About this Book
The increasingly rare first edition of this Sanskrit treatise by the noted German orientalist, Friedrich Max Muller (1823-1900) with a striking provenance.
Rig-Veda-Sanhita, the Sacred Hymns of the Brahmans; together with the commentary of Sayanacharya, 3 vol., first edition, with preface and notes, Sanskrit text, complete individual volumes. Large 4to, 1849-56.
The Rigveda constitute an integral sacred part of ancient Vedic texts on hymns (suktas) in the traditional Hindu religion. Most scholars believe that the sounds and texts of the Rigveda have been orally transmitted with precision since the 2nd millennium BCE. From volume I’s focus on the Vedas’ role in knowledge to volume II’s homage to Gajanana, it explores various rituals and deities. Volume III emphasizes ceremonies and hymns to Gajanana and Agni.
Max Muller popularized the systemic studies on Indology in the West and propagated Sanskrit literature throughout Germany and Europe in general. His noted works include the translation of the Upanishads and the Hitopadesa. Upon encouragement of Eugene Burnouf, he translated the Rigveda, and published it in 1849, making use of the manuscripts available in England. He moved to England in 1846 to study Sanskrit texts in the collection of the East India Company. This was a mammoth undertaking at the time and the East India Company patronized the publications of this first 3-volume edition till 1856. A continuation of the later Mandalas were subsequently published under the patronage of the Right Honourable Her Majesty’s secretary of state for India in council in Volumes IV, V and VI till 1874.
Provenance– Robert Needham Cust’s copy with ink presentation inscription to him from the East India House Library to head of titles and another longer from Cust to Eton College Library on front free endpaper of vol.1, with his armorial bookplate in vol.3.
Condition– Original cloth boards well preserved, minor soiling and age-related discoloration, original paper labels to spines, the labels chipped and worn but legible, inside text bright and unmarked, hinges of vol.1 & 3 weak, spines faded, some splits to joints, spine of Vol 1 with tear but holding.
An incredibly rare set with detailed early ownership inscription, gift of the East India library.
