Excellent observation on the paradox of exalting oral transmission, while insisting on an ahistorical, perennial writing tradition.
Best,
Howard

> On Apr 11, 2017, at 1:57 PM, Camillo Formigatti <camillo.formigatti@bodleian.ox.ac.uk> wrote:
>
> Dear Howard,
>
> Thanks a lot for the nice reply, actually I didn't help at all!
>
> The reason why I asked about the line of argument is that I simply find this will to secure a 'primordial' origin and status to writing in South Asian (or shall I say Hindu?) culture very fascinating. After all, aren't we constantly reminded on all sides of the importance of direct oral transmission in South Asian culture--or to paraphrase the proverb, isn't it so that knowledge written in a book is like money in somebody else's hands, when you need it, it's not accessible?
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Camillo
>
>
> Dr Camillo A. Formigatti
> John Clay Sanskrit Librarian
>
> Bodleian Libraries
> The Weston Library
> Broad Street
> Oxford
> OX1 3BG
>
> Email: camillo.formigatti@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
> Tel. (office): 01865 (2)77208
> www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Howard Resnick [mailto:hr@ivs.edu]
> Sent: 11 April 2017 11:03
> To: Camillo Formigatti <camillo.formigatti@bodleian.ox.ac.uk>
> Cc: Indology List <indology@list.indology.info>
> Subject: Re: [INDOLOGY] Help with Ramayana
>
> Thank you, Camillo. You and I agree.
>
> I inserted “primordial,” since this traditional, faith-based Hindu scholar argues that writing "has always been there.”  I’m sure and I have the same view on this matter, but I was trying to be gentle with him on text-critical issues, dating etc, so that he didn’t flame up on me.
>
> Anyway, your help is much appreciated.
>
> Best wishes,
> Howard
>
>> On Apr 10, 2017, at 12:37 PM, Camillo Formigatti via INDOLOGY <indology@list.indology.info> wrote:
>>
>> Dear Howard,
>>
>> I don't see immediately how this reference in the Ramayana could be understood as 'primordial writing.' What should primordial mean? If the passage refers to the name of Rama represented by some sort of script on a ring, still to what extent could it be a reliable source about the introduction of the technology of writing in South Asia? How would it help us in this matter?
>>
>> I'm curious to know more about the line of argument of the Hindu scholar you are corresponding with.
>>
>> Best wishes,
>>
>> Camillo Formigatti
>>
>>
>> Dr Camillo A. Formigatti
>> John Clay Sanskrit Librarian
>>
>> Bodleian Libraries
>> The Weston Library
>> Broad Street
>> Oxford
>> OX1 3BG
>>
>> Email: camillo.formigatti@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
>> Tel. (office): 01865 (2)77208
>> www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: INDOLOGY [mailto:indology-bounces@list.indology.info] On Behalf
>> Of indology-request@list.indology.info
>> Sent: 08 April 2017 17:00
>> To: indology@list.indology.info
>> Subject: INDOLOGY Digest, Vol 51, Issue 8
>>
>> Send INDOLOGY mailing list submissions to
>>      indology@list.indology.info
>>
>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>>
>> http://list.indology.info/mailman/listinfo/indology_list.indology.info
>>
>> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>>      indology-request@list.indology.info
>>
>> You can reach the person managing the list at
>>      indology-owner@list.indology.info
>>
>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of INDOLOGY digest..."
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> INDOLOGY mailing list
>> INDOLOGY@list.indology.info
>> indology-owner@list.indology.info (messages to the list's managing
>> committee) http://listinfo.indology.info (where you can change your
>> list options or unsubscribe)
>>
>
>


_______________________________________________
INDOLOGY mailing list
INDOLOGY@list.indology.info
indology-owner@list.indology.info (messages to the list's managing committee)
http://listinfo.indology.info (where you can change your list options or unsubscribe)