Renowned Chinese scholar Ji Xianlin passes away

Renowned Chinese scholar Ji Xianlin died of illness on Saturday in Beijing at the age of 98.

People from all walks of life, including state leaders, have paid tribute to the distinguished scholar. Ji was well-versed in 12 foreign languages. He served as a professor with the oriental studies department of Peking University from the mid 1940s to the early 1980s. He also served as deputy president of the university.

Ji was best remembered for his achievements in research on ancient Indian aboriginal languages, primeval Buddhist languages and Sanskritic literature. He also translated works from ancient Indian and primeval Buddhist languages.