Reviews

Gandhi: A Life by Krishna Kripalani. Published by the author. Distributors: Orient Longmans Ltd. Price Rs. 20.

The Gandhi centenary year (1968-1969) has been marked by a number of useful publications dealing with the Mahatma’s life, philosophy and achievements. Krishna Kripalani, whose biography of Gurudev Tagore earned for him just and wide appreciation, has come out with a book on Gandhiji. This is a valuable addition to the number.

It is a source of agreeable surprise that a short volume of nearly two hundred pages could hold us so absorbed in the well known incidents of Gandhiji’s life, unless it be the delightful art of a writer has made it something of a fresh substance in the presentation of it. For a biography of this kind which has had the advantage of a growing literature already in existence of the hero’s life and activities, the effort may have been comparatively less exacting of labour in collecting materials than otherwise would have been the case, if for the first time it were to be written. But yet the condensation of an eventfully great career as Mahatmaji’s, without forgetting any of the focal points of his inner strivings and spiritual victories explained, is itself a claim for its real merit.

It will be a mistake, as some have viewed the book, that the intention of presenting a short volume is for the purpose mainly of its use by educational institutions. On the other hand, the effective narration and sensitive prose of Sri Kripalani make for intense literary enjoyment worthy of maturer minds than of undergraduates. It is also often revealing of the genuine art of the writer when chapters bear titles remarkably appropriate to their contents.

One cannot afford to forget, on closing the book. The last chapters of the book which have pinpointed the unique saintliness of a character which had an intuition of forthcoming events and an unusual preparedness to meet them with the equanimity of a Jivan Mukta.The highest level of philosophical attunement to life depends, according to our time-honoured traditions, on an able maintenance of equilibrium of experience between opposites like joy and sorrow, gain and loss, victory and defeat. Gandhi, the man, became the superman by living the life and facing the death in the manner in which he had earlier envisaged them both to happen to him in God’s own universe.
–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN.

Political and National Life and Affairs by M. K. Gandhi. Compiled and edited by V. B. Kher. Vols. I and II. Published by Navajivan Publishing House, Ahmedabad - 14. Price Rs. 6 each.
These two valuable volumes are compilations of extracts from Gandhiji’s writings, related to political and national life affairs; originally published mostly in the Young India and the Harijan. In his introduction Sri V. B. Kher rebuts some charges levelled against Gandhiji by Sri Sasidhar Sinha. According to the latter, Gandhiji “scared the Muslims and led them to conclude that in a free India they would be reduced to the position of second class citizens. This naturally drove them to insist on the partition of the country.” But this charge is answered by Kher by showing that: “it was the incompati­bility of nature, make-up and temperament of these two great men, Gandhi and Jinnah, the clash of their personalities, which finally split up the country into two parts: Bharat and Pakistan.” The introduction is almost a digest of the writings of Gandhiji on political and national life and is highly informative.

The first volume contains several sectionsdealing with many important topics–Politics, Organic Swaraj, Constitutional Swaraj, etc., which have a relevance to our times, and Gandhiji’s opinions expressed thereon are worth studying. For the Mahatma “there are no politics without religion” and the religion means the “universal religion of toleration” a “belief in ordered moral Government of the universe.” “Politics bereft of religion are absolute dirt, ever to be shunned.”

Gandhiji’s “Ideal of Indian states is that of Ramarajya.” Regarding real socialism Gandhiji has the following words to say, “All land belongs to Gopal (that is, State, that is, the people). Where then is the boundary line? Man is the maker of that line and he can therefore unmake it.” According to Gandhiji the restoration of free speech, free association and free .press is almost the whole Swaraj.

Tolerance, Discipline, Linguistic Integration, Hindu Muslim Unity, and Inter-caste Unity are some of the important subjects dealt with in the second volume.

Mahatma’s warning is worth heeding to: “I warn the corres­pondents against segregating the Dravidian South from the Aryan North. The India of today is a blend not only of two, but of many other cultures.”

