Contribution of Western Women Scholars to Indology

Introduction

The contribution of western women scholars to Indology is very little on record. This book is an overview of the biographies and writings of some selected western women scholars of Indology. It was not possible to include all the noteworthy scholars, nor was it possible to obtain all the required material covering a comprehensive account of western women Indologists. The scope of the present book is for a limited period. It discusses the Scholars who have contributed to this field, especially in the 19th, 20th, and early years of the 21st century. It has been observed that the major contribution of western women scholars to Indological studies is through their translations and editorial works. This book is divided into different sections showing the country-wise classification of scholars and their contribution to Indology.

The biographies are based on some Internet sources, and detailed references and sources have been given wherever necessary. It was not possible to get the photographs of some authors from available sources so those photography are not included in the book. This book is not an exhaustive survey. Many other important women Indologists have contributed to this field. Considering the startcomings of the work it is hoped that the purpose of this book is to show that the contribution of western women scholars to Indology is also remarkable thus, it is need of an hour to revisit, restudied, and appraise their works before it slips from the mind of contemporary scholars. At a time when women scholars were just beginning to make their way into the corridors of male power, these women scholars blazed with their contributions.

It is hoped that the book will benefit not only those who are working in the field of Indology but also the general reader, who are interested in the work of western women scholars done in the field of Indology.