Triveni Journal

1927 | 11,233,916 words

Triveni is a journal dedicated to ancient Indian culture, history, philosophy, art, spirituality, music and all sorts of literature. Triveni was founded at Madras in 1927 and since that time various authors have donated their creativity in the form of articles, covering many aspects of public life....

The Gandhi Reader: By Homer A. Jack. Samata Books, 10, Kamaraj Bhavan, 573, Mount Road, Madras-6. Price: Rs. 90.

This compilation of writings both of the Mahatma and of others on him, is a most desirable one which was released long ago, soon after the Mahatma’s death, by an American, Mr. Homer A. Jack. In 1956 the first publication of this valuable book was ushered into the world. Fortunately Sri Sadanand has brought out this Indian edition, which is a reprint of the same American volume.

Within nearly 500 beautifully printed pages, the present anthology contains portions of Mahatma’s autobiography, the rest bearing extracts from many sources both of press cuttings and the pens of close participants in the Indian Freedom Struggle and other contemporaries such as Mahadev Desai, Jawaharlal Nehru, Tagore, C. F. Andrews and Jinnah. In three parts dealing with periods 1869 to 1914, 1915 to 1933 and 1933 to 1948, information worth-knowing have been brought in, in such a manner that the fresh reader of the book may not be deprived of all the significant events of the Mahatma’s career amidst a nation feeling his presence as a god-send and of the entire world believing in him as “a human being for the ages.”

Some of the highlights in the volume necessarily pertain to the South African phase of his experiments with non-violence, his Indian leadership campaigns with stirring events such as the Salt March, the epic fast before the amicable settlement with Dr. Ambedkar with regard to the Untouchable problems, the Quit India Movement, the Noakhali march to stem the tide of communal strifes, the various meetings of important men and women to discuss urgent matters affecting humanity at large, and fill the pages keeping the eager reader to be constantly reminded of the great power that the Mahatma wielded over many sections of politicians and thinkers of philosophical and cultural outlook.

With the very brief Introduction, the Notes, Bibliography, the Index, etc., this Indian edition printed with admirable execution will really prove a find to all students of both the present and coming generations to have a very correct estimate of one of the greatest individuals who struck the entire humanity as more a saint than a politician. As mentioned in the foreword to this publication the book may, now after the popular Gandhi film, which once again made the Mahatma live in the hearts of people, “rekindle discussion of Gandhi’s life and teachings.”
–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN

Indian Philosophy: Past and Future: Ed. by Rama Rao Pappu and R. Puligandla. Motilal Banarsidas, Bungalow Road, Delhi-110 007. Price: Rs. 125.

This is a well-planned book containing weighty papers from about twenty exponents of Indian philosophy–both in India and abroad – on certain fundamental issues. The organisers of this project had set four main questions to the contributors: What is Indian about Indian philosophy? What is the goal of Indian philo­sophy? What is the responsibility of the Indian philosopher? What is the future of Indian philosophy? The writers, old and young, from veterans like P. T. Raju, Kalidas Bhattacharya toMotilal and Gangadean, cover a wide range of topics and their papers are conveniently arranged in three parts: The Indian Philosophical Tradition, Tradition and Modernity, The Future of Indian Philosophy.

There is a vigorous discussion on what is Indian philosophy? Is it Indian because it is formed in India or is it so for any special character that reflects the Indian temperament? Another question that is raised is whether all that can be said has already been said in the scriptures and Darshanas and we can only go on repeating it. The consensus is that philosophy being an earnest enquiry into Truth, it has got to be living and moving with the times. We need toassimilate the essentials of the past tradition but also must take note of the present developments in the world and the direction of the evolving Spirit of Man.

Dr. K. N. Upadhyaya lists the following as the main features of Indian philosophy: Philosophy as the highest branch of know­ledge; Synthetic approach; Cycle of the world process and the notion of infinity; Majesty of man; Introspective approach; Karma and rebirth; Combination of love for tradition and freedom of thought; Respect for life and thought; Disinterested approach toempirical science; Harmony between man and nature; Emphasis, on experiential approach.

