Reviews

Mahatma Gandhi (Political Saint and Unarmed Prophet): By Dhananjay Keer. Popular Prakashan, 35 C Tardeo Road, BombaY-34. Price: Rs. 80-00.

Gandhiana has been growing apace with the years after the death of Gandhiji in January 1948. Apart from the mammoth undertaking of the Government of India of collecting all the various letters, documents and writings of the Mahatma and bringing out a series of volumes, we have had other types of biographical publications from individuals, both of India and of the West; Close disciples such as Pyarelal have exhausted day-to-day incidents of the later phases of Gandhiji’s life in two heavy tomes. Here again is a book of nearly eight hundred odd pages dealing mostly with the Mahatma’s ceaseless attention to social, economic, political, religious and problems of sex. The Sustaining researches the author has brought to bear upon his approach to the political saint is really amazing. He has not spared any incident of significance both in public and private life of the saint which does not redound much to his being claimed as one of absolute unimpeachability.

It will not be an engaging task in a review to choose any particular incident for illustrating how the author has viewed it in the crucible of his criticism of assessment. But at the same time; it may be useful to indicate the author’s very critical mind in discussing some of the Mahatma’s pet theories and inconsistencies of statements. To point out the author’s powers of analysis and severe judgment of the ‘unarmed prophet’, let us just refer to one or two instances and it will suffice to show that the author has never been much on the side of defence of any of his actions when controversies arose upon them. Gandhiji was reported to have declared that monkeys should be destroyed as they damaged fields of corn about his Ashrama. But when the question was discussed regarding the exportation of monkeys for vivisection, he was strongly against such act. The author says: “For the protection of fields and grains he allowed the destruction of monkeys but for scientific research which also aimed at the welfare of humanity he opposed it”. (p. 633)

Later again when Gandhiji was criticised for putting his hands on the shoulders of ladies he remained for sometime giving up the habit. But the author remarks: “But something in Gandhi revolted against the decision and he relapsed into it saying if he did not walk with his hands on the shoulders of women his blood-pressure rose up.” (p. 677)

It goes without saying that if these facts are, as founded by evidence, true, then the author’s mild but effective reminders of the Mahatma’s weaknesses as quite the usual ones with all human beings and there could be nothing extra for claiming sainthood for him gain strength. Still, the very restraint is more expressive sometimes of his disapproval of the hero’s matchless saintliness.

The almost comprehensive treatment of the subject establishes a biographer’s expertise in handling his material carefully and with ability. Nevertheless one may not be sure whether he has greatly succeeded in presenting the entire picture in art-form in the wake of the modernists.
–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN

The Living Mahabharata: By Dr J. R. Goyal. Indian Heritage, Shora Kothi, Subzimandi, Delhi. Price: Rs. 25-00.

This is a concise account of the great epic without missing any of the main incidents told about the two important contestants of Kurus and Pandavas. The many tributary stories such as of Savitri, Nala. Sukanya, etc., have been omitted, which makes for the main current not get disturbed. Further, the inclusion of some of the valuable portions such as Yaksha-prasna, Ajaagara-Upakhyanam, brief contents of the Bhagavadgita, emphasise the relevance of their kernel to our own times when people are discussing much casteism, ethics, education, and other vital needs of society.

Except that the mention of the death of Ganga (page 3) is not correct as she was a goddess and also in the story she only disappears with her child Devavrata and returns later with him grown up, most of the facts have been given with care and brevity. Only we wish to add that the printing could have been rendered better without errors of bad proof-reading.
–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN

Pre-Samkara Advaita Philosophy: By Sangam Lal Pandey. Central Book Depot, University Road, Allahabad. Price: Rs. 80.

This is a very successful attempt at a critical analytical and historical reconstruction of Pre-Samkara Advaita Philosophy after studying not only the relevant Samskrit texts but also works and research papers of later scholars.

Baadaraayana and Jaimini are assigned to 200 and 225 A. D. respectively. Historicity and personality of Gaudapada is established. Equation of Mandanamisra, Visvarupa-suresvara is not accepted. 630 A. D. the author concludes is the undisputed date of the life of Samkara. Advaita with its Maayaavaada is traced to the Rigveda. A brief exposition of Advaita of the Upanishad is given. An account and estimate of the theories of Pre-Baadaraayana teachers is informative. The author asserts with suitable arguments that Baadaraayana’s Sutras aimed at an exposition of non-dualism only and that Samkara’s commentary thereon is the most rational one. Six main contributions of Baadaraayana are listed here. Philosophies of Upavarsha, Bodhayana, Sundara Pandya, Brahmanandin, Dravidacharya, Bhartriprapancha, Bhartrimitra and Brahmadatta are expounded. The author contends that Gaudapada gave a reorientation to the Buddhistic terminology and employed it successfully to undermine Buddhism itself.

