Sir William Jones (1746-1794) and Islamic studies.

The dissertation considers the life and work of Sir William Jones, a significant figure in the field of Orientalism and a judge in the Bengal Supreme Court. The life and career of Jones is described ,with emphasis on his interests in the Arabic, Persian and Sanskrit languages. A review of literature relating to Jones gives a comparative account of how his work and actions were perceived by commentators and how those perceptions changed in more recent studies of his work. The major part of the dissertation deals with the work of Jones in translating legal texts, with particular attention paid to his last work on Mohamedan laws of intestacy, as part of the plan to administer native laws. The work is considered in the context of the Shari’a and Islamic jurisprudence, the work of Muslim jurists and their function. Consideration is given to the impact of his work, and that of others on the development of Anglo-Mohamedan law. Jones’s contribution to the early development of Oriental studies is evaluated. The significance of Jones to Islamic Studies is assessed, showing that his work and actions were instrumental in affecting the laws of a Muslim society by the introduction of colonialist concepts and practices. The dissertation contains a Glossary of Key Terms and a Bibliography.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

ma

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Watkin, Owen

• DS Asia
• K Cyfraith (Cyffredinol)

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:346