He also refers to Sri Aurobindo’s amplification of the relation between philosophy and religion, so characteristic of the Indian approach.

“Philosophy is the intellectual search for the fundamental truth of things, religion is the attempt to make the truth dynamic in the soul of man. They are essential to each other; a religion that is not the expression of philosophical truth degenerates into superstition and obscurantism, and a philosophy which does not dynamise itself with the religious spirit is a barren light, for it cannot get itself practised.” (P. 145)

The usual objections and criticisms by western scholars are considered in depth and effectively rebutted, Criticisms based upon a leftist bias and impatience with the weight of the past tra­ditions on the part of some professors in India itself are examined objectively. All told, the collection is instructive, informative and stimulating.
–M. P. PANDIT

The Philosophy of Non-Attachment: By M. M. Agrawal. Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi-7. Price: Rs. 50.

Non-attachment is generally taken to be a negative concept. It is treated as preparatory to withdrawal from life and escape into some kind of Nirvana. The author of this thesis takes pains to emphasise that this is a positive approach promoting the development of a creative consciousness. He discusses the several views of life that have been popularised by religions and examines the connotation of Non-Attachment in their context. He argues, and rightly, that to detach oneself from situations gives one an unclouded vision and enables one to acquire freedom from the compulsions of the moment. It builds up the essentials of morality, equality and spirituality.

“The condition of mind characterized by non-attachment is a consequence of self-knowledge. For spiritual knowledge is never purely theoretical. It makes an impact upon one’s way of life and transforms one’s subjective consciousness. The removal of the shackles of attachment dissolves the subjective structure of one’s identity. Man, then, no longer acts from the motive of self and is thus freed from its consequential sorrow. In non-attachment the expression of life is not rendered dull and insensitive, on the contrary, it makes for the experience of an inexhaustible newness.”

The writer concludes that non-attachment is an optimistic philosophy. Yes, provided it is not allowed to lapse into a quietistic posture. It gives a certain release from involvements but thereafter it has to be followed up with other disciplines of conscious change at different levels of the being.
–M. P. PANDIT

R. D. Ranade and his Spiritual Lineage: By Vinayaka Hari Date. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay-7. Price: Rs. 65.

This book reads more like hagiology. R. D. Ranade was a philosopher of repute and became a professor, first at the Ferguson College and Deccan Education Society, but later, at the call of M. M. Ganganath Jha, Vice-Chancellor of the Allahabad University, became associated with it. While he was appointed there as professor, he actually stipulated with the authorities that his yearning to go to his spiritual preceptor, Bhausahib Maharaj, whenever he liked, should on no account be prevented by the rules of the institution. Such was his deep earnestness to walk the spiritual path of frequent Dhyaana and singing of the name of the Lord, breathed into his ear at the time of initiation from his Guru.

The author has spared no pains to trace the details of the Gurus’ at whose feet Ranade started his spiritual voyage on the high seas of exalted experience of godhead. No doubt events are chronicled to show a superior power lay in him to unravel the future of those who sought him for help. They cannot be labelled as mere miracles, generally made much of in the lives of saints. The narration, though amply illustrated by happenings, has not been presented with an eye for literary writing, which is chiefly responsible for the somewhat dragging nature of the whole book. But there can be no room for readers to throwaway the book as of irrelevance for the ordinary man. It has its own definite appeal to minds which seek solace in the hope of betterment whether now or hereafter.
–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN

Some Facets of Administration: By A. S. Naik. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay-7. Price: Rs. 30.

The author, who is a retired officer of the Indian Civil Service, has given here some of his vast experiences as an officer of the Covenanted Service both before independence and later also under the Republic of India. He does not plunge at once into his own experiences as an officer but starts with tracing the history in a sketchy manner of the ancient systems under the various dynasties such as the Mauryan, the Guptan, the Mughal and then up to the British period when the entire country came to be under almost a single head, the British Crown.

So far his own beginnings are concerned, he has, with no flourishes, provided in simple English how he was a student in Cambridge University, how later he competed for the coveted Civil Service, where he was posted early and the knowledge he gained from the work in lower positions till he naturally rose to be Additional Secretary in Departments both in the States and at New Delhi. He has a charming way of exposing some of his own failings as well as straight dealings with people both in official spheres and the general public.

