Megasthenes and Indian Religion

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The preparations for this work extend over rather a long period. It was as early as in 1949 that I asked my teacher, Professor Geo Widengren, for a theme, and he proposed "The figure of Krishna" or "The Siva ascetics". I am most thankful to him for giving me considerable freedom in defining more exactly the scope of my task, since my investigation has brought me far from the original subject proposed. On his advice I got in touch with Professor Stig Wikander, who showed such great interest and kindness that he treated Krishna texts in his Sanskrit lessons for several years afterwards. I have often had the benefit of discussing actual problems with him and have received a great many suggestions from him. Professor Helmer Ringgren and Professor Nils Simonsson have been of the greatest value of me, stimulating and interested as they have been. Other friends to whom I have the pleasure of expressing my hearty thanks for discussing my problems and giving me suggestions are Professors Carl-Martin Edsman, Docent Carl-Gustaf Diehl, Docent Sven Hartman, Docent Bengt Lofstedt, Docent Harry Tegnaeus, and Rev. Teol kand., Fil. mag. Jan Bergman.

Previously I had translated the Greek text into my own language. This translation has been examined, corrected and improved by fil. lie. Gunnar Baarnhielm and Fil. lie. Kerstin Bergman. For their help I thank them. It seemed to me pointless to have my own Swedish translation rendered into English, considering there was already a very good English translation by MeCrindle. Therefore I have used this existing translation, only stressing at a few point my own differing opinion.

Teol. Lie Eric Sharpe, B.A., has translated my Swedish manuscript. I have written only a few sentences myself. For the most part I have the impression that the translation is a good rendering of what I want to say. The exceptions are generally of little importance. I thank him for his pains.

As to the last labours with printing and proof-reading I extend my most hearty thanks to Mr. A. Eriksson, Almqvist & Wiksells Boktryckeri AB. The Liberians of the University Library in Uppsala have always shows extraordinary kindness and obligingness. In particular, I want to express my gratitude to Fil. Dr. A Melvinger.

I wish also to take the opportunity to extend my special thanks to the Archbishop of Sweden, Gunnar Hultgren, for his inspiring interest. At least once his word alone was the necessary stimulation which enabled me to complete my work.

My clerical colleagues have also shown interest and kindness, for which I thank them most heartily.

Finally, I should like to express my warm thanks to my wife and children for their patience and self-denial, without I could not have continued my research.

This work deals at length with various theories about religion prevalent a the time when Megasthenes visited India (C 300 B.C.). Very interesting and scholarly views have been put forth regarding investigations of Megasthenes their reliability and the reliability of his reporters.

Undoubtedly, Culture of India lacks historical aspect inasmuch – as does no provide as to when an event took place or certain concept was first used. It is here that the importance of Megasthenes is felt. But for his records we should never have believed Krishnaism to be so ancient at least as a significant religion.

This book is documented with introduction, Bibliography, three indexes, list of abbreviations and rules of pronunciation of Indian words.