Reviews

Social Justice and Law: By K. Subba Rao. National Publishing House, 23 Dayarganj, Delhi-110006. Price: Rs. 20-00.

Sri K. Subba Rao, the former Chief Justice of India, was invited to deliver the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Memorial Lectures endowed by the Institute of Constitutional and Parliamentary Studies, New Delhi. In complying with their request, Sri Subba Rao chose for his subject ‘Social Justice and Law’ which certainly has proved an occasion for him to traverse almost the entire field of the modern trends towards an egalitarian society so much sought after as the main objective of Indian Democracy.

It does great credit to the acute perception and vast experience of the lecturer to have presented his views on what the Constitution of India has taken up to preserve in the form of social justice and how the law has to be interpreted, when especially chances of mistakes arising in the administration of it have to be envisaged.

In his first lecture he has described social justice in terms of what is contained in our Constitution with the Rule of Law employed as the instrument for effecting social justice. To his regret he finds the judicial instrument as provided in Articles 32, 136 and 226 of the Constitution have not been as effectively used as would justify their presence in the Constitution, and further his criticism of their use as more with procedural doctrines than with the removal of injustice is a point to be noted. On the doctrine of ‘prospective overruling’ which was mooted in Golaknath’s case for the first time and adopted by the Supreme Court, a controversy regarding the application of the principle as to whether only to future cases or even the instant case, raised quite a quantity of discussion. After brief narration of Administrative Law and a rapid touching upon Parts III and IV of the Constitution, he has mentioned how an integrated scheme for implementing some of the provisions for securing the welfare of the people, through social justice, has been comprehended by the fathers of our Constitution.

Dealing with social justice, he has adverted to it under three heads of Equality, Liberty and Security. Again, Equality has to be considered under political and economic equalities. The justification for the 25th amendment naturally comes for discussion and he frankly points to the failure of the State to function constitutionally and direct towards measures for rendering social justice.

In the second lecture, while considering the way in which economic justice through law could be achieved, the lecturer has elaborately considered the development of industry both in the private and public sectors with an aim to prevent concentration of wealth and for a more equitable distribution of it. His suggestions as to a plan which would satisfy the requirements of both democracy and the Rule of Law needs attention from planners in the economic field. He has not failed also to point to the urgent scope for reforms in the agricultural sector, especially of land taxes. The present tax structure requires, according to him, careful consideration in the matter of choice of a personnel with expertise in the field.

He has some hard words regarding the conferment of titles as violating the Fundamental Rights, because of the discrimination it introduces in social justice. He has referred with comments to some of the constantly agitating problems such as castes, status of women, labour-capital relationship, legal reforms, dowry, care of children, administration of civil and criminal justice, capital punishment and last but not least, social security.

Concluding, he lays stress upon the function of the Supreme Court in maintaining the Rule of Law in which socio-economic justice is inextricably integrated.

Lawyers and publicists will profit much by a perusal of the book, containing many timely solutions to the raging topics in the field of present day efforts to establish an egalitarian society.
–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN

Valmiki Ramayana: By V. Sitaramiah. Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi. Price: Rs. 8.

“Nothing can be a substitute to reading the Ramayana in the original Sanskrit and reading it aloud–even to oneself. Sanskrit is dear to us in India and the sound of the Ramayana verse is a delight. Its words and lines haunt the memory and play sweetly on the tongue.”

These are words which find a place in the Foreword to this condensed account in English of the epic. Most of us will agree with them as echoing our own feelings. In pellucid and chaste language, Prof. Sitaramiah has narrated the main story in the second chapter of this book with occasional footnotes bearing his own reactions to some of the points of discrepancy or possible interpolation according to his judgment. In six chapters along with an Introduction and a Glossary towards the end, the book reveals an attempt to evoke the discerning appreciation of the reader of the great poem.

Some of his reflections during the course of his narration need to draw the attention of the understanding reader. For instance, his reference to Bharata as one who “cannot believe that Rama could do wrong. If he had a grouse against him it was that Rama thought of and for others more than for himself, was always more disinterested; and would sacrifice his own interests from what he deemed were higher motives and principles of conduct,” is a fine assessment of Bharata in which any literary critic of the poem will immediately fall in. Another statement regarding Sita’s character beautifully highlights her individuality. “She is not a weak or clinging type of heroine and can never be taken for granted. Her sense of pride and dignity is high and for all sweetness and amiability of her character, she will speak her mind when necessary.”