He winds up the book with more than a couple of chapters in which he has expressed his desire to find his country learn more to keep the administration clean and efficient.

On the whole, young officers with an ambition to prove the salt of their higher education could profit much in turning the pages of this interesting volume of a bund red-and-fifty pages and more.
–“SAHRIDAYA”

Atom and the Serpent: By Prema Nandakumar Affiliated East West Press P. Ltd., 6, Roselyn Gardens, 20/1A. Barnaby Road, Madras-10.        Price: Rs 35.

This is a novel with a novelty; for, the usual main story interest with sequence of events, inventiveness of plot, suspense element all these are not of much assistance here to aid the reader’s zest to peruse the book from start to end. Still there is no denying the fact that the reader will not rest till he has finished the volume at a stretch, which when said conclusively proves its absorbing quality. The entire three hundred odd pages here deal only with the life in an university campus, with its inmates of no less degree than the Vice-Chancellor, Principal of a college, academicians of various types, research scholars and other servants of the institution.

Nothing more exciting takes place than the arrival of an “Atom” scientist from Bombay as a visiting professor to deliver an endowment lecture in the Science Department, his stay for nearly a week, his contact with the members of the Vice-­Chancellor’s family and his meeting with some other professors and staff members. No doubt events such as strikes by workers at the instigation of politicians from outside, the resulting vanda­lism perpetrated in the wild demonstration of demolishing and felling trees and other useful materials of the institution – all contribute to the confusion caused in the campus atmosphere. The reaction to them in the household of the Vice-Chancellor, the individual concerns of people and the suspicions regarding the source of such upheavals are also described with much sense of realism.

For lack of any intricacies of plot or any introduction of sex element for appeal in the novel, the whole thing does not suffer a bit in its intrinsic quality of gripping our mind in tracing the psychological clashes among the inmates as well as the wide proliferation of university intrigues and scandals. Some of the characters such as Rajeswar, the Sanskrit Professor, Satya, the daughter-in-law of the V. C., the irrepressible Rani, the wife of the Principal, scheming for her own promotion in service, compensate amply for the absence of the otherwise normal features of a novel to stimulate the reader. But the dialogues are kept up on a high intellectual level, appropriate to a university without at the same time palling our involvement in the nuances of literary merit. The whole picture breathes with a wide acquaintance of every current event of the world we are living in today. References to so many movements in other parts of the world and to books which form immense fruitful sources to intellectual stimulation add to a feeling of completion in the reader.

It may require no special power of comprehension to divine the purpose of the author as mainly to expose the way modern univer­sities in this country function with more of mere careerists for self-advancement than of students of pure pursuit of knowledge and savants of tried merit in guiding the future citizens of a country in its first steps for regeneration of enduring values.
- K. CHANDRASEKHARAN

Temples and Legends of Himachal Pradesh: By P.C. Roy Chaudhary. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kulapati Munshi Marg, Bombay-7. Price: Rs. 40.

Herein we have an attractive presentation from the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan to all those that are interested in Hindu temples and sculpture. History of temples of Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs located in about twenty areas, picturesque descriptions of the deities and the rituals performed therein together with the legends attached to each temple are presented here in an interesting manner. Relevant photos ornament the book. Social customs and religion of the natives are also described. Information about the languages spoken in some parts is also given. One may be interested to know that miracles do occur even now in Bagla Mukhi temple. (Ref. P. 111) The statement “It is believed to be the place where Basishta Muni, the Guru of the Pandava brothers, lived”–on page 52, needs clarification. This is almost a research­ work, and is useful not only to tourists and pilgrims but to students of Hindu and Buddhist religions and sculpture as well.
–“KASHYAPA”

Vedic Concept of God: By Vidyanand Saraswati. Distributors: Motilal Banarsidas, Delhi-7. Rs. 20.

