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John D. Smith

b. 1946

British Indologist

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About John D. Smith

Born 1946. John D. Smith is a British linguist.

John Dargavel Smith (born August 26, 1946) is a former professor of Sanskrit at Cambridge.

Smith's studies have primarily focused on topics in the language/literature/culture of Rajasthan. Much of this time was devoted to a major project on the hero-deity Pabuji: this was published in 1991 as The epic of Pabuji (Cambridge University Press).

Smith earned a BA degree in Oriental Studies (Sanskrit and Hindi) 1968 and a PhD in 1974. He was appointed Lecturer in Sanskrit at the School of Oriental and African Studies 1975; University Lecturer in Sanskrit at Cambridge 1984, and became promoted Reader in Sanskrit, October 2001. He retired in September 2007.

Smith is interested in Hindu mythology and epic narrative. In 2009, he published an abridged translation of the Mahabharata with Penguin Classics. Professor Smith is also interested in the application of computers to textual study.

Selected publications The Vīsaḷadevarāsa: a restoration of the text. Cambridge: C.U.P., 1976 The epic of Pābūjī: a study, transcription and translation. Cambridge: C.U.P., 1991 The epic of Pabuji [popular second edition]. New Delhi: Katha, 2005. The Mahābhārata: an abridged translation. Penguin Books, 2009.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
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University of Cambridge
Also known as
John Dargavel Smith

People in John D. Smith's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

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Frequently asked questions

Who is John D. Smith?

British Indologist

When was John D. Smith born?

John D. Smith was born on 26 August 1946.

What is John D. Smith's occupation?

John D. Smith is a linguist.

What nationality is John D. Smith?

John D. Smith is British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John D. Smith

· Wikidata: Q6228326

· DBpedia: John D. Smith

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John D. Smith. https://biography.guide/john-d-smith/

MLA: "John D. Smith." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-d-smith/.

Chicago: "John D. Smith." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-d-smith/.

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