Pahlavi Texts

Still referenced in Indo-Iranian studies, this five-volume translation of the Pahlavi texts of Zoroastrianism was published between 1880 and 1897.

Volume 3 of Pahlavi Texts was published in 1885 and includes the texts of Dînâ-î Maînôg-î Khirad, Sikand-gûmânîk Vigâr, and the Sad Dar. The translations of these manuscripts provide further historical and social context to Zoroastrianism and its relationship with other contemporary faiths, from lay and clerical perspectives.Published between 1880 and 1897 as part of Max Müller's Sacred Books of the East series, this five-volume translation of Pahlavi texts was the work of Edward William West (1824–1905). Largely self-taught, West developed his knowledge of ancient oriental languages in India, where he worked as a civil engineer. After returning to Europe, West focused on the study of sacred Zoroastrian texts and prepared these translations of Pahlavi manuscripts. His writings and editions are still referenced today in Indo-Iranian studies. Volume 3 contains the Dînâ-î Maînôg-î Khirad ('Opinions of the Spirit of Wisdom' - a series of enquiries and answers relating to the worship of Ahura Mazda); the Sikand-gûmânîk Vigâr ('Doubt-dispelling Exposition' - a controversial ninth-century Zoroastrian apologetic, designed to prove the correctness of the fundamental doctrine of Mazda-worship); and the Sad Dar, a Persian rather than Pahlavi text, offering valuable discussion of 'a hundred subjects' connected to Zoroastrianism.