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Preface
The L. D. Institute of Indology has great pleasure in offering to the world of Prakrit scholars Part I of the hitherto unpublished Prakrit work “Vasudevahindi : Majjhimakhanda' (=VM) composed by Dharmasenagani Mahattara (c. 7th century A.D.). It is so called because it is inserted in the midst of the Vasudevahindi composed by Sarghadasagani Vacaka (c. Sth century A.D.).
The first part of the VM is here critically edited by Dr. H. C. Bhayani and Dr. R. M. Shah on the basis of five manuscripts, one palmleaf and the rest paper They liave written an elaborate and learned introduction to this part I of VM. Therein they describe the Mss., demonstrate the interrelationship of Mss., explain the constitution of the text, summarise the text, point out the salient features of the language of VM, give an account of the stylistic peculiarities, discuss the VM Narratives, in relation to the Brliatkathā (BK) tradition, examine the relationshjø of VM with various BK versions, give an idea of the original BK. and its versions, and finally determine the date of Dharmasenagani. The three appendixes, especially the third one enlisting important words, enhance the value of the work.
The L. D. Institute of Indology is highly thankful to Dr. H. C. Bhayani and Dr. R.M. Shah for undertaking the editing of this invaluable work. They have spared no pains to make the text as flawless as possible.
It is hoped that the publication of this important work will be of great value to the keen students and scholars of Prakrit Language and Literature.
L. D. Institute of Indology Ahmeda' ad-380 009 15th Sepio.nber, 1987
Nagin J. Shah Acting Ditecor
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