`The style of the author itself in short sentences but with appropriate and effective turns of expression really draws the reader to have more of it. But within a compass allowed him he could no more dwell upon the epic than in succinct chapters dealing with some of the personae, episodes and the poetry, which remarkably evidence his power of expression as well as his judgment in literary matters.
–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN

Indian Poetry Today: Volume One. Published by The Indian Council for Cultural Relations, New Delhi. Price: Rs. 35.

The book is a very fine anthology of modern Punjabi poetry, Tamil poetry and Bengali poetry translated into English. The three editors have done commendable work by not only choosing the best pieces but by also giving a very fine introduction and biographical notes about each poet.

The piece of Punjabi poetry selected by Amrita Pritam are indeed gold and defiant of all traditions and quite representative of the vitality and energy of the Punjab. The literature of agriculture-based countries is different from that of industrial countries–and their contrast is very well brought out in the selected pieces. There is an irony and sarcasm in the poem Cards Lie Scattered by Ajaib Kamal, where the cards are considered as a symbol of the useless and sophisticated life.

In cafes, corners,
Hotels and bars,
People sit leisurely on sofas,
Talk of hippies, beatniks,
Sex and poetics,
Chew hot women
With hot drinks...

In the poem Darners by Karamjit the poet tries to criticise the modern man whose mind and soul according to him are in need of darning.

There is a directness, spontaneity and a touch of the traditional in the selections of Tamil poetry. The editor T. Janakiraman gives a very detailed, historical introduction to the poems which are described as post-Bharati poems. Some of the poems are a little abstract and complicated and they have a touch of individuality and are very fresh and charming. The poem Sun by Subrahmanya Bharati is very simple but it expresses an eternal truth about darkness and light–

Or perhaps
You are brother and sister
And your mother
Bid you both to protect the world
Taking shifts in turns.

There is a very simple beauty in the lyric Flowers by Kavimani Desigavinayakam Pillai where he explained the significance of flowers in life, stressing upon the symbolical and aesthetic aspect.

The dross and dirt of the soil
We transform into fragrance.

This poem is quite a contrast to I do not know by Napichamurthi where the poet looks at an object not as an end in itself but in its Utilitarian aspect and man is seen as

A stone pillar
Supporting an unseen society.

Quite a contrast are the selections of Bengali poetry by Lokenath Bhattacharya. There is a marked Western impact on the Bengali poets–their imagery, symbolism and vocabulary are deeply influenced by the French symbolists. The Cat by Jibanand Das is very striking. Here he describes this simple and common domestic animal and gives it a significant poetic meaning:

I saw him in the autumn evening stroking, with soft white paws
The scarlet sun; then he gathers the darkness
Like little balls, grabbing each with a jab of his paws
And spreads them all once the earth.

As most of these poems have either been translated or adapted by the poets themselves much of the original meaning is retained. Nearly all the poems display an intellectual sophistication and culture which is quite extraordinary.

The anthology presents a very fine view of the contemporary literary scene in India. This book is a valuable addition to any library. We look forward eagerly for the publication of the rest of the volumes. The Indian Council for Cultural Affairs has to be congratulated for publishing a book which will strengthen cultural relations.
–DR ILARAO

Saint Arunagirinatha: By Swami Anvananda. Pongi Publications, Sri Vaishnavi Campus, Madras-600062. Price: Rs. 12-50.

The sexcentenary celebrations of Arunagirinatha (circa 1375), the author of the Tiruppugazh songs and several devotional works in Tamil, were conducted on an all-India basis during 1975. Conferences and Bhajans were held in various parts of India and a special stamp was also released for the occasion. The A. I. R. broadcast features in no less than seven languages for a period of six months. But the need for a good English monograph on Arunagirinatha, his philosophy and works appears to have been forgotten by most people and Swami Anvananda’s book fulfils this requirement in an ample measure.

