Customer Reviews

Sanskrit English Dictionary

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Useful as a quick reference because the entries are primarily in Roman script with diacritics, rather than Devanagari. Some of the entries, specifically those connected with scientific views, are outdated as they are subject to the scientific understanding of the time.

What bothers me more, however, is the motivation of Monier-Williams for creating the dictionary and the possible influence that may have had on its accuracy. Often referred to as "a lover of India," Monier-Williams himself shows a different side of his interest in India. In 'Modern India and Indians', p. 247. he writes: "When the walls of the mighty fortress of Brahmanism are encircled, undermined and finally stormed by the soldiers of cross, the victory of Christianity must be signal and complete." And in the preface of this very dictionary he writes: "I must draw attention to the fact that I am only the second occupant of the Boden Chair, and that its founder, Col. Boden, stated most explicitly in his will (dated Aug. 15,1811) that special object of his munificent bequest was to promote the translation of the scriptures into Sanskrit; so as to enable his countrymen to proceed in the conversion of the natives of India to the Christian Religion."

I find it hard to believe that this kind of attitude lays a proper foundation for an objective approach to the creation of a dictionary, and want to caution the reader to bear this in mind when using it.

I agree with the previous reviewer's comments. This dictionary is comprehensive and easy to use even for new Sanskrit students such as myself. I have the Indian edition. The binding is suboptimal, but it is a viable option for far less money.