Baselessness of the charge that Samkara was a crypto Buddhist is established. In the opinion of the author both Gaudapada and Bhartrihari held Sabda in the form of Pranava and Sphota respectively as the reality. The author is at his best in interpreting Mandanamisra’s philosophy wherein there is progress from the language philosophy of Bhartrihari to the apperception of Truth. The learned scholar points out that the merit of Mandana’s methodology which according to him is more practicable and effective than the method of Samkara, combines rational investigation into consciousness with the performance of action.

Mandanmisra’s individuality is well brought out. Main doctrines of Mandana’s Advaita are explained. While explaining the nature of existence according to Mandana, arguments of G. D. Ruggiero are brought in for comparison. Bhavadvaita theory and Mandana’s argument for Advaita, are set forth in their right perspective. We commend this work to students of Advaita philosophy and congratulate the author on his success in his attempt.
–SANDILYA

British Conservative Party and Indian Independence: By K. Veerathappa. Ashish Publishing House, New Delhi. Price: Rs. 65.

The attitude of the British Conservative Party during 1930-’47 is studied in this work, a doctoral dissertation, by Mr. K. Veerathappa, at present a teacher in the Bangalore University. The period covered (1930-’47) is indeed an important phase in the history of the modern times. Mr. Veerathappa traces elaborately the ground leading to the Round Table Conference and the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. A great deal of original material has been made available in recent times and the author makes use of much of it. It is claimed here that the Conservative Party initiated the move for Indian reforms by appointing the Statutory Commission in 1927. For quite sometime the Conservatives strongly believed in Churchill’s statement that “England apart from her Empire in India ceases forever to be a Great Power.” Yet since 1906 there was “a division of outlook” on this question and in the ‘Thirties there was considerable shift in the Conservative stance. Stanley Baldwin, who led the government that ushered in some momentous changes in British politics, was said to be responsible, to some extent, in the mellowing of the Conservative position. Ultimately the Conservative Party realised that it would be better for Britain to grant Dominion Status to India. The author argues that even if the Labour Party had been in power, Dominion Status would not have been granted in 1935. The Conservative Party’s support, says the author, for India’s progress towards Independence was significant though there was opposition to it from some “vocal” and “sentimental rightwing imperialists.”

The book is quite readable, although it appears at times as though Mr. Veerathappa is holding a brief for the Conservative Party and undermining the role of the Labour Party. This heavily documented book is a useful contribution to the study of modern Indian history and constitutional developments. It is to be hoped that in the subsequent editions printing errors would be eliminated.
–Dr A. PRASANNA KUMAR

Moral Trends Since Independence: The Academy of Comparative Philosophy and Religion. Tilakwadi, Belgaum. Price: Rs. 15.

This slim paper-, a seminar publication, presents a broad survey of the prevalent moral trends in India, since Independence. Says Alexis Carrell: “Man has sunk into indifference to almost everything except money.” This quote is an apt pointer to India as drift towards amorality.

Where ethical and spiritual ideals are dead, that nation is a goner. Life is not self-indulgence. A higher purpose should inform it.

Materialism is a Greek gift and its rotten spore is the so-called modernism. This in brief is a set of negativistic attitudes and thoughts that question the ancient morality or Dharma.

The present day trends (a) commercialisation of art and education (b) social permissiveness (c) value-systems that pander to one’s needs and tastes (d) rat-race for power and pelf (e) shoddy pornographic ads. (g) and demoralising media like films and T. V. with their sex portraiture–are out and out corrupting factors that lead to decadence of society.

India to regain its lost soul should outgrow its industrial culture and relive its life-giving heritage reared on values that nourish and sustain humanity. Otherwise it goes the way of Sodom and Gomorrah.

The book is an eye-opener to those that wallow in the slush of putrid worldliness smitten blind with technological pyrotechnics.
–K. SUBBA RAO

Dialogue in Indian Tradition: By John B. Chethimattazn. Published by Dharamaram College, Bangalore-29. Price: Rs. 8.