On inter-caste marriages Gandhiji says, “The fact is that inter­marriage and inter-dining are not necessary factors in friendship and unity though they are often emblems thereof.” Pages 235 to 237 contain some suggestions of Gandhiji for the unity, and we shall do well to remember them. Every Indian who desires his country to prosper on right lines in all planes cannot ignore the writings of the Mahatma, and these two volumes are no exception to this.
–B. KUTUMBA RAO

The Mind of Mahatma Gandhi compiled and edited by R. K. Prabhu and U. R. Rao. Published by Navajivan Publishing House, Ahmedabad-l4. Price Rs. 12-00

Mahatma Gandhi is a citizen of the world and he belongs to all climes and times. His thoughts breathe in themselves the lofty spirit of the Upanishads and the intuitive sayings of the sages, and have a universal appeal. As such they deserve to be preserved and bequeathed to posterity for reference and guidance. Messrs R. K. Prabhu and U. R. Rao richly deserve our gratitude for having collected and presented in one volume the gems of Mahatma’s thoughts arranged subjectwise.

The book is divided into fifteen chapters under different titles such as Truth, Fearlessness, Faith, Non-violence; Satyagraha, Sarvodaya, Labour, Trusteeship, Brahmacharya, Freedom and democracy etc. Appendices at the end of the book contain the names of the source books, Source References, Chronology, Glossary and Index of the subjects, and facilitate ready reference.

Mahatma’s advice to students is found in the following words: “Agitation is only for those who have completed their studies. While studying, the only occupation of students must be to increase their knowledge...The students should be, above all, humble and correct.”

Gandhiji has a piece of advice to the people in democracy and this is worth heeding to: “Democracy disciplined and enlightened is the finest thing in the world. A democracy prejudiced, ignorant, superstitious, will land itself in chaos and may be self-destroyed....A born democrat is a born disciplinarian. Democracy comes naturally to him who is habituated normally to yield willing obedience to all laws, human and divine...A democrat must be utterly self-less. He must think and dream not in terms of self or party but only of democracy.”

As regards creation of ministries Gandhiji felt that it would be decidedly wrong to create ministerships for the sake of con­ciliating interests. While reading all these, one wonders whether we are not bidding good-bye to Gandhi and Gandhism and heading to a crisis-political, social, economic and spiritual as well. We heartily commend this book to all those who are interested in an ideal welfare State.       
–B. KUTUMBA RAO

Gandhi in Indian Politics by Nirmal Kumar Bose and P. H. Patwardhan. Published by Lalwani Publishing House, Bombay. Price: Rs. 8-50.

Political and National Life and Affairs Vol. III by M. K. Gandhi. Compiled and edited by V. B. Kher. Published by Navajivan Publishing House, Ahmedabad. Price: Rs. 6.

Mahatma Gandhi by M. D. Japeth. Published by Pearl Books, Bombay. Price: Rs. 5.

The Gandhi centenary year is naturally a witness to an unusual proliferation of books on Gandhiana. They are of different kinds, and meant for diverse purposes. But the book, Gandhi in Indian Politics, consisting of lectures by Prof. N. K. Bose and the late P. H. Patwardhan is a valuable exposition of the Gandhian teaching, and is of enduring interest for a number of reasons. Both the authors are basically non-confirmist in their outlook. And they have treated the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi in an unconventional manner that is much more relevant in the contemporary scene.

As Professor N. K. Bose says in the beginning, he is not an orthodox Gandhian. Nor is he, if one may add, an official Gandhian. In his own words, Prof. Bose is a “Protestant Gandhian.” He is much more, as the illuminating lecture on “Gandhi, the Man” reveals. His presentation of Gandhi has that rare authentic touch. Prof. Bose is a distinguished social scientist who has done pioneering work. He had made a very close study of Gandhi’s writings since the beginning. During the fateful years of Gandhi’s ‘Last Phase’, Prof. Bose was closer to him than anyone else. He acted as Gandhi’s secretary in his Noakhali tour.

His account of Gandhi brings out vividly the rare characteri­stics of his great personality. It is also notable for giving us the less-khown details of that stormy period in Indian politics on the eve of Independence. This aspect of Prof. Bose’s lectures needs careful examination. For instance, in the lecture on “The Tragedy” the author establishes the view that the Father of the Nation did not give in easily to the partition of the country. Gandhi struggled hard with his closest associates to avert the division of India, but he was overwhelmed by all kinds of odds (p. 50-52 ). He even prepared, single-handed, a counter plan to revitalize the nation. In the words of Prof. Bose, however, “like a Greek tragedy, just when the last act was approaching, the gods descended upon us and we lost him” (p. 53). It is the most poignant tragedy of India in recent times.

