Indian Antiquary Vol 60

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications

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p. 329). This was followed by many notes and articles in succeeding volumes, till in 1885, when Burgess had to give up the work, the proprietor-editorship was assumed jointly by him and the late Dr. J. F. Fleet. From the 1st January 1892, when Dr. Fleet retired from the joint-editorship, he carried on the Journal as sole proprietor and editor entirely at his own risk until 1924, when he formed a company (the Indian Antiquary, Limited) in the interests of the Journal, and an agreement was entered into with the Royal Anthropological Institute by which the latter Agsumed responsibility, with effect from the 1st January 1925, for the maintenance of the Journal upon certain terms and conditions. From vol. VIII (1879) to vol. LX (of the current year) articles and notes poured from his facile pen, the bare enumeration of which would fill some nine double-columned pages of this size.
When the time and labour involved in editing this monthly journal from such & distance-for many years single-handed—is considered, the wonder is that he could manage to do so much other work as well. In the course of the brief life story above most of the volumes written or edited by him have been named. But this does not complete the tale of his literary activities by any means. He also contri. buted numerous notes and articles to North Indian Notes and Queries, the old Calcutta Review, Notes and Queries (London), the Folklore Record, the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, the Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute, the Journal of Indian Art, and many other journals and newspapers. In addition to this there is a list of some fifty miscellaneous pamphlets prepared by him. Truly a remarkable record for a man so occupied with official and public duties!
The outstanding characteristics of Sir Richard Temple were his indefatigable industry, amounting to a joy of work, his exceptional range of knowledge and interests, covering almost all branches of Oriental research, his wide personal experience of all provinces of the Indian Empire, and his liberal and broad-minded outlook that enabled him better to understand and appreciate the cultures of the East as a whole. He never claimed to be an expert in any of the subjects he dealt with. To overrate one particular branch of research, or depreciate others, was alien to his nature. He insisted on the sounder principles of viewing Indian history, life and oulture as a whole, correlating one with another, the neglect of which principle in oertain spheres of research has had such unfortunate results. It is in this respect that his place will be most difficult to fill. Not less remarkable than his range of knowledge was his unfailing readiness to help and encourage others. Only those in close contact with him knew to what extent he used to stimulate Indian students who showed interest in research work. He would often detect matter of value in a paper written in scarce intelligible English, that would have been summarily rejected by most editors. In such cases he would go to infinite pains in revising the language, at times practically rewriting the paper. Many an author never realized how much had been done for him in this way; and many who appreciated his unfailing courtesy will bear his name in affectionate remembrance. His own style was particularly easy and lucid, free, like himself, from any suspicion of pedantry or artificiality. His handwriting to the very last was firm and clear, even when he used a pencil, as was his practice latterly. In private life he was a delightful companion, with his interesting experiences, his sense of humour and his almost boyish zest for investigation and inquiry.
The readers of the Indian Antiquary will mourn his love, and offer their deepest sympathy to his widow and family.
C. E. A. W. OLDHAM.