In this wide-ranging discussion on the subject of God, there is a laudable attempt to reconcile the many extant notions of religions, concepts in philosophies, insights of the various sciences – physical, biological and psychological. Man’s awakening to the quest of Reality and the different formulations taken by it in the field of religion and intellectual speculation are examined at length. Though the author does not give his own conclusions on many topics like the relation of the soul to God, the dependence of the world upon God, etc., he presents the views of the prominent Indian philosophers and Acharyas and leaves the reader to form his own judgement.

On the subject of Maya, he draws upon the Vedic texts to point out that to the seers of the Veda, Maya did not at all mean a power of illusion but a divine power of creation, wielded by godheads like Indra. He discusses the question whether God has qualities or is devoid of qualities and leaves it open to the reader to accept whatever position. On the topic of Avatar, he does not admit that God manifests on earth in human form whenever there is an imperative call from below; he holds that an Avatar is a phenomenon of the human reaching the divine level and manifesting certain powers of the godhead.

The last part of the book is devoted to the role of prayer and meditation in realising the truth of God. He underlines the con­tribution of Patanjali in this regard and commends the principle of this Yoga to every aspirant.

The author strikes the right note while on the subject of evil and suffering. He points out that while God has certainly created the universe, he has left the working out of its processes to the free will of man and this freedom results in all kinds of turns the most glaring of which are suffering and pain.
–M. P. PANDIT

J. Krishnamurti: By M. V. R. Prasad. Swati Publications, Post Box No. 309, Vijayawada-2. Price: Rs. 8.

J. Krishnamurti is a name which is known widely throughout the world. His mind and message have been regarded as pheno­menal of their unusualness. His talks and writings are found in every bookshop. Crowds gather to listen to him wherever he addresses audiences. His emphasis on human consciousness as distinct from individual consciousness and his constant plea for liberating it from the hidebounds of tradition, past, future and all scriptural and textual authorities make fresh material for free thinking. The ultimate doubt may be in somehow, to liberate themselves even from the influence of J. K. in order to allow the mind freedom.

The present tiny volume in four chapters gives succinctly his teachings, then the hurdles to get over in understanding him, the introduction to a deeper analysis of his words and the last one contains practical suggestions.

The author deserves thanks for his brevity in clarifying J. K’s entire basis of thought.

–“SAHRIDAYA”

Sunshadow: By Rooma Mehra. Price: Rs. 50.
Hemispheric Transfert: By Rosanna Rosini, Price: Rs. 40.
Iris in Dark Water: By Christine Krishnasami. Price: Rs. 20.
Poems and Plays: By Suma Josson. Price: Rs. 25.

All the books are published by Writers Workshop, Calcutta-45.

These tiny “Writers Workshop” lamps set sail on “the surging deluge of literature “by anxious women poets with the faith of the Kartik month: Ah! will at least one continue to float for as long as a dozen decades? We sigh at the obvious display of wasted talent itching for printed publicity in the form of “Indian English to verse – the deceptive whirlpool!

Marked by indifferent workmanship, Rooma Mehra’s Sunshadowfails for want of proper subjects as well. The flicker of promise “On Seeing My Teacher Again” fades into the nothingness of “The Pessimist,” “Impasse” and “Sunshadow.” Rosanna Rosini’s book cannot be easily dismissed since there is an attempt to interlock meaningfully an exile’s experiences of Trieste and Australia. Simple expressions hoop together to form a memorable poem or two:

“Periwinkle procession
of dreams
Swarming in the night streets
awaiting private messages
from Neverland.”

            Iris in Dark Water is firmly grounded on Christian theology Culled from poems written in all kinds of experimentation over a period of three decades, the selection shows Christine Krishnasami at her best. Often a delicious refreshment, the lyrics are touched by the transparency of a sincere soul that calls upon the evening star to

“Shine on lonely cottages
where all thy light is felt;
Shine on aching heart, my star
Till all its ache should melt.”

Drawing sustenance from a landscape of imposing sky-crapers and elegant porcelain bathrooms, Suma Josson’s “poems” try to recall past experiences of her youth among the mountains and meadows. “The Silhouette, to a play, is a smog of irritations and depressions, for no one is at home anywhere and everything is menacingly bizarre. “In the Rain,” another play, is a damp squib. There is an uncertain fire about Suma’s poems and plays which is intriguing and disconcerting. She would do well to concentrate on Characters in action instead of getting involved in stage-directions and sentimental mist. Suma Josson has real talent, but it is yet to be minted into literary art that truly bounces the reader.