If Prof. Bose treats the Gandhian theme with an unmistakable warmth and intimate involvement, the late Rao Saheb Patwardhan gives us a revealing analysis of Gandhi’s ideas and their relevance in the present context. His lecture on Gandhi “The Rebel and the Prophet” recovers the unique image of Gandhi, especially to the young generation in India. Patwardhan deplores that Gandhi’s “name in India has become just a trade mark!” (p. 71) The true message of Gandhi was exported to the West, as was evident in the life-work of Martin Luther King. Gandhi’s India is more pre-occupied with the rituals associated with him.

There is a critical survey of the Gandhian influence today in Patwardhan’s address on “The Impact on Posterity.” The conflict between Gandhi and his critics is discussed with a historical insight. The role of the Constructive Programme was also analysed dis­cerningly by the author. The tragedy of Gandhi, to which Prof. Bose made an extensive reference earlier in the book, was further revealed by Patwardhan in his concluding lectures. Gandhi in Indian Politics is as stimulating a study of Gandhism, as it is altogether worth-while.

V. B: Kher’s volume of Gandhi’s Speeches and Writings is an addition to the numerous anthologies of Gandhi. The collection is made from all the available sources of Gandhi’s material. This book would have been more valuable if the selection and the presenta­tion of Gandhi’s thoughts was made on any viable method. As it is, the reader is open to a heterogeneous collection in this book. Gandhi’s explanatory note on the question of inconsistency, implying something of a historical approach, (p. 2) has little use here as it is not followed in any way by the editor. Political and National Life and Affairs, comprising of Gandhi’s pieces over the years, is an interesting collection of his thoughts, but it is hardly a key to the more difficult understanding of Gandhi’s “thinking”.

M. D. Japeth’s Mahatma Gandhi is meant for a specific audience. We do not have many good books for the youth which are also successful. Japeth’s book, aptly illustrated, is interesting and instructive as well.   
–V. V. RAMANA MURTI

Out of Dust by D. F. Karaka. Revised edition, 1968. Thacker and Co., Ltd., Bombay. Price: Rs. 19.

The birth centenary of Gandhi is the most appropriate occasion forrevising an old biography of the Mahatma. The revision is further justified because “Out of Dust”, which was first published in 1940, gradually went out of print, although it was issued in successive new impressions forsome years.

The revision, however, is not as comprehensive and rounded as one would have expected. “But”, pleads Karaka in the Epilogue (which is the only substantial addition to the original book),” as I read through chapter after chapter of my own book, I began to feel that I was not the same person now as the younger, more sensitive author of twenty-eight years ago...this respect (for the Mahatma) could not be conveyed in the same sentimental language which I had earlier used.”

This apology and explanation notwithstanding, one should have expected at least a kaleidoscopic survey of some post-l940 events such as the Quit India movement of 1942 and the hectic political parleys with the Cabinet Mission in which Gandhi was the political nucleus. To the generation of Indians who were born after 1947, these events flowing fromeven the mellowed pen of Karaka would have been exciting and enlightening.

The literature on Gandhi is legion and, to give fresh yet interesting information on him is, as the author pleads, difficult. However, quite a lot of people read books not only forthe matter they contain but the manner in which a book is presented. Karaka’s uncanny power of journalism is enough to commend his books for general reading. And when the subject is so powerful as Gandhi, the worth of the book cannot be overestimated.

Not for nothing was the book prescribed for M. A. final examination in the Indo-Anglian Literature of Jiwaji University, Gwalior.
–K. V. SATYANARAYANA

Mahatma - My Bapu by Shripad Joshi. Edited and translated into English by M. D. Shahane. Published by Thacker & Co., Ltd., Bombay. Price: Rs. 4.

In this small book the author narrates his own experiences with Gandhiji. Hence the title. Being a linguist and author of over 100 books in Marathi and Hindi, he has a flair for journalism as is evident from this book, although it is a translation by another.

Right from the initial thrill and excitement he experienced on first meeting Gandhiji, Joshi narrates his relations with his hero lucidly and a note of sincerity rings throughout.

