Reviews

Modern Indian Thought: By D. R. Bali. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd., Green Park Extension, New Delhi - 16. Price: Rs. 100.

This is an interesting book written with the aim to show how during the one hundred and fifty years and after of the British rule in India there were master minds which did not keep quiet with what had been achieved in their own lives but sought to improve the entire country and its people through further thought. The main purpose here is not to treat the growth and development of the freedom movement nor of the controversies associated with it. The attempt, one could decipher of the author, is more to supply the ground of the situation which led to the birth of men of vision and serious thought who contributed to a humanistic approach for solving the social, political and economic problems.

Starting with the father of Indian Renaissance, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the long line of socio-religious reformers in the country up to Jayaprakash Narayan are dealt concisely with a good amount of information both of facts and reflections concerning them. Quite a good number of sources of regular study of their ideas and actions are vividly related causing no tedium in the reading. We find thus, after Raja Ram Mohan Roy in the series, in­clusion of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Rama Thirtha, Vivekananda, Annie Besant, Rabindranath Tagore, Tilak, Gokhale, Lajpat Rai, Mahatama Gandhi, Sri Aurobindo, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Zakir Hussain, Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan, Sheik Mohammud Abdulla, M. N. Roy, Jawaharlal and Jayaprakash Narayan. Nearly twenty of our countrymen adorn these pages with much of the thought that actuated them to play a leading role in shaping the mental outlook of their countrymen. In characterising each one of these outstanding personalities, nowhere the author has betrayed any kind of partiality for their views but objectively discussed them in the light of his own intellectual equipment and sense of values.

No doubt it is a volume which can provide the serious student of human affairs an inlet into what a rational being living in our own times can hope to learn of those who have gone before him in order to react how the present generation can benefit by it.

–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN

A Judge’s Miscellany.. By M. Hidayatullah. N M. Tripathi, P. Ltd. 164, Samaldas Gandhi Marg, Bombay-7. Price: Rs. 65.

The book under review is the fourth in the series titled by “A Judge’s Miscellany.”The author has been an eminent Judge not only as Chief Justice of the High Court of Nagpur but also of the Supreme Court and has had a brilliant legal career at the Bar. Naturally his experiences of both Law and human affairs should hold good when he tries to collect his thoughts and experiences. Unusually in his case Law has proved not a jealous Mistress, he having retained his scholastic interest in literatures of not only of England but of India. Hence, in these many addresses, when he deals with varied subjects, he evinces much of his erstwhile legal and literary equipment. Most of the addresses here collected are of the time during his Vice-Presidentship of India between 1979-1984. Some of them are delivered to govern­mental bodies and others to convocations of universities. Still a few are purely devoted to English literature such as on “The Scottish Chaucerians” and “Collins and Grey.”

A sense of moderation in expression of views and an attempt at keeping a balanced outlook in the treatment of controversial topics clearly mark the general tenor of the lectures. One is also struck by the characteristic evenness of the language, neither high­-flown nor pedestrian in any place.
–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN

Gita–The Science of Living: By Jayantilal S. Jariwalla. Motilal Banarsidass, New Delhi-7. Price: Rs. 175.

There are indeed several books purporting to expound the Bhagavad Gita as a guide to daily life. But there is a distinct flavour about this work setting it apart from others. And that is its quality of authenticity: it is obviously based on the life-long experience of the author who is a disciple of the well-known saint Mastana.

The book is divided into four parts; the first covering an elaborate introduction presenting the main themes in the scripture: the second giving the English translation of the text; the third offering commentary on select verses; the fourth giving a summary of the Gita. The Sanskrit text isgiven in the Appendix. Altogether a satisfying fare.

The writer faces the problems of the text squarely and does not gloss over them. He explains how destruction is at times indispensable and forms part of reconstruction. He points out that while there is a large degree of determinism in life, each one is given enough freedom to work out his destiny, at his own pace, in his own way. Listing the special features of the Gita, he underlines the fact that one is not asked to recognise God somewhere in heaven but to seek and discover God in oneself. Matter is not divorced from the Spirit and hence there need be no bifurcation between worldly and spiritual affairs. The message of the Gita is universal and not credal.

The notes are apposite and instructive. They cite support from sources in different traditions. One striking quote from Johann Scheffler may be cited:

Though Christ a thousand times in Bethlehem be born,
If he is not born in thee,
Thy soul is still forlorn.
The Cross on Golgotha can never save thy soul,
The Cross in thine own heart alone can make thee whole.

–M. P. PANDIT

Krishna and Orpheus: By Edward Schure. Translated by F. Rothwell. Rishi Publications. 76, Chindarika Colony, Varanasi-271 010, Price: Rs. 130.

First published in 1919 when comparative mythology was still a fashionable pastime, this book seeks to establish a comparison between the