–Dr. PREMA NANDAKUMAR

SAMSKRIT-ENGLISH

Dhyanyaloka: By Anandavardhana. Text with translation and notes by Dr. K. Krishna Murthy. Motilal Banarsidas, Bungalow Road, Delhi-7. Price: Rs. 50.

Theory of “Dhvani” or suggestion, which states that sugges­tion is the quintessence of poetry and Rasa is its soul, propounded by Anandavardhana in the 9th century A. D., in his monumental work Dhvanyaloka, still reigns supreme in the field of literary criticism in Samskrit. This theory, like the philosophic system of Advaita, assimilates into itself the main elements of other theories, and provides berths for all of them. It is heartening to note that even modern western critics are recognising this theory. A critical edition of this text, together with a good translation and notes in English, is a long-felt want, and this edition, brought out by an eminent Professor of Samskrit, who was working on this project for more than ten years, meets the demand. This is the second (revised) edition. New manuscripts are collated and many improved readings are given herein. A detailed introduction discusses text readings, problems of authorship, title of the text, and literary theory taking the researches done up-to-date. Copious notes discuss many knotty problems (cf. Pp. 310-311). Comparison of western critics’ opinions with this theory is another salient feature (cf. Pp. 312-313, 329, 335, 354-59). A glossary of technical words and all the necessary indexes are provided. A brilliant introduction by Prof. K. R. Srinivasa Iyyengar adorns the edition.

The word “chinvanti” is translated as “will gather,” and “shatakritvas” as “for the hundredth time.” Many similar translations are there. Translation of verses and, Karikas may also be improved, but as it is not intended to be a literal transla­tion completely, and as it conveys the original ideas, we have nothing to remark against it. This edition is highly helpful to all post-graduate students and teachers as well.
–B. K. SASTRY

Bhattikavyam: By Dr. M. A. Karandikar and Mrs. S. Karandikar. Motilal Banarsidas, Delhi - 7.

In their introduction to the work the authors make it clear that Bhatti, the author of this poem, is not the same as Bhartrihari as is made out by some writers. He seems to have lived before the seventh century A. D. This work is an epic biography of Sri Rama so designed as to illustrate many of the Sutras of Panini, the gram­marian. “The Bhattikavya has been planned on a double level, narrative (lakshya)and illustrative (lakshana).On the narrative plane, it deals with the life of Rama in twenty-two cantos. The illustrative plane is concerned with illustrating most of the im­portant Sutras of Panini. It is divided into four Kandas: miscel­laneous rules (cantos 1-4); leading rules (cantos 5-9); rhetorics (cantos 10-13) and verbal formations, tenses and moods (cantos 14-22).” The study of the authors proceeds on these two levels , viz., critical appreciation and grammatical analysis.

There is an interesting comparison between the work of Bhatti (1650 verses) and that of Valmiki (24,000). Bhatti is direct and brief; he does not digress, does not philosophise. He has been a model for many other writers, especially in his handling of the grammar aspect, the most notable being Magha in his Sisupalavadha.

The Samskrit verses and their translations into English appear on the same page and facilitate the reading. The renderings are accurate and readable. The index of the verses at the close adds to the utility of the work.           
–M. P. PANDIT

SAMSKRIT

Vedanta Darshanam-Acharya Vaachaspati Misraascha: By R. Muthu­ krishna Shastry. Hita Bhaashini Publications, 66 North Street, Tiruvanai Koil, Trichy - 5. Price: Rs. 3.

Vaachaspati Misra, a versatile genius, in his commentary named “Bhaamati” on Sri Shankara’s Brahmasutra Bhashya, founded a tradition (Prasthaana) of his own, as against that of Padmapaada known as Vivaranaprasthaana. This booklet under review, written by an eminent scholar in Advaita and Mimamsa, and a recipient of President’s Award for Samskrit, presents clearly all the distinctive views of this tradition with the authority of relevant citations from Bhamatiand Kalpatarualso. Other out­standing features of the commentary and brief life-sketch of Vaachaspati Misra are also given. Any reader of this brochure is sure to be enlightened and feasted and will be naturally induced for a deep study of Bhamati.