Some correspondence that transpired between the author and Gandhi is reproduced and, as usual, it is a delight to read Gandhiji’s affectionate letters in his inimitable style.
–K. V. SATYANARAYANA

Culture and Creativity by K. Chandrasekharan. Published by Macmillan & Co., Ltd., Madras-2. Price Rs. 22-50.

This is a collection of eleven lectures delivered by the author during 1966-67 as Tagore Professor of Humanities in the Madras University, which deserves to be congratulated on having secured a person of his scholarly attainments and aesthetic sensibility to be the Tagore Professor for two years (1966-1968). The lectures deal with poetry and art, their function and appreciation and allied topics. Three lectures deal specifically with Tagore, his views on nationalism, his universality, and his contribution to Indian culture compared with that of Dr. Ananda Coomaraswamy in the lecture on the ‘Two Sages’. In all the other lectures too, the author touches upon the contribution of Tagore to the topic dealt with, because the author says in his introduction, though he had no particular plan in preparing these lectures, he had the idea that they should all converge upon the poet. Thus, the lectures are in effect a study of the different facets of Tagore’s versatile genius. The author is eminently fitted for the task, as a diligent student of Tagore, and as among the most devoted expounders of Tagore’s poetry and philosophy. His book “Tagore, the Master Spirit” published earlier has won the praise of competent critics.

One great merit of all these lectures bearing on poetry and literary criticism is the way the author has illustrated his thesis with appropriate quotations from Valmiki, Vyasa, Kalidasa, Muka Kavi, Anandavardhana, Subrahmanya Bharati and other Indian poets, as also, of course, from Tagore, who is his constant point of reference, and Sri Aurobindo, whom the author is never tired of quoting. To most Indian students of English literature in our universities, all this is almost a sealed book. The author has dealt with the topics in the light of Indian tradition, though for com­parison quotations are given from Western thinkers as well.

The book ends with a Bibliography and an Index which add its usefulness. The book deserves to be in the library of every school and college and public library.
–K. SAMPATHGIRI RAO

An Approach to Reality by N. Sri Ram. Theosophical Publishing House, Madras-20. Price Rs. 6-50.

Here is an authentic exposition of the approach of Theosophy to the problem of Life and the Reality. Comprising a number of talks given by the author over a period of years, the book throws light on many questions like the Ultimate Reality, the Individual Self, human relationships, relativity of all knowledge gained by the mind, etc. “Life and Consciousness”, says the writer, “are the counterpart of matter in a living, evolving, meaningful universe. Spirit and Matter are but two aspects of existence, of every single thing in the manifested universe. They constitute two different forces in our natures, a cause of tension and conflict within ourselves. The unity lies remotely within.” The solution has got to be comprehensive. “Order in the totality, if it is to be perfect, must include order in every section of it.”

In the chapter on Theosophy, a comprehensive synthesis, Sri Sri Ram notes: “Evolution is endless for there is no limit to the potentiality of the Spirit which is being increasingly realised in the forms. Each individual human being and species of life represents a continuing manifestation of the one Spirit, a manifestation which in other forms and under other conditions continues even after the death of the physical body.”

The key to the synthesis lies within oneself. To become aware of one’s own self gives a foothold on the Reality. The means for it is a progressive utilisation of one’s consciousness till the last barrier of the ego is crossed and the basic Self–of oneself and of all–is realised.

The writer examines the contribution of modern science and of the ancient tradition of the Upanishad towards this culturing of consciousness.       
–M. P. PANDIT

The Gita Govinda of Jayadeva Translated by Monika Varma. Writers’ Workshop, 162/92 Lake Gardens, Calcutta-45. Price Rs. 12-00.

A very skilful translation without the loss of the spirit of the original. In a striking introduction, the translator gives us a few glimpses into the spiritual significance of this seemingly sensuous lyrical piece. Her notes on certain key-expressions guide the reader to the inner sense. While emphasising on the mystic import of the poem, Monika Varma does not lose sight of the sheer lyrical beauty and rhythm and music of the words.

