated reader who is well conversant with Eastern as well as the Western thoughts; but while writing the remaining parts he has kept in view the other class also.