–B. K. SASTRI

HINDI

Pravara: By Vaddiparti Chalapati Rao. Published by Bharat Bharati Prakasan. Copies can be had of G. Krishna Mohan, Punnammathota, Vijayawada-520 010. Price: Rs. 12.

This is a poem stated to be a translation of Allasani Peddana’s Swarochisha Manusambhavam (popularly known as Manucharitra). This is the first volume (of the whole work) dealing with the romance of Varudhini, the celestial damsel, and Pravara, the hand­some yet righteous Brahmin of Varanasi. The latter transported himself to the holy Himalayas by the special ointment given to him by a visiting godman. And there in the beautiful mountain valley he was encountered by the damsel, who, at first sight, had an ardent desire for the winsome man but whose lust was unrequited by his rectitude and character. The ointment on the feet of the Brahmin was washed away unnoticed because ofmelting ice at noontide. But by the virtue of the power of Fire Good whom he invoked, he retransported himself to his native town.

This is a very popular and romantic story in Telugu literature and constitutes an entity in itself. The effort of the translator is noteworthy for he is conveying the beauteous romance to the Hindi reader, and for the enrichment of Hindi literature.

We agree with Dr. I. Panduranga Rao, who, in-his nine-page preface, says that the author has very well-grasped the poetic genius of the original. The work is, in fact, not just a literal translation but may be said to be a literary adaptation, for there is an enchanting dilation here, a conducive condensation there to suit and enhance the romantic content of the poem.            As already said, this book is only Canto 1 of the planned whole. The Hindi idiom is natural and well-maintained so as to conceal the art of translation / adaptation. The poetic rythm is well-nigh satisfactory. It is hoped that the other two parts also will see the light of day before long.
KOTA S. R. SARMA

TELUGU

Swarna Kamalalu: By Smt. Illindala Saraswati Devi. For copies Author, 2-2-1118-1/2, New Nallakunta, Hyderabad-44. Price: Rs. 80.

This collection of Telugu short stories is perhaps unique in that it contains 100 short stories selected and compiled from the writings of a single writer, written during a literary career stretch­ing from 1945 to 1980, and published in well-known Telugu journals, and some also broadcast from AIR. Perhaps no other short story writer in Andhra has so far brought out his or her one hundred-stories in one volume and it is not known whether any other Indian language storywriter has such a publication to his credit. This collection also enjoys the distinction of winning the awards of both the Sahitya Akademi (The National Academy of Letters, New Delhi) and the Andhra Pradesh Sahitya Akademi in one and the same year, 1982, the former adjudging it as the best work in the Telugu language for that year, and the latter selecting it as the best short story collection.

Srimati Saraswati Devi is a self-made writer. She was once well-known for her weekly feature articles in largely-circulated journals which discussed the problems confronting women in the modem society.

This collection presents a variety of stories depicting both urban and rural life, but mostly urban middle-class life, and the urbanity is strikingly significant. The base of Saraswati Devi’s themes is real life as is evident. from the problems and the issues she has dealt within these stories, such as the feudal set-up, the class distinctions, the evil of dowry, inter-caste marriages, the Hindu-Muslim relations, love in its various facets, the psychological aspects especially the child psychology, the human aspirations and finally the yearnings of the individual souls. But in this realistic base, the writer not unconsciously brings in the idealism and the result is a happy blend of the two. An instance of this trend is the story entitled “Kani Kalam Vaste...” (When bad days overtake...) in which the pitiable plight of a Muslim family having fallen on bad days in the aftermath of a feudal epoch is depicted. The immediate problem of the family is marrying off the two daughters. Normally persons placed in such a situation resort to the solution suggested by one of the sons, which is typical of the feudal set-up. But the writer very boldly does away with such practices and allows the girls to have their own way and the course charted for them is certainly befitting the changed times as well as their honour.