All the twelve Sargas from samodadamodarato supriyapitambara are rendered with felicity. The significance of the name radha and also her being an Avatar of Narayani is revealed. The Gopis taking part in the Rasalila symbolise the senses and also the groping souls in search of the Infinite. Radha symbolises the jivatman and Sri Krishna the paramatman; the sakhi who facilitates the reunion of both, symbolises the Guru who leads the disciple towards light amidst the encircling gloom. The estrangement or Radha from Krishna, her jealousy, the plight of Krishna, the Sakhi’s message, Krishna’s request to meet Radha in his bower, her refusal due to wounded pride, the betrayal of Keshava by not coming to her, the bewildered state of Krishna when Radha accuses him, her message to him to come again, the final reunion and bliss of Radha-Krishna are all dealt with in these Sargas.

Krishna leaves Radha at the slightest trace of coneeit, self-consciousness or ego. Then follows the lament, seeking, etc. The oft-repeated phrase vigalita-vasana (loosened garment) symbolises­–points out the author–the discarding of the three Gunas, hatred, fear, pride, anger, envy, good and bad deeds, sin and conceit and standing in one’s true self. The rasakrida symbolises the Indivisible manifest­ing itself into many and these created ones wishing to merge in the Divine.

The translator has done well in chosing the poetic form for her rendering. Her treatment lifts up the poem into a work of mystic art.
–M. P. PANDIT

Whispers Near a Niagara by S. Santhi. Writers’ Workshop, Calcutta-45. Price Rs. 8-00.

S. Santhi has fine command over the English language. His best poems have a forceful simplicity. He has a definite penchant for the device of repetition and he creates many dramatic effects by a skilful use of it. One is grateful to Santhi for not seeking, as many modern poets are apt to do, his inspiration in the depths of his subconscious and bringing up a lot of filth and ugliness in an attempt to be original.

Our poet states his credo with force and sincerity in his poem ‘Flower Child.’ He rejects all conventions and all decisions not his own. He does not fear heaven or hell. He loves life. He loves purity. He loves experiencing. He hates all that is mean and petty and cruel and in his poems he repudiates the hell that modern man has made of his life. “I refuse to accept the world I never made.” “This world is peopled with futile men leading futile lives until the Yama-Bird comes with “the death-warrant.” Not even, love triumphs in this world unless it has “the right address.”

It is nothing new that Santhi says in his poems but he says it all so gaily and so wittily and again so vividly and so passionately. He fulfils the function of the true poet by making us awaken once more to the truths that have lost their force for us through familiarity. He jolts us out of our complacency and dullness.

Special mention must be made of the poem Nachiketas. In this poem he has achieved a high order of dramatic poetry. He has carefully preserved the austere atmosphere of the original and yet he has created something new. The poem is not a translation but truly a ‘transcreation.’    
–M. P. PANDIT

Creations and Transcreations by P. Lal. Price: Rs. 2-00.

The Mahabharata Translated by P. Lal. Writers’ Workshop, Calcutta 45. Price: Rs. 8-00.

In his book of poems, Mr. Lal has brought into juxtaposition poems which do not harmonise with each other. The Mahabharata ought to stand alone as it does in the other volume which deals with the Pauloma Parva. The first 92 verses of the Epic which are included in the ‘Creations and Transcreations’ do not lend themselves much to transcreation. A list of names, a recital of things created in a certain order, one can but translate. Only here and there the poemsoars as in Sauti’s description of the holy sages: “Who shines in this place of sacrifice/With the shine of the sun.”

The creations has a different atmosphere, mostly vital. Sesha-Naga in Dum Dum is particularly so. The name Sesha-Naga acquires in its repetition the force of a Mantric type which hypnotizes the reader as surely as the snake hypnotizes the unfortunate bride on her wed­ding night. Simple and dramatic, this poem is an achievement of considerable order. After the Three Poems, we have his translations of selections from the Subhashita-ratna-kosaof Vidyakara. These are little gems of verses and Mr. Lal is at his best here.

            The Mahabharata contains his translation of the Pauloma Parva in the Adi Parva. Setting the high note in his Preface, Mr. Lal dramatises the situation of the passionate appeal of Puloman the Raikshasa and the piteous lament of Ruru for his beloved Pramadvasi. We must observe that the script-writing interferes with the flow of reading.

