Hindu Law and Judicature from the Dharma-Sastra of Yajnavalkya

<p>The immediate incentive to this undertaking was a knowledge or at least a strong impression that a connected and explanatory translation of the rules of jurisprudence in the Dharma ����stra of Y��jnavalkya was a practical want. Such impression was coincided in and therefore proved correct by a long list of local subscribers eminently qualified by position and experience to decide.</p><p> </p><p>Dr. R��er is responsible for the fidelity of the rendering so far as depends on knowledge of the Sanscrit language and literature of Hindu mythology and philosophy. Mr. Montriou has aided so far as enabled by juridical acquirements and experience. The language of translation has therefore been a joint labour often the result of much and anxious discussion and if not unfrequently but a choice of doubtful alternatives yet always a choice made with pains and circumspection. The text we have generally followed is Stenzler's which is based on and selected from two MSS. in the royal library at Berlin and two editions published in Calcutta.</p><p> </p><p>We have not neglected constant comparison with Stenzler's German translation as well as with the several detached passages as translated by Colebrooke and W. Macnaghten. Words within brackets are not in the original text. References to and extracts from the standard commentary upon Y��jnavalkya the Mit��kshar�� necessarily form the staple of our notes. All such extracts are distinguished by the initial (M.) and the author of the commentary we invariably refer to as the Commentator. At the same time we have not blindly or implicitly followed this commentator. In some sense all Hindu glosses are untrustworthy guides.</p><p> </p><p>They assume the text to be the language of inspiration; and as the several Dharma ����stras not merely differ but often dispose of the same subject in a contradictory manner Pandits deem it their duty to reconcile all discrepancies how forced soever their interpretations may be. In passages so dealt with we have endeavoured to give the plain meaning of the original text. We gratefully acknowledge the obliging assistance in research enquiry and suggestion occasionally afforded in the progress of our task by Babus Chandra Saikhur Dev and Shy��m��chara���a Sircar.</p><p> </p>