The author (Sri S. Parthasarathi in his Purvasrama), is a passionate devotee of Arunagirinatha and an ardent disciple of the late Vallimalai Swami whose name is synonymous with that of Tiruppugazh. He has made a thorough study of all available literature on Arunagirinatha, both the traditional accounts as well as the interesting findings of a band of research scholars who have traced the author of the Tiruppugazh to a family of Brahmin scholars who originally migrated to Tamil Nadu at the request of a Chola king in the 11 th century. Arunagirinatha is generally believed to have been patronized by Deva Raya II (1422-1446), ruler of Vijayanagar, who had Tiruvannamalai as his second capital. Swami Anvananda has fully discussed the historical basis of Arunagirinatha’s biography but there are still one or two loose ends to be tied up before it can be established that he was a contemporary of Bukka I and not Devaraya II as he has pointed out.

Arunagirinatha’s spiritual evolution, his yoga and his pilgrimages have been dealt with exhaustively. Eminently readable English translations of the Kandar Anubhuti and Perutta Vachanam verses, add to our enjoyment of the book. Arunagirinatha was essentially a bhakta and there is no need to give him a metaphysical label by discussing his conception of Parabrahman, etc.

The book rounds off with a life of Vallimalai Swami, a map and indices of places connected with Arunagirinatha.
–T. S. PARTHASARATHY

Language and Nationality Politics in India: Edited by Karat Prakash, Orient Longman, Madras-2. Price: Rs. 13-00.

The book is a brief for Linguistic Provincialism within Indian Nationalism.

Pre-Independence India was a congeries of conglomerates of Provinces and States, peopled with diverse nationalities. That is to say, they are rather hacked out to suit administrative convenience. During the period of British annexation due to socio-economic changes industrial and landlord classes emerged everywhere.

The mushroom bourgeois in various regions felt the need to advance their interests for linguistic territories.

Chapters 1 and 2 concentrate on this aspect engendered by colonialism. The national movement which started for a few loaves and fishes of office snowballed into a mighty all-India-wide organisation, claiming its birth right ‘Swaraj.’ And the fight for linguistic states forms a minor episode in this mighty saga of non-violent non-co-operation with the British Imperialism to wrest independence from its unwilling hands.

In chapter 3 the role of the communists in pressing the High Command in the post-independence period for division of India on linguistic lines is accorded its due importance.

And political developments in Tamil Nadu, and its high language-nationality identity form the theme of chapter 4.

Chapter 5 is devoted to English education. Though this tongue claims a minority, its continuance as an inter-state communication media is assumed till the opposition to Hindi, which is to replace it, disappears. But its indispensability is at the same time recognised, since it happens to be the language of courts, science and technology, business, trade and medium of education. In Rajaji’s view it is a “gift of Goddess Saraswati.”

Centre Vs State relations constitute the subject matter of chapter 6. Here the picture presented is edificatory, for the reason that the so-called states are the recipients of the mere shell of autonomy without the substance.

It is stated that in the key sector of finance the relationship between the Centre and the State is compared to that of a patron wards his client. And on the tenuous plea of breakdown in law and order position the Centre has rights to march its forces into by state not on its bandwagon.

And linguistic constellations are made the poaching preserves upper-state classes by selective licensing policies.

Chapter 7 is nice run-over of political parties and linguistic nationality issues. The Jana Sangh and the Hindu Mahasabha register a climb-down in their ‘Akhand Bharat’ concept and fall in line. That it can only be Akhand with the incorporation of linguistic states is accepted on all hands as a political imperative.

The replacement of Hindi as ‘Rashtra Bhasha’ is hoped for after the regional languages grow to their full stature. But this conception is as chimerical as the idea that variations in economic developments in the states vanish with the completion of democratic revolution which is unthinkable so long as the class character of the present Government weighed in favour of status and wealth is not oriented to that end. But it is a proposition, solution for which cannot be found within the ambit of democracy.
–K. SUBBA RAO

‘M’ – The Apostle and the Evangelist: By Swami Nityatmananda, Sri Ma Trust, 579, Sector 18 B, Chandigarh. Price: Rs. 12.