Whether he writes original poems or translates, Mr. Lal compels attention.
–M. P. PANDIT

The Wisdom of Unity (Maneesha Panchakam) of Sri Sankaracharya by T. M. P. Mahadevan. Ganesh & Co. Private Limited, Madras-17. Pages 48. Price: Rs. 3-00

Adi Sankara, walking across the banks of the Ganga at Benares with his disciples, espies an untouchable coming towards him with four dogs. The Acharya orders him to get away from his path. “What should go away, and from what–body from body or consciousness from consciousness?” retorts the Chandala. At once, Sankara realises it was Shiva with the Four Vedas that has come before him in the garb of a Pariah. The result is the Maneesha Panchakam, a work of just five verses giving the quintessence of Advaita. Dr. Mahadevan follows the commentary of Balagopalendra Muni’s Madhumanjariand notes that the first four verses expound the four tenets of the Vedas–‘Prajnam Brahma’ (Rig), Aham Brahmasmi (Yajur), Tat tvam asi (Sama) and Ayam aatmaabrahma (Atharva). The last verse sings the glory of liberation.

This is the eleventh publication in the Sankara Jayanti Series. Dr. Mahadevan’s style is eminently readable and even those not well versed with abstract philosophy can follow and understand the logic of Advaita as described here.
–T. C. A. RAMANUJAM

Collected Works by Sri Krishnaswami Iyer. Adhyatma Prakasha Karyalaya, Holinarsipur, Mysore State. Price: Rs. 6.

Mr. Krishnaswami Iyer has already placed the students of Advaita Vedanta under a deep debt of gratitude by his book Vedanta or the Science of Reality, recently republished. The present volume is the collection of several of his articles written from time to time to different journals. Smt. S. Saraswati has collected them here. There are as many as fourteen articles in this collection and most of them are reprints. Sri Krishnaswami Iyer’s study of Advaita Vedanta has a distinct approval. He is one of those that have stressed the rational element in the philosophy of Sankara to the utmost. His analysis of the three states of man’s consciousness, the working, the deep sleeps and dream states is remarkable. Section three gives us the Fundamentals of Vedanta, section eight examines the view whether Sankara was a crypto Buddhist, and section ten gives us a short account of Ramanuja and Madhva. The last section is an account of the great musician the late Tiger Varadachari. The printing of the book could have been better.
–DR. P. NAGARAJA RAO

Changing Phases of Buddhist Thought by Dr. Anilkumar Sarkar. Bharati Bhavan, Patna-1. Price: 15.

Dr. Sarkar’s volume has grown from his many papers on the subject. He has presented in an organic way the development of Buddhist Logic as disclosed in the four schools, the Vaibhasikaand the Sautrantikaand Yogacharaand the Madhyamika. He has given a clear account of their modes of reflection and disciplines. Besides this he has given us accounts of the contribution to Buddhist Logic by eminent thinkers of the school from Asvaghosha, Nagarjuna, Dignaga and Chandrakirti. They are difficult authors even for the expert. Dr. Sarkar with his flair for comparative studies compares the Buddhist thought advances with the contemporary developments in the West, with special reference to Husserl’s Phenomenology, Existentialism of Sartre, Zasper and Marcel and the pragmatism of the Americans from Peirce to Lewis. The aim of the book is to point out how Buddhism tries to build a cultural trend where both religion and philosophy are combined in co-operation.

The author takes up the age old question “Was Buddhism expelled        from India?” and answers in the negative. “Buddhism has never been expelled from India, it was allowed to develop in India to its fullest extent, hence in its prospective aspect it becomes inextri­cally fused with the major currents of Indian thought and life” (P. 135). The Buddhist outlook of life lies in human nature and it can adopt itself to any culture. That accounts for its spread as world religion. “It is a colossal attempt at applied metaphysics” says Whitehead.

Dr. Sarkar’s volume is a very valuable study of the permanent influence of Buddhism on human thought and life.
–DR. P. NAGARAJA RAO

A Visit to Heaven and Hell by J. M. Ganguli. East and West Publishers, 19, Parkside Road, Calcutta-26. Price: Rs. 4-00.

It is a fanciful little story which describes the hero’s imaginary trip to Heaven in a rocket. He finds in Heaven none to talk to, nothing to eat. He feels invisibly followed and watched by angels who always frown and warn. They tell him that he shall shed all desires to enjoy the bliss of Heaven. Triguna, the hero decides to quit that silent, desireless Heaven. He finds Hell on earth scattered all over in cities like Calcutta. This short tale makes interesting reading bringing the hero to earth.