Likewise, Saraswati Devi’s emphasis is on the man and woman as a unit in the sphere of married life for perfect emotional integration so that the two may lead an integrated life with complete understanding. The writer’s stress is on harmony in life and amity between various communities. In the stories that mainly deal with human psychology, the writer does not adopt any set psychological formulae, but goes to the basic human nature which is beyond the confines of time, place and people.

As regards the art and craft of the short story, Saraswati Devi is aware of the various techniques, but follows her own pattern uninfluenced by any trend. There is a proper beginning, a developed middle and a logical ending, necessary for the theme in all these stories. And a noteworthy feature of these stories is that the narration is nowhere in the first person, and that is perhaps the reason the writer is not conspicuous with her presence, and hence no sidelights and no interfering with the course of the narration of the story. Of course, when compared to the present day fast way of writing, these stories look leisurely. But then these stories reflect the times which were not so fast and hence not so mechanical as of now, but still they had their own tumults and turmoils, trials and tribulations and pains and privations as they formed the base for the take-off to a crowded bristling stage in the life of our society.
–D. RAMALINGAM

Laghukaumudi Maargadarshini: By S. Raghunatha Sharma. For copies Smt. S. Rajeswari, B-4, P. G. Centre quarters, Sri Venkateswarapuram P. O. Anantapur. Price: First Part Rs. 15. Second Part: Rs. 10.

A knowledge of fundamentals of Samskrit grammar in all its aspects is essential for a proper understanding of Kavyas and other Shastras in Samskrit and Telugu Kavyas also. Laghukamudiin Samskrit, an abridged version of Siddhanta-kaumidiis of immense help in this direction. But that is not easily understandable to students not knowing Samskrit. Even students of Samskrit cannot study and understand it without the proper guidance of a teacher. With these two volumes in hand a Telugu student of ordinary intelligence and equipment can acquire a good knowledge of Samskrit grammar.

Original Sutras and Vartikas are given. Anuvritti and Adhi­kaara are shown. Word for word meaning of the Sutra in its completed form is given. Then follows a detailed explanation with ordinary illustrations. Meanings of all technical words are explained in full. In Sandhis, all the steps are given pointing out the relevant Sutras also. Every section has an introduction, which explains the significance of almost all the technical terms (Paanchamika). The contents of each section are reviewed at the end thereof.

First part contains sections on Samjna, Sandhi, Kridanta, Vibhaktyardha and Samaasa. Taddhitas and Stripratyayas are given in the second volume. Chapters on Nouns and Verbs are omitted.

But as far as these two volumes are concerned, they serve as a very good teacher. We commend the author. A table showing the Krit Pratyayas, Taddhita Pratyayas, their meanings and illustrations of final forms, and the “It-Samjnas” and their purpose with illustrations, will make the book ready referencers.
–B. KUTUMBA RAO

Vyaasa Rachana Suchi: Compiled by N. S. Krishnamurty. Price: Rs. 100.
Andhra Mahabharata Nighantuvu: By A. Suryanarayana. Price: Rs. 35.
Tikkana Pada-Prayoga Kosamu: 3rd Volume. Edited by A. Ramakrishna Rao, B. Krishnamurty and D. V. Avadhani. Price Rs. 100.

All the books are published by Andhra Pradesh Sahitya Akademi, Saifabad, Hyderabad-4.

The Andhra Pradesh Sahitya Akademi is doing signal and yeoman service to research scholars, linguists and lexicographers in Telugu in particular by publishing the three volumes under review.

The first volume is an index of essays and articles on different topics published in 94 Telugu journals and in some souvenirs also published during 1875-1972. Subjects of the essays, etc., are classified under 72 main divisions, beginning with Arthashastra and ending with Sahityamu. Of these the last 34 are devoted mainly to Sahitya under different heads as Sahityamu – Tikkanna and Sahityamu–Nannaya, etc. All in all, there are 26,880 entries. Title ofthe essay, writer, name of the journal, and the year and month of its publication are given in each entry. This is a very good ready referencer to almost all essays, etc., and it saves much of the time and energy of Telugu students and scholars alike. We compliment Sri Krishnamurty for having undertaken this hard job and completed it successfully.