‘M’ (Master Mahashaya) is universally known and loved for his incomparable Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita which portrays the daily life and conversations of the Prophet of Dakshineshwar in incredible detail and brings the great personality of the Paramahamsa to the common reader in a way that few books do. (A summary of these volumes has been popular under the title Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, in English.) The present book is in a way a continuation of the Kathamrita, a living commentary on it. It is a faithful record of the days of ‘M’, after the passing of the Great Master by his disciple Swami Nityananda. We understand it is based upon a regular diary maintained by the author and it will run into many volumes. The present is the first one, rendered into English from the original in Bengali.

And it is a commendable work. It breathes living spirituality, transports the reader into a different world altogether where values change and one becomes conscious of the soul. After a brief introduction giving a life-sketch of ‘M’, the author follows his Guru in his journeys into the spirit, whether at Calcutta or elsewhere. Many are the topics discussed and several fresh lights thrown on the personalities of Sri Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, and Sri Saradamani Ma. There is also a good deal of Vedanta, Gita, Bhagavata, Bible and other scriptures. ‘M’ used to take up passages from the Upanishads and explain them to his guests these are presented with appropriate explanations. Altogether chapters (26 of them) make a fascinating reading. Maybe need a little more editing and recasting in language to be placed in the category of classics. But even as they are they have an intimate appeal to every seeker who cherishes higher values.
–M. P. PANDIT

I am That: By Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj. Chetana, 34 Rampart Row, Bombay-1. Price: Rs. 40-00.

Belonging to the Navanath Sampradaya, Nisargadatta Maharaj, a self-made and self-educated person, has a candle to hold to the most modern man in the solution of the many problems that perplex him. His mental frame is Vedantic but the content is self-experience. How was he launched on the path that has taken him to where he is today?

“When I met my Guru, he told me: “You are not what you take yourself to be. Find out what you are. Watch the sense I am, find your real self.” I obeyed him because I trusted him. I did as he told me. All my spare time I would spend looking at myself in silence, and what a difference it made, and how soon! It took me only three years to realise my true nature.”

And what is the way to this realisation? Let the Maharaj speak: “Either you live with somebody who knows the Truth and submit yourself entirely to his guiding and moulding influence or you seek the inner guide and follow the inner light wherever it takes you. In both cases your personal desires and fears must be disregarded. You learn either by proximity or by investigation, the passive or the active way.”

What is the result of knowing this truth of oneself? Someone shoots a question: “If somebody with a razor-sharp sword would suddenly sever your head, what difference would it make to you?” Answer: “None whatsoever. The body will lose its bead, certain lines of communication will be cut, that is all...It is in the nature of consciousness to survive its vehicles.”

Innumerable topics are raised and answered from the point of view of the Advaita Vedanta–a delightful education, indeed.
–M. P. PANDIT

Dictionary of American Philosophy: By St. Elmo Nauman. Jr. 10 $. Dictionary of Satanism: By Wade Baskin. 12-50 $. Philosophical Library, New York-16.

As brief and as superficial as most of the books of this kind published by this library are, the present Dictionary purports to give the lives and works of the great thinkers of America from Jonathan Edwards to Einstein (about 150 of them). Some entries are satisfying as the one on Einstein. One or two passages may be cited. Asked why he published one unsatisfactory formulation of a unified field theory, he replied, “To save another fool from wasting six months on the same idea!”

“In the summer of 1930 the Indian mystic and philosopher, Rabindranath Tagore, came to walk in the garden of his home and to talk. Tagore observed that truth and beauty were entirely dependent upon man. Einstein asked, ‘If there were no more human beings, then the Apollo of Belvedere would not be beautiful any more?’ ‘No’, replied Tagore. Einstein said that might be the case with regard to beauty but not with regard to truth, and exclaimed, ‘Then I am more religious than you are’!”

From philosophy to Satanisrnis a rapid turn. But who is a Satan? “The Talmud states that he was once an archangel but lost his place in Heaven because of pride and disobedience. With the definite article in Hebrew, the word denotes the supreme adversary of man. Also called the Prince of Darkness, the Devil, Lucifer, and the Archfiend, he belongs to the world of the super natural...” (It is interesting to note that in the Veda also the Asura is called the elder God: he was a God before he deviated from the Will of the Supreme to pursue his own independent will.)