The Fisherman of Kerala and Bond Blood by J. M. Ganguli. East and West Publishers. Price: Rs. 10-00.

These two novelettes have their scenes set in Kerala. The novelist describes the sufferings of a poor fisherman Kesavan result­ing from the machinations ofunscrupulous politicians like Govinda Pillai and his associates. He seeks to show that those who prosper by unrighteous means will be foist with their own petard. He describes how Kerala heaved a sigh of relief when the proud rulers were thrown out of office after an intoxicating spell of twenty-eight months of political power.

The second novelette, Bond of Blood, delineates the tactics of coercion and intimidation before the elections in 1957 and traces the aftermath of the capture of power by communists. The demoralising effects of power secured by unholy means are described in the sequence of events which culminated in the mass upsurge dislodging the communists from power.

The characters in the narratives come alive and absorb our interest. The deft manipulation of incidents and careful hand­ling of the plot reveal Mr. Ganguli’s competent craftsmanship. He manages to add local colour to the stories by well-chosen details from the lives of the poor in Kerala.
–DR. C. NARASIMHA SASTRI

Introduction to the History of Fine Arts in India and the West by Edith Tomory. Orient Longmans, Madras-2. Price: Rs. 16-00.

Literature on literature is enormous the world over, while literature on other arts is limited, especially in India. Culture is the finest aspect of human life, while fine arts are the finest aspect of culture. Architecture, sculpture and painting are the important trio of the fine arts.

Creation of art is a glorious thing, no doubt, but the appreciation of art is by no means less glorious, for through appreciation alone the creation fulfils itself. Thus along with art-creation, grew art-criticism. History of art has become one of the branches of art ­criticism. Observation and analysis are keenly required along with introspection and sense of synthesis in this field.

Edith Tomory has displayed in the present book, observation and analysis, introspection and sense of synthesis. Although the book is sketchy, there is no lack of depth in the subject-matter. The author is the Head of the Department of Fine Arts, Stella Maris College, Madras, and thus she is especially deserved, in producing the present book. Aesthetic appreciation depending on the cultural ground of the subject is not veiled by the historical prominence. There are numerous illustrations, though in a miniature form, depicting the various phases of world art. Art books bereft of illustrations are self-contradictory.

The book commences with Indian art and concludes with the French art. The section on the art of the West consists of Ancient Art, Medieval Art, Renaissance Art, and Modern Art. In the section on Indian Art all the periods from the Prehistoric times to modern Indian painting have been traced in outlines. Valuable Glossary as well as brief Bibliography enhance the utility of the book.

The author has been discriminate enough not to glorify the Indian art at the cost of Western art and vice versa. She knows well that both Oriental and Occidental arts have got their own greatness and smallness in their own places. Originally the pictorial art even in the West, before the advent of scientific three-dimensional perspective, had been lineal and thus flat in two-dimensional depiction. The Byzantine art is one of the superb examples of this mode.

As this book is solely dedicated to the art of India and the West, the art of the Far East has been eliminated from the book, and therefore let us hope the author would produce a book, in future, on the art of Far East and the allied lands.
–SANJIVA DEV

Inter-Caste Tensions among Children by R. N. Agarwal. Published by Lakshminarain Agarwal, Agra. Price: Rs. 4.

The book under review is a report of an empirical study carried out by the author in and around Agra in the year 1961. The main objective was to assess and compare inter-caste tensions between school-going children of 9 to 10 years age in rural and in urban areas. After presenting a brief chronological list of studies on caste, the author explains the need for the study and maintains that the earliest studies were largely concerned with questions of origin or structure of caste.

The author states, “It was shown that 62 per cent of children of the age of about 6 years become aware of their own caste, and only 23 per cent children of this age, 45 per cent of 7 years of age, and 69 per cent children of 8 years of age had an idea about other castes...Caste-ego starts to develop at about the age of 9 years. It is at about this age...the child begins to ascribe all sorts of virtues to upper caste individuals and all sorts of defects to members of lower castes.” The child acquires caste-conscious­ness through a gradual process of social learning under a variety of influences in diverse situations.

The brief survey on the special features of Indian caste is not related to the contemporary phenomenon of caste, that is, to caste as it currently exists and functions. Caste is an evolving phenomenon possessing a certain degree of dynamism and elasticity. The dynamics of caste, together with its role as an integrating as well as disintegrating social force engendering overt and covert forms of tensions should, indeed, constitute central core of discussion. Again such remarks as caste “provides a permanent body of associations” (P. 9) must be accepted with a pinch of salt, particu­larly in the modern context of caste.

