> there were no pandits in Oxford
Monier-Williams - a solitary giant, helped in his Sanskrit Lexicographer's work only by several European trained sub-giants.
No assistance from Indian pandits needed; he could manage without their help, he himself would explain the meanings of rare lexemes appearing in some vague (left vague on purpose!) Vedic verses, he himself would explain the meanings of some difficult terms appearing in some half-forgotten philosophical or astronomical or grammatical treatises .
No, no need for any pandits in Oxford. No pandit could measure up to him.
Dear All,
Great knowledge - yes. But - was his knowledge boundless?
I personally would rather - would tend to - doubt it.
The way his work is presented in the SED itself - it confirms the White Man's advantage over the Indian natives: their tradition has to be organized, their sacred language de-sanctified, and He - the great Monier Monier-Williams - does it.
Colonial pride.
Sir Monier Monier-Williams, KCIE. Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire.
Even If there were no pandits in Oxford at the time, there certainly were multilingual pandits working in London, experts in Sanskrit and English and local languages, in the India Office. Can we exclude any contacts between them and the M-W's team? Any paid-for consultations?
Regards,
Artur Karp