The present Indian Tradition is the resultant of a continuous interaction that took place down the ages between the various thought-processes, cultural movements and religious systems that had their meeting ground in this great sub-continent. Be it the Aryan or the pre-Aryan, the Jain or the Buddhist, Hinduism or Islam, the Sikh religion or Christianity, there has always been an interaction, a get-together, an attempt for a continuous dialogue. This has resulted in mutual tolerance, appreciation and the blending of cultures and has made the Indian Tradition what it is today. It is true that in the case of Islam, there has been a confrontation but by and large the Indian spirit has assimilated the best in all religions and has grown to its present stature.

Father Chethimattam writes with sincerity and earnestness. According to him, since Christianity has a sort of worldwide diffusion and represents the developed thought of the West, it has a definite role to play in the future scheme of things in forging a meaningful unity with the Indian Tradition representing the aspiration of the East. With rare spiritual insight he interprets Christianity in Indian terms.

Full of hope and faith in the destiny of the human race the author Concludes: “Human hearts will draw closer, when men discuss not their differences and past grievances, but their common problems and common tasks towards building up a future which does not discriminate between East and West.”
–S. SHANKARANARAYANAN

An Unrecorded Chapter of the Indian Mutiny: By R. G. Wilberforce. The Academic Press, Haryana. Price: Rs. 50-00.

Wilberforce, the author of the book served in 52nd Light Infantry Regiment of the British army during the days of the Mutiny. He describes at length the stirring events of 1857. On 10th May the news of Mutiny reached the regiment. The Meerut troops rebelled and marched to Delhi and occupied the city and proclaimed Bahadur Shah the Ruler. The author describes at length the movement of his regiment from Sialkot to Delhi and the encounters they faced on the way. The army left Sialkot in May 1857 and marched altogether 900 miles. There was no transportation and only in the latter part of the journey some bullock carts were available. The treasure boxes for the Company had to be carried by the camels. While on the track, the soldiers kept themselves occupied by singing Songs. When they reached the camps, the soldiers used to get their wash and rest. They faced a number of hardships.

The book contains interesting episodes. In search of mutineers, the Company sometimes made surprise attacks. The mutineers were generally in the basement. The troops entered the door, threw themselves flat on the ground and then rushed inside. Sometimes the mutineers hid themselves under women’s cloaks and sometimes drew veils and passed themselves as women.

In the concluding portion, he gives a vivid picture of the virtues of the battalion. Even during the days of street-fighting no man of the regiment was ever drunk. The men of the 52nd regiment in 1857 showed themselves worthy successors of their Peninsular predecessors. The book gives an interesting reading, although it is written from the point of an view of Englishman.
–DR K. SUNDARAM

Sri Shankara Vijayam: Ganesh and Co., Madras-17. Price: Rs. 4.

A running account of the life and work of Acharya Shankara in English. Though not indicated clearly, it seems to be based upon the cidvilasiya vijayam. It is not mentioned who has rendered this work. The writer refers to the controversy as to the place where the Acharya took his Samadhi, narrows down the choice to Kedas or Kanchi and concludes that it is likely to be the latter.
–M. P. PANDIT

Portrait of Guru: By Swami Iswarananda Giri. Samvit Sadhanayana, Santa Sarovar, Mt. Abu (Rajasthan). Price: Rs. 6-50.

This book contains the lectures of Swamiji on the Manisha Panchakam of Acharya Shankara. His approach is off-beat and holds the attention. He does not conceive of the Guru as a human individual but as a principle operative in the spiritual sphere. He takes the famous Panchakam ascribed to the Acharya as the basis and discusses its several implications and in the process throws a good deal of light on the working of the Guru-disciple relationship. He makes the presentation interesting by narrating stories from life. The appendix contains some more classical hymns on the Guru. e.g., padukastotram.
–M. P. PANDIT

KANNADA

Ranga: By Sindhuvalli Anantamurti. Suruchi Prakashan, Saraswatipuram, Mysore-9. Price: Rs. 6.

A series of pen-portraits and essays written in delightful style on the Kannada stage of the present times and its leading personalities. Gubbi Veeranna, Gangadhar Rao, Sampat, Gururaja Rao are some of them; the writer weaves the history of modern developments in the Kannada drama around such innovators. His discussion of the presentation of Mricchakatikain Kannada and the strategems that had to be resorted to is highly interesting. The writer himself is an engaging artist.
–M. P. PANDIT

SAMSKRIT

Raghuvamsha-Darptlnam(Raghuvansha Commentary by Hemadri). Vol I. Edited by Dr Rewa Prasad Dwivedi, Head of the Department of Sahitya Faculty, Benares Hindu University. Published by Kashi Prasad Jayaswal Research Institute, Patna-I Price: Rs. 40.
Authorities of the Jayaswal Research Institute have laid the world of Samskrit scholars under a deep debt of gratitude by bringing to light this eagerly awaited Raghuvamsha commentary which was a source of authority for later commentators and which was bailed as a Bhashya also. Our tributes go to the editor but for whose hard labour and critical acumen this publication would not have been what it is now–a masterpiece of a model edition.