The entries generally are amusing but not always correct, e.g, Sriyantra: The double triangle known as the seal of Vishnu and also as Solomon’s seal.

Vasus: The eight evil deities who attend Indra.
Wrong transliterations add to the confusion.
–M. P. PANDIT

Temple and its Significance: By S. Viraswamy Pathar. Published by the author, 1, Domnic Buildings, College Road, Tiruchirapalli-2. Price: Rs. 10-00.

Indian temples have played a prominent part in preserving and propagating Indian arts and culture. But it is a pity that many of our Indians, even the educated are not aware of the greatness and importance of these temples. This book, the first of its kind in English, is almost encyclopaedic on this subject. It gives an exhaustive exposition of the significance and symbolism of the architecture of the temples, images of Nataraja, Siva, Shakti, Ganesha and Subrahmanyeswara, worship of sixteen parts: both internal and external and Kumbhabhishekam. Detailed descriptions of ten famous centres of pilgrimage and short notes on hundred temples in India are also informative and useful. A fruit of great industry and research, this book, packed with useful information unearthed from rare sources, is a must for every library, and no Indian interested in Indian culture can ignore a serious study of this.
–SANDILYA

Encyclopaedia of Homeopathy: By B. Prasad Gupta. Published by Beni Prasad Gupta, C/o Homeopathic Agency, Post Box 2139, 43/D, Devnagar, New Delhi-5. Price: Rs. 35-00.

Some people sweer by it and some curse it, but there is no denying that Homeopathy has its own place in Modern Medicine. It is an intelligent Doctor’s therapy. The effectiveness of Homeopathy is in direct proportion to the intelligence of the Doctor. Materia Medica is the ‘Vital Force’ of Homeopathy. There are Materia Medicas and Materia Medicas. Each one of them has its own special sphere of importance, impressed with the personality of the authors. A few are great, having a literary flavour, like that of Dr J. T. Kent’s Materia Medica.

The first object of a Materia Medica is to impress the reader with the total, clear picture of the drug. Style, details given personal experience expressed, method of arranging the topics, etc., are some of the methods adopted by authors in their Materia Medicas.

Dr B. P. Prasad Gupta has adopted a novel method in arranging the topics, in the description of the drugs in his Materia Medica. The drug symptoms are not given in the usual way of Mind-Head to Skin method but are arranged in accordance with the degree of influence of the drug on each organ. The author has also referred at appropriate places, to the instructions of the founder of Homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann. A short lucid introduction to the Homeopathic philosophy is also included in the Encyclopaedia. There is a short repertory at the end. In the Encyclopaedia there is a chapter on Drug Relationships, a Medical Dictionary, an Index, a List of Tonics, a List of Medicines for external use and a conversion table for Temperature from Fahrenheit to Centigrade. A table of Blood Pressure to age may also be included for the benefit of the readers, besides a Pulse-Temperature Chart.

Quaint expressions like “Heroin remedies” and personal experiences of the author with the various drugs like “Hekla Lava” for Toothache and “Calcarea Iodata” for chronic dysentry, etc., will impress the readers with the characteristics of those drugs. It is hoped the author will include some of the new drugs like Steptococcin, etc., in his subsequent editions and will review the Repertory also. The book will certainly have a good reception from the laymen and professionals alike.
–P. SITARAMA RAO

Gurus, Godmen and Good People: By Khushwant Singh. Orient Longman Ltd., New Delhi-4. Price: Rs. 40.

“Gurus, Godmen and Good People” is a collection of biographical sketches exploring the lives and teachings and unusual powers of twelve of India’s holy men and women and the fervent devotion they inspire, told for the most part in the words of their own disciples. The popular editor ofthe Illustrated Weekly of India Shri Khuswant Singh edits this volume.