            Andhra Mahabharata Nighantuvu is a highly useful dictionary of words used in the Andhra Mahabharata. It contains mainly all the words used by Tikkana, words not used by Tikkana but used by Nannaya, and words not used by either of the above but used by Errana. Nature of the word, that is, whether it is a noun, verb, adjective or indeclinable, its gender, whether it is a Desya, Tadbhava or Tatsama, if it is a verb whether it is transitive or intransitive; etc., is indicated. Meaning or many meanings that the words denote are given. Relevant passages where those words with those meanings occur are quoted. Detailed explana­tion of the meanings of some words are given. Necessary allusions are also included of Antaryaaga, Udapanam and Uluchi.

A complete verse explaining some symbolic terms is also elaborately commented upon–cf. ‘Okati’. Wherever necessary, grammatical notes are given. Sometimes derivations or source words are also pointed out. Different readings, if any, are shown. Wherever necessary passages from Samskrit Mahabharata, Amarakosha and other works are also quoted. An onerous project is worked upon by a single person with unceasing zeal for years together, and herein, we have the fruits of his hard labour. Our hearty commendations go to him.

            Tikkana Pada-Prayoga Koshamu: This work edited by three eminent Telugu scholars, authorities in their own fields, is highly useful for a historical study of Telugu language in all its aspects. This volume contains words beginning from ‘Da’ and ending with words beginning with ‘Ha’, with their various inflexional forms. Sentences containing those forms of words in Tikkana”s Bharatamare quoted. Principles followed in editing this work are indicated in the beginning.

All these three volumes should necessarily be made available all good libraries.  
–B. KUTUMBA RAO

Vasantavallari: By Varanasi Venkata Rao. Prasanti Publishers, Punnammathota, Vijayawada-10. Price: Rs. 5.

            Vasantavallari (Spring-Creeper) is a collection of seventy-six sprightly poems of undeniable lyrical grace and beauty. Though this is the very first lyrical effusion of the poet, there is a mastery of language and rhythm dearly discernible everywhere, which vouches bright future for the poet. Much of the freshness of these lyrics is due to the happy choice of colloquial rhythms and folk style. Some of the pieces, including two operas, are meant for children. Nature, patriotism and elegaic sentiments are themes for other lyrics. There is a pleasing lightness of touch which imparts a bird-like quality to his poetry. Pieces like Cheeralu(Saris) remind us of the art of Mrs. Sarojini Naidu, the Nightin­gale of India. Though the poet drew his inspiration from stal­warts like Basavaraju, Bapiraju, Krishna Sastry, Karunasri and others, the voice is unmistakably his own.
–Dr. G. SRIRAMA MURTHY

Sri Devibhagavatam-Cantos 1 to 5.. Parts 1 and 2: By Pudi Venkata Ramaiah. For copies: P. Sivakumar, 486, Kondamitta. Srikalahasti-517 644. Price: Rs. 15 each.

“Devibhagavatam” is a masterpiece of Vyasa’s contribution to Indian literature. It was written in Samskrit originally. There were 18,000 verses in twelve cantos. They deal with the various Puranic stories of this country. They are told through Suta to Saunaka and others at Naimisaranya. All the stories are inter­woven with the gospel truth of Advaita. The entire book is a description of both matter and energy. Matter is symbolically analysed in the shape of stories and spirit is laid with particular emphasis. They are stories in outward appearance and science in meaning. The trio of Indian gods Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara are the cabinet ministers of the Prime Minister, the Universal Mother, Rajarajeswari.

Sri Pudi Venkata Ramaiah the scholar-poet has rendered the original into lucid and readable Telugu prose. He has described dynasties of Bharata Vamsa making the reader to understand without any difficulty. The whole visible universe is the symbol of Mother Parvati, the Moolaprakriti, in its three manifestations of Mahakali, Mahasaraswati and Mahalakshmi. The three are the symbols of Tamasik, Rajasik and Satwik aspects of nature in manifestation. This is creation. While describing the spiritual meaning behind each Avatara, particularly Rama and Krishna, the author has taken meticulous care in bringing out the spiritual revelations behind them. The author has done a commendable job and we hope he will bring out the remaining cantos also in due course.
–M. S. SARMA

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