This work contains the Raghuvamsha text of 19 cantos with Hemadri’s commentary on cantos 2 to 19 only. The commentary on the first canto is not yet available. In the first section of a scholarly introduction in Samskrit of 184 pages the editor describes in detail the nature and contents of the 24 manuscripts he has consulted. After discussing at length the question of identity of Hemadri with Makkibhatta another commentator, the editor concludes that they are not identical. Though it is not possible to decide which of the two Hemadri and Mallinadha is anterior or posterior, it is certain the editor asserts that they did not know each other. Hemadri must have written this commentary while he was in Maharashtra though he was born in Karnata region. The most salient features of this commentary are pointed out with illustrations. A comparative study of the textual readings adopted by Mallinatha and Hemadri and the nature and contents of their commentaries is also instituted. Hemadri’s readings are preferred by the editor. In giving derivations of words, explaining the significance of some technical terms, deciding the meanings of some words, in clearing some doubts, and in quoting from lexicons, Hemadri excells. The section dealing with Hemadri as a Rhetorician is excellent. In more than 280 pages all the variant readings in the commentary on each verse found in different manuscripts are given separately. An index of Slokas and names of books referred to in the commentary are given at the end. Printed in bold type the get up is good and every library must have this valuable book on its shelves.
–B. KUTUMBA RAO

SAMSKRIT- TELUGU

Sriharsha Naishadham (Second Part, 4 to 6 Sargas with Tika and Tatparya): By Udali Subbarama Sastry. Andhra Pradesh Sahitya Akademi, Saifabad, Hyderabad-4. Price: Rs. 8.

Sriharsha’s Naishadha Kavya was acclaimed as “Vidvadaushadha” and is not easily understandable for a man of ordinary learning. By publishing this edition, the Akademi has done great service to all Samskrit lovers, and students appearing for oriental examinations. This part contains three cantos of the text from 4 to 6. Padaccheda or splitting of words, word for word meaning in the order of “anvaya” and Vigrahavaakyas of Samasas are all given in Telugu. Then follows a very elucidative commentary in Telugu. Figures of speech and other Rhetorical and aesthetic elements are also explained. Vigrahavaakyas for ordinary compounds like “Ravimahah” and “Ratipatih” we feel need not find a place here. Even if they are there, one and the same Samasa need not be explained everytime it occurs. For instance, the compound Ratipati is explained in verses 29, 54 and 59 also. Such repetition may be avoided. Instead, addition of other two conjugational forms of verbs used in the verses will enhance the utility of the work. Some figures of speech or other rhetorical points left out by Mallinatha in his commentary on some verses may also be added in future. Some common and important grammatical Sutras with their explanations wherever necessary may also be included in the Telugu commentary. Even as it is, this edition is very useful and we commend it to all libraries.
–B. K. SASTRY

TELUGU

Telugu Sahitya Vimarsa: By Dr S. V. Rama Rao. Andhra Saraswata Parishat, Tilak Road, Hyderabad-1. Price: Rs. 15.

This valuable work fulfills a long desideratum. A reader cannot but be struck by the stupendous study that has gone into the writing of this work, a thesis approved for the degree of Doctorate. Many works written by Telugu poets, ancient and modern, books and essays on literary criticism, introductions to books written by eminent men of letters, theses for Doctorate, Encyclopaedias, Commentaries on different Prabandhas, etc., all published in Telugu up to 1973 were studied by the author, and the relevant matter was collected and presented herein in a systematic way. Now we can have a comprehensive idea of the birth and growth of Telugu literary criticism beginning from early ages up to our times. Late Sri Veeresalingam Pantulu is rightly hailed as the pioneer in this field and a detailed idea of his works on this subject is given here. Contributions of Stalwarts like Dr C. R. Reddy, Vedam Venkataraya Sastry, Gurajada, and Dr Viswanatha Satyanarayana and others are pointed out. In short no stone was left unturned and no pains were spared by the author in his enquiry. Theories of literary criticism, oriental and occidental, are briefly presented in the introductory chapters. This is a good text-book on the History of literary criticism in Telugu. As a guide and reference book this is indispensable to research scholars on this subject, and it is a must for all Telugu libraries worth the name.
–SANDILYA