A confirmed agnostic he is, Khushwant claims that his own interest in the Godmen was roused by his meeting with Dadaji, Neelakanta Tathaji and Baba Bootnath and the experience was traumatic. Though he has his own doubts whether the manifestations performed by these masters as evidence of their spiritual powers would ever stand the test of scientific scrutiny, he was impressed with what these Gurus, Godmen and God-women did or had to say, and the adoration they inspired in their following and what it did to many of them. People on the verge of nervous breakdown were restored to normal health; epileptics cured of heir epilepsy and so on.

The pen sketches on Satya Sai Baba, Acharya Rajaneesh, Anandamayee Ma, Nirankaris, Maharshi Mahesh Yogi, Neelakanta Tathaji, Radhasoamis, Dattabal, Swami Prabhupada and Swami Muktanandaji–ten of the twelve are by their own closest disciples and are naturally coloured with high claims to the spiritual and supernatural powers of their Gurus.

The Editor himself has chosen to write about Maharajji Balayogeswar and about one who does not fall into the category of Gurus and Godmen, that is Mother Teresa–a study in contrast. Describing in his own inimitable characteristic style, the two interviews he had with the Maharajji and the Mother, the first one in the ground of royal splendour and following of foreigners and the other in the midst of dying cries, pain and agony, the Editor feels he could not have his thirst of “curiosity” quenched in the case of the former while in the latter he experienced that he ran out of questions, by simply witnessing the monumental humanitarian services, she was engaged in, which spoke volumes in silence. The only message of cheer, Mother seems to spread to those without hope is “There is God”.

Born in August 1910 in Yugoslavia, she took to service at the tender age of 12 and started her first slum home in India in 1948 with hardly Rs. 5. Today she looks after 70 schools with 6,219 children, 258 General Dispensaries catering to nearly 15 lakhs of people, 58 Leper Homes taking care of 47,000 lepers; 20 houses housing 1,172 abandoned children and 28 houses for 5,000 dying destitutes, spread over 35 Indian cities and centres in other foreign countries. Influenced by Jesus Christ and inspired by the scriptures she sees Jesus in every human being and feels the humblest of the humblest. Her service “may be only a drop in the ocean but if that drop was not in that ocean, the ocean will be less because of the missing drop.”
– P. SRINIVASAN

Voice of Vallalar: By S. R. V. Arasu. The South India Saiva Siddhanta Works Publishing Society, Tinnevelly Ltd., 1/140 Prakasam Salai, Madras-1. Price: Rs. 3-50 (Ordinary) and Rs. 5-00 (Deluxe Edition).

At a time when the whole atmosphere is surcharged with social commitment, that Sri S. R. V. Arasu should bring out a book “Voice of Vallalar” correlating the essential teachings of a nineteenth century devotional poet Chidambaram Ramalingaa to the significant changes that have taken place in the political, religious and social attitudes of the people, is most commendable. A poet with a universal outlook and firm social commitment, Ramalingam made social service and reform as part and parcel of his religion and the medium he chose was poetry in simple style easily understandable by the lettered and the unlettered.

Author of “Thiru Arut Pa” consisting of 7,000 lyrics, he has made a massive and extensive contribution to Tamil literature. His poem whose translation runs thus “A good country is one that is free from extreme poverty, endemic diseases and external aggression” is a perennial truth. Hunger is the basic cause for all human sufferings. He has raised his clarion call to humanity and work for a new social order with a new socialistic outlook to eliminate poverty and to evolve an egalitarian society. His songs inspired by deep spiritual experience are rated as models for beauty of expression, clarity of thought, intelligibility of theme, sublimity of idea, nobility of purpose, velocity of appeal, catholicity of character and universality of outlook.

Such inspiring books at reasonable prices are quite welcome.
–P. SRINIVASAN

Indian Drama: Ed. H. H. Anniah Gowda. Published by Prasaranga, University of Mysore, Mysore. Price: Rs. 10.

This is a collection of papers presented at a seminar on Indian drama, held in December, 1971, in the Mysore University. Distinguished playwrights in various Indian languages and creative writers with interest in stage and drama and scholars of English drama came together to discuss the state of drama in modern India, both in English and in the regional languages.

