Today marks the birth anniversary of T. W. Rhys Davids
By – AJAY RAWAT, Germany
(SAMAJ WEEKLY)- Today marks the birth anniversary of T. W. Rhys Davids, a distinguished scholar renowned for his promotion of Pali language and literature. Born on May 12, 1843, in London, Rhys Davids dedicated his life to studying and advancing the rich traditions of Buddhism and Indian culture.
During his tenure as District Magistrate in Galle, Sri Lanka, a case involving evidence in Pali sparked his enduring fascination with the language. This pivotal moment led him to establish the Pali Text Society and the Department of Pali at the University of London, where he taught and nurtured the study of Pali.
Rhys Davids, alongside his wife Caroline August Foley, played a pivotal role in preserving and propagating Pali literature. Their efforts led to the founding of institutions like the Pali Text Society of London and laid the groundwork for the study of comparative religious studies.
His monumental Pali-English Dictionary and scholarly articles have been instrumental in enhancing our understanding of Buddhist teachings and literature. Rhys Davids’ unwavering dedication continues to inspire scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Today, on his birth anniversary, we remember T. W. Rhys Davids for his profound contributions to the revival of Pali language and literature, and for his enduring impact on the study of Buddhism worldwide.
