Yu Longyu 郁龙余 & Zhu Xuan 朱璇

Shangdong: Shandong Education Press (山东教育出版社), 2015

Reviewed by Shubhda Gurung  (Ph.D. candidate of Jawaharlal Nehru University, HYI Visiting Fellow)

Ji Xianlin 季羡林 (1911 – 2009) is one of the pioneers of Sino-Indology. Sino-Indology is a field of study that seeks to examine the exchanges between and pursue comparative analysis of Indian and Chinese civilisations.[1] The basic requirements of this field of study include knowledge of several ancient and modern languages and familiarity with the history and culture of different regions of Asia. Ji Xianlin’s extensive knowledge and scholarship which encompasses these various languages and cultures that has left an indelible mark in the field of Sino-Indology and beyond. The question then arises is who is Ji Xianlin, after all? The book Ji Xianlin Pingzhuan《季羡林评传》or Ji Xianlin: A Critical Biography explores this question, methodically.[2]  Authored by Professors Yu Longyu and Zhu Xuan of Shenzhen University in 2015, the book offers a comprehensive examination of Ji Xianlin’s life, scholarship and key contributions, spanning nearly seven hundred pages across ten detailed chapters.

The first chapter, effectively sets the stage by outlining Ji Xianlin’s broad academic interests which include ancient Indian languages, Buddhist history, comparative literature and the nuances of cultural exchanges between the East and the West, etc. This chapter serves as a launchpad into the subsequent discussions, showcasing his commitment to fostering Indology as a serious academic discipline in China. In the second chapter, the author provides an insightful look into Ji Xianlin’s engagement with Buddhist studies. It highlights not only his scholarly achievements but also his role as a linguist, emphasizing his contributions to understanding Buddhist texts and languages. This leads to a thorough discussion in the third chapter regarding the establishment of Oriental studies in China and how he influenced the academic landscape since late 1940’s onwards, except the ten years of the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1966 – 1976). Notably, the chapter also discusses Ji Xianlin Quanji《季羡林全集》or The Complete Works of Ji Xianlin a comprehensive collection of all his works, underscoring the depth of his prolific scholarly output in thirty Volumes, published by the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Publishing Company (外语教学与研究出版社出版) in 2009 – 2010.   Furthermore, the authors examine Ji Xianlin’s role as a translator in the fourth chapter, particularly focusing on his translation projects, which have been crucial in introducing Indian literary classics to the Chinese-speaking world. This chapter also highlights the significance of his translation theories which emerged from his own practical experiences and illustrates how his translations helped fill critical gaps in contemporary Chinese literature.

The  next two chapters examine Ji Xianlin’s influence in Chinese comparative literature and his prose writing. Chapter five highlights his academic achievements and theoretical frameworks proposed, while chapter six analyses his prose writing journey, the advantage he had of using the source material for his research, the aesthetic qualities of his writings, showcasing his literary contributions and distinctive style. In chapter seven the author portrays Ji Xianlin as a cultural ambassador, adept at navigating the complexities of cross-cultural dialogue. His travels, especially to India are chronicled through his personal reflections that reveal his deep appreciation for cultural diversity. It also explores Ji Xianlin’s essays which provide a nuanced understanding of his vision for cultural exchange, specially between India and China. Chapter eight highlights key achievements in Dunhuang and Turfan studies and their cultural significance as a crossroads for China, India, Greece, and the Islamic world. In the chapter nine, the authors examines Ji Xianlin’s early left-wing influences and the application of Marxist theories in his research. His emotional journey and his personal beliefs has been captured beautifully in chapter ten. Finally, the authors provide two appendices exploring the core objectives behind writing Ji Xianlin: A Critical Biography and systematically expound Ji Xianlin’s life events, publications and key appointments in a chronological manner.

The  book Ji Xianlin: A Critical Biography offers a detailed account about Ji Xianlin but lacks the critical analysis of his scholarly works. The analysis would have been relatively more comprehensive if the intellectual history of major events of twentieth century such as China’s role in two World Wars (1914 – 1919) (1939 – 1945), the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (1949) and the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1966 – 1976) shaped his world view that is reflective in his research.

Essentially, Ji Xianlin: A Critical Biography is a indispensable  resource for understanding the life and scholarship of a seminal figure in Sino-Indology – Ji Xianlin. The authors have made significant strides in chronicling Ji Xianlin’s multifaceted contributions in varied fields of studies. Through this biography, readers can appreciate his significant role in promoting cross-cultural dialogue and a holistic understanding of the cultural relations between India and China. While the biography offers valuable insights into Ji Xianlin’s legacy, it leaves the reader wanting more in terms of critical analysis of his works and historical context. Thus, this book stands as a foundational text for understanding Ji Xianlin, while simultaneously opening the door for further exploration and discussion regarding his lasting impact on Sino-Indology and beyond.

[1] Sen, Tansen. ‘Introduction: Ji Xianlin and Sino-Indology’, China Report. New Delhi: 2012-02, Vol. 48 (1-2), p.1-10

[2] The book is translated in the English language by B.R. Deepak of Jawaharlal Nehru University in 2018 titled ‘Ji Xianlin: A Critical Biography’. The book is translated in Hindi, Bengali and Tamil languages.