Page 212 - Lokmanya Tilak Samagra (khand 2)

PREFACE 9
further, and show that the theory, so far as the primitive Aryan
home is concerned, ·is fully borne out by Vedic and Avesti-
traditions, and, what is still more important, tho latest geologic
cal researches not only corroborate the A vestic description of
the destruction of the Aryan Paradise, but enable us to place
its existence in times befo.rc the last Glacial epoch. The evidence
on which I rely is fully set forth in the following · pages; and
though the question is thus brought for the first time within the
area of Vedic and Avestic scholarship, I trust that my critics
will not prejudge me in any way, but give their judgment, not
on a passage here or an argument there,-for, taken singly, it
may not sometimes be found to be conclusive,- but on the
whole mass of evidence collected in the book, irrespective of how
far-reaching the ultimate effects of such a theory may be.
In conclusion, I desire to express my obligations to my
friend and old teacher Prof. S. G. Jinsivale, M. A., who care-
fully went through the whole manuscript, except the last chapter
which was subsequently written, verified all references, pointed
out a few inaccuracies, and made some valuable suggestions.
I have also to acknowledge with thanks the ready assistance
rendered to me by Dr. RAmkpshlla Gop&l BhAndarkar, C. I. ~.
and Khan Bahadur Dr. Dastur Hoshang JamAspji, the High
Priest of the Parsis in the Deccan, whenever I had an occasion
to consult them. Indeed, it would · bave been impossible to
criticise the A vestic passage so fully without the willing co-opera-
tion of the learned High Priest and his ·obliging Deputy Dastur
Kaikobad. I am also indebted to Prof. M. RangAcbilrya, M. A.,
of Madras, with whom I had an opportunity of discussing the
subject, for some critical suggestions~ to Mr. ShrinivAs IyengAr,
B. A., B. L., of the Madras High Court Bar, for a translation of
Lignana's Essay, to. Mr. G. R. Gogte, B. A. LL. B., for prepar-
ing the manuseript for the press, and to my friend Mr. K. G.
Oka, who helped me in reading the proof-sheets, and but for
whose care many errors would have escaped my attention. My
"
thanks are similarly due to the Managers of the AnandAshrama
and tlie Fergusson College for free access to their libraries and
to the Manager of the ,Arya-Bhu,hapa Press for the care bestow-
ed on the printing of this volume. It is needless to add that I
am alone responsible for the views embodied in the book. When
I published my Orion I little thought that I could bring to this