Bibliographies acquired by Divyadaan Library

The following have been acquired by Divyadaan Library as of May 2011:

• Bibliography of Dr Pissurlencar Collection, ed. B.S. Shastry and V.R. Navelkar (Bambolim: Goa University, 1989). Part I: A Descriptive Bibliography of the Writings of Dr Pissurlencar. Part II: List of Historical Writings in Dr Pissurlencar Collection. Part III: Letters from Dr Pissurlencar Collection. [The letters here are worth perusing; might provide important archival hints. Dr Pissurlencar was head of the Government Archives in Goa, and is regarded as the Father of these archives, which he was responsible for preserving.]
• Bibliography of Dr Nuno Gonsalves Collection. Ed. V.R. Navelkar. Taleigao Plateau, Goa: Goa University, 1997. 687 pp. 

Bibliographies

Prof. O.V. Jathanna brought to my notice another set of bibliographies of Indian Christian Writings, a series of little booklets published by Serampore College, according to languages. I list them here, together with the Baago and Hambye bibliographies.

• Baago, Kaj.
• Hambye
• Roy, Parimal. Bibliography of Original Christian Writings in India in Gujarati. Serampore, West Bengal, 712 201: Senate of Serampore College, 1991.
• Joseph, Ravela and B. Suneel Bhanu. Bibliography of Original Christian Writings in India in Telugu. Serampore: Senate of Serampore College, 1993.
• Mabry, H.P., H.S. Wilson and Zaimingthanga. Bibliography of Original Christian Writings in India. North East Languages. Serampore: Senate of Serampore College, 1992.
• Jadhav, Bhaskar, et al. Bibliography of Original Christian Writings in India in Sanskrit. Vol. 4. Serampore: Senate of Serampore College, 1994.
• Alwin Maben, Arun Kumar Wesley, Ivan Alberts. Bibliography of Original Christian Writings in India in Kannada and Tulu. Serampore: Senate of Serampore College, 1994.
• Boxer, C.R. "A Tentative Check-List of Indo-Portuguese Imprints, 1556-1674." Separata do Boletim do Instituto Vasco da Gama, no. 73. Bastora, Goa: Tipografia Rangel, 1956. TSKK no. 3520. [Copy offered by Boxer to Prof. Mariano Saldanha. Contains probably important jottings, corrections and updatings by the latter.] 

The Baago and Hambye bibliographies

I pulled out my file and glanced at what I have in it: the Kaj Baago bibliography, and Hambye's bibliography. Both quite massive achievements. In addition I have one copy of the bibliography published by the Heras Institute of Mumbai.

The Baago bibliography is divided according to periods, and within each period according to language. I noticed that the pre-1600 period has barely 3 items in all. Which is a real pity. I guess this state of affairs is in large part due to the destructive zeal of the Synod of Udayamperur or Diamper.... I remember a historian like A. Mundadan, CMI, weeping at this point in his history classes at Kristu Jyoti College. I think we have to understand the sometimes quite irrational attitudes that we encounter. There is a history behind it all.

Yesterday Tony George, SJ promised to send me a book containing indications about Christian literature in Maharashtra, or perhaps in Marathi. That will be welcome.

And of course, the definition of 'Indian Christian Writings.' I am curious to see how the Baago and Hambye items handle this.

About this bibliography

My aim is to set up a collaboration aimed at getting together a bibliography of Indian Christian Writings, one that is as complete as possible.

Several attempts have already been made, among which I mention the following:

Baago, Kaj, A Bibliography, Madras: CLS, 1969.

England, John C. et al, Asian Christian Theologies: A Research Guide to Authors, Movements, Sources. Vol 1, 7th-20th centuries: South Asia, Austral Asia, Delhi:ISPCK, 2002.

Of course, 'Indian Christian Writings' will have to be defined more precisely; but that I hope to do as we go along.

For the time being, the best way to begin is to begin.

But let me begin by inviting your collaboration. If you are an expert and have a bibliography to contribute, you are most welcome to do so. Even if you are not an expert, but have something to say, or an item to be noted, please don't hesitate to say your part.

So here goes!