The author presents the salient findings and conclusions emerg­ing from the study, together with a handful of useful suggestions for liquidating inter-caste prejudices and tensions. The study shows that inter-caste tensions do exist even among children, irrespective of their rural or urban origins and that the most important tension-rich situations are with regard to inter-dining, acceptance of food from other or inferior castes, and acceptance of other castes as residential neighbours. On the whole, the book provides useful reading material for students of sociology and social psychology and those interested in rooting out the evil of casteism.
–C. R. PRASAD RAO

Retain English for unity Progress compiled by K. P. Kesava Menon, Powra Sangham, Calicut. Price: Rs. 3.

It is a highly useful and educative volume which presents views of several thinkers like Gajendragadkar and C.R., who examine the problem of national language dispassionately. Opinions of enlightened newspapers like The Hindu are included. The book brings out the remarkable role played by English in integrating our nation and makes out a well-reasoned case for the retention of English for the purpose of preserving unity and promoting the progressive spirit which enables our country to keep step with the fast-changing tempo of the modern world. A perusal of the articles included in the book convinces the reader that he cannot afford to do away with English. If it is done in unholy haste, India would receive a set-in every phase of her national life. As admirably shown by C. R., English is the only possible link-language and if we choose to part with it we shall be guilty of committing a blunder which may have far-reaching consequences.
-DR. C. NARASIMHA SASTRI

TELUGU

Saundaryalahari with Lakshmidhara’s commentary and Bhavanopanishat with Bhaskararaya’s commentary with Telugu translations. Translated by Chadaluvada Jayarama Sastry. Publishers: Chadaluvada Jayarama Sastry & Sons, Nellore. Price: Rs. 16.

Sri Sankaracharya’s “Saundaryalahari” a devotional lyric in Sanskrit is well known not only for its poetic excellences but also for its unfailing efficacy in fulfilling the desires of the Sadhakas, and for the wealth of information it contains regarding the secrets of Mantra Sastra. Each of the verses herein is considered to be a Mantra and a regular procedure prescribed for chanting that with the aid of a Yantra. Lolla Lakshmidhara’s commentary is acclaimed as the most authentic one, though some latter commentators differed from him here and there.

There are many translations of “Saundaryalahari” in Telugu, but none so exhaustive as this volume. The original verses and Lakshmidhara’s commentary in Sanskrit together with word for word meaning and tatparyaof the Slokas, and a literal translation of the commentary are given here. Sanskrit Slokas are translated into Telugu verses also. Yantra for each Sloka together with the required information for using the same for fulfilling one’s desires is also provided here. An introductory chapter of 109 pages dealing with Bharatiya Samskriti, Sri Sankara’s life-history, nevi and her nature, Importance of Devi Worship, a brief survey of the contents of the work, authorship of the work, Sri Sankara’s time and Lolla Lakshmidhara, and giving a brief purport of the verses in Telugu prose, enhances the value of this volume.

The words Devi, Maya, Sakti and Kala denote, not mere Maaya, but Brahman the substratum of Maaya, or Maayaa visishta Brahman.

(Kalottara tantra)

While discussing Sri Sankara’s time, the author quotes several opinions placing him between 509 B. C. to 820 A. D., and he does not definitely commit himself to any opinion. Excerpts from other commentaries wherever they differ from Lakshmidhara’s commentary adds to the value of this work.

Bhaavanopanishat deals with Saakta philosophy and worship and the great Saakta Bhaskararaya wrote a commentary upon it. Sri Jayarama Sastry has done signal service to the devotees by including this text and commentary with his faithful Telugu translation.

Five Devi Stotras, Laghustava, Charchastava, Ghatastava, Ambastava and Sakalajananistava are also immensely useful to the Saadhakas who will be ever grateful to Sri Jayarama Sastry for the inclusion of these in this volume. We commend this indispensable volume to all Saadhakas in Sakta cult. An exhaustive Telugu commentary on the Laghustava is a long felt desideratum and we hope Sri Jayarama Sastry will take up that work also and publish it.
–B. KUTUMBA RAO