Did the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) CE Remove Verses Believed to be Illogical or Interpolations?

The question of whether the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute's (BORI) Critical Edition (CE) of the Mahabharata removed verses considered illogical or interpolations has gained significant attention. In this article, we will delve into the processes and context behind such modifications, and how one can access comprehensive information on BORI's work.

Understanding the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI)

The Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, located in Pune, India, is renowned for its extensive research and documentation of Sanskrit literature, particularly the Mahabharata. BORI's Critical Edition (CE) of the Mahabharata is a meticulously edited version that aims to provide an accurate and reliable text based on extensive scholarly analysis and textual criticism.

Accessing BORI's Work: The Comprehensive Prolegomena

To gain a deeper understanding of BORI's work, potential readers can visit the institute's official website, The Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. On this site, a comprehensive Prolegomena is available for download, which serves as a foundational guide to the critical edition project. This document is invaluable for those interested in the nuts and bolts of BORI's editorial process.

Steps to Access the Prolegomena

Visit the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute's website () Scroll down to the section dedicated to the Mahabharata's BORI Critical Edition. Locate and download the Prolegomena document, which provides detailed insights into the methodology, sources, and decision-making processes involved in editing the Mahabharata.

The Role of Ved Vyasa and the Compilation Process

The notion that BORI edited verses that were considered illogical or interpolations requires some clarification. According to traditional belief, Ved Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata, was present during the compilation and editing process. It is said that he personally addressed and corrected any errors or additions made by other authors, editing the text with his own hands. This traditional perspective posits that BORI's critical edition aims to restore the text to its original form, as supervised by Ved Vyasa himself.

Accounting for Verses Considered Illogical or Interpolations

It's important to note that the BORI Critical Edition's approach does not merely involve the removal of verses without justification. The team of scholars meticulously reviews and evaluates each verse, considering a wide array of sources and textual evidence. When a verse is deemed to be an interpolation or illogical, it is supported by scholarly arguments and textual evidence rather than mere speculation or personal opinion.

Criteria for Interpolation Detection

Textual Evidence: Scholars analyze multiple manuscripts to identify patterns and discrepancies. Scholarly Analysis: Extensive textual criticism and comparative textual analysis are employed to detect interpolations. Orthodox Commentaries: References to earlier commentaries and scholarly interpretations are consulted to identify non-original additions. Cultural and Historical Context: The cultural and historical context of certain verses is analyzed to determine their authenticity. Logical Consistency: The logical consistency of the text is assessed to identify sections that seem out of place or illogical.

Rebuttal to Misguided Perception

Some individuals may resort to mockery or dismissive humor regarding BORI's work. It is crucial to understand that such perceptions are based on a superficial understanding of the textual criticism process. The scholarly endeavors of BORI are deeply rooted in rigorous methodology and a commitment to preserving the integrity of the ancient text. Rather than dismissing the work out of limited understanding, potential readers are encouraged to explore the resources provided by BORI to gain a deeper and more informed perspective.

Conclusion

The Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute's Critical Edition of the Mahabharata is a result of meticulous scholarly work grounded in traditional literature and contemporary textual criticism. The process of identifying and addressing verses believed to be illogical or interpolations is guided by rigorous academic standards and methodologies. By accessing the comprehensive Prolegomena and other resources available on the BORI website, interested readers can gain a more accurate and respectful understanding of the BORI CE project.