Gaspare Gorresio: The prolific Italian scholar who pioneered major Indological studies in the West with his translation of the Indian Epic "Ramayana"

Abstract

This paper aims to illuminate the significant contributions of the eminent Italian scholar Gaspare Gorresio (18.1.1807-21.5.1891) to Sanskrit and Indological studies. During the colonial era, many foreign scholars advanced classical Indological studies by translating key texts of ancient Indian scriptures and civilization. However, Gorresio stood out as a pioneer in this field, making substantial and comprehensive contributions to the critical study and translation of Indian scriptures after extensive efforts in collecting and collating various versions available in India. He not only mastered Sanskrit, the language of Indian scriptures, but also undertook the monumental task of translating the Indian epic