The paper by H. W. Wells, ‘Sanskrit Plays and World Drama’, seeks to establish the distinctions of Sanskrit classical drama by identifying the special features, followed by a brief illustrative appreciation of some of the great Sanskrit plays. Adya Rangachary’s ‘Classical Indian Drama and Modern Indian Theatre’ tries to define what is classical in classical drama, and seeks to establish its relevance to the modern stage.

Dr Machwe surveys Hindi drama and explains the peculiar problems faced by the Hindi stage: influence of Western stage and the so-called literary style of the “upper castes” have divorced the dramatic literature from life.

Sri Balwant Gargi’s ‘Folk Theatre in India’, Sri Satya Dev Dubey’s ‘Contemporary Indian Theatre’–also dealing largely with folk theatre, and Sri Saleem Peeradina’s ‘Theatre, Audience and Language’, dealing with language problem in the context of Indian drama, are all directly concerned with the modern theatre and the evils besetting it. Prof. Anniah Gowda’s ‘English Plays of Bharathi Sarabhai’ (reprinted from Banasthali Patrika)and Dr. Rajiv Taranath’s ‘Ezekiel’s Nalini’are two accounts of Indo-Anglian plays by teacher-scholars.

The participants in the seminar appear to be unwilling to keep ‘drama’ and ‘theatre’ apart: probably this arises from the presence of practising playwrights and theatre critics among them, resulting in some amusing, though unmeaningful, cross-talk in the discussions, as briefly reported in the appendix. Some controversial pronouncements about the theatre and the kind of language to be used were left undiscussed, and some very subjective opinions about theatre, folk theatre and middle class morality were not put to objective scrutiny.
The collection would be interesting to a student of drama. Its importance lies more in the intellectual activity at the seminar of which this is a belated fruit.
–DR S. KRISHNA SARMA

Epic Poetry and the Modern Mind: By A. V. Subramania Aiyar. Published by the author, 47 Ramamoorthy Colony, Madras- 82. Price 12-50.

This is a collection of ten essays which deal with topics ranging from epic poetry to the future of English in India. The author has chosen little-known mystics like Swedenberg, nearly-forgotten women like sister Nivedita, or an unknown historical novel, Clarinda, for some of his articles. His discussion of the topics literary, philosophical, or topical, is lucid, and his judgments balanced. The book will be particularly useful to students of Indo-Anglian literature.
–E. NAGESWARA RAO

The Mahabharata: By Shanta Rameswar Rao. Sangam Books. Orient Longman, Madras–2. Price: Rs. 6-00.

The author narrates the great story that is known through the length and breadth of our land. It is a story for all times and all occasions. There seems to be no human situation it does  not treat of. It conveys a different message to each individual. The author presents the main events of this great epic in condensed form. The narration is simple and fluent suggesting the grandeur and richness of the epic in every episode. Theauthor deserves to be congratulated on her remarkable success at presenting the epic in a nut-shell.
–DR C. N. SASTRY
Yuganta–The End of an Epoch: By Iravati Karve. Sangam Books. Orient Longman, Madras -2. Price: Rs. 7-00.

The author offers remarkable studies of the famous characters of the Mahabharata. Looked through the eyes of the author the epic appears as a record of complex humanity and a mirror to all the faces which we wear.” The essential human element in the characters of Bhishma, Gandhari, Kunti, Draupadi, Karna and others, is brought into focus in order to make us feel one with them. The study of characters is sensitive, perceptive, critical illuminating. Each study reads like a chapter from a modern novel. Each character is delineated with a few deft touches highlighting the human predicament which is of abiding interest. Caught in a web of circumstance each character struggles to play the destined role. Over the entire fabric looms the shadow of divinity or destiny that plays with men and women for pieces of the chequered board of nights and days. The author has admirably succeeded in making the reader feel a sense of intimate proximity with the characters that lived long ago and far away. It is a book which must find a place on every shelf.
–Dr. C. N. SASTRY

Makers of Modern Theatre: By P. S. Rama Rao. Lalitha Publisners, Machilipatnam. Price: Rs. 15.

The theatre is part of the culture of a nation. India occupies a very important place in the production of films in the world. But it must be admitted that in the theatre arts it lags far behind many countries. The popular tradition in our country in the field of music, dance and drama is much more widespread than in the West.

The book under review deals with a period similar to that of ours in the Western countries. The revival of the arts in the West was brought about not only by the playwright but, in a greater measure, by the artist-director. He is the one responsible person co-ordinating all the elements of the stage–story, acting, setting, costume, lighting and make-up. It is the directors who deserve to be called the makers of modern theatre. The author gives very detailed pictures of the great directors from George II, Duke of Meiningen, to Bertolt Brecht. He vividly describes the various movements initiated by them such as Realism, Naturalism, Symbolism, Theatricalism, Expressionism, Constructivism and Surrealism.

The author who has done research on the modern theatre in the Western countries, has done a very good job in presenting the lives of a galaxy of eminent directors who were responsible for the renaissance. Let us hope the author would continue his pursuit in the field of drama and bring out more books on the modem theatre, particularly of India.
–BHAVARAJU

TELUGU

Upadesasaramu: Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi. Price: Rs. 2-00.
Upanishat Samucchayamu: Part I. Price: Rs. 5-00. Both with Telugu translation and commentary by Pantula Lakshminarayana Sastry, Prattipativari Street, Vizianagaram.

Upadesasaramu, true to its name, contains the quintessence of Bhagavan Ramana’s teachings, in thirty Sanskrit verses, each of two lines of ten syllables each. The original slokas with their translation into Telugu in song form, are followed by Telugu translation of Sri Ganapatimuni’s commentary and the translator’s own commentary, Prabha. Meditation, Pranayama, Mind and its Control, Nature of Mukti, What is “I” (aham),Two kinds of “I” are the topics dealt with. This is a practical guide to Sadhakas. Karma, Jnana, Bhakti, Sandilya Vidya, and Dehare Vidya, etc., are also explained. The meanings of verses 12, 14, 20, 21 and 30 form the kernel of this book and deserve serious study. A book, in Baconian language, to be chewed and digested.

Upanishat Samucchayamu contains four Upanishads–Isavasya, Niralamba, Paingala and Adhyatma–in original and translations thereof in Telugu verses and exhaustive commentaries by the translator. In the Isavasya commentary, Sankara’s interpretation is mainly followed, and others’ views are also referred to. In other commentaries Brahmayogi’s interpretations are also given wherever necessary. Forty-one philosophic questions are answered in the Niralambopanishad. Paingala deals with the creation, Panchikarana, Jagrat, Svapna and Sushipti states, etc. This book is very useful even to the beginners in philosophic studies.
–B. K.

Samajamu, Sahiryamu: By R. S. Sudarshanam, Chittoor District Writers’ Co-operative Society, Chittoor. A. P. Price: Rs. 4-00.

Sri R. S. Sudarshanam examines critically the several points of contact between society and literature. His views on revolution and literature provoke serious thinking and help the reader to arrive at a clear understanding of traditional values which should not be totally repudiated. His critical assessment of the romantic movement and the progressive school of poetry reveals the disinterested endeavour to see the truth as it is and present it boldly. His critical story of the Telugu novels, their heroes and themes, is highly commendable. His elaborate exposition of the psychological novel “Chivaraku migiledi” by Bucchi Babu deserves honourable mention because of its rare penetration and precision. The tone of intellectual ratiocination imparts a distinctive quality to the critical essays of Sri Sudarshanam who stands for reason and moderation in life and literature. We find a depth which is generally wanting in the critical studies that skim on the surface of Telugu literature, motivated by considerations other than relentless quest for truth. Consummate mastery of critical strategies is in evidence in the four critical essays collected in this finely got-up volume.

DR C. N. SASTRY

Ichata veechina gaali: By Ravuru Venkata Satyanarayana Rao. Copies can be had from the author, “Neeladri” 3-5-1091/10, Narayanaguda, Hyderabad-29. Price: Rs. 4.

Ravuru is familiar to the Telugu reader for over four decades as a playwright, novelist and journalist. His essays in lighter have won him distinction as a prolific writer presenting the lives ofthe middle class society.

The world Telugu Conference held last year, is the ground for this short novel. The theme, the characters, the language and the situations all breathe a refined taste and leave pleasant memories in mind of the reader.
–BHAVARAJU