Ji Xianlin [File Photo]

A special group has been set up at Peking University, where Ji worked, for making funeral arrangements, according to a document posted on the university's Web site.

Ji, a native of east China's Shandong Province, was born on Aug. 6, 1911. 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.

Ji was well-versed in 12 foreign languages. He served as a professor with the oriental studies department of Peking University from 1946 to 1983. He also served as deputy president of the university between 1978 and 1984.

(Xinhua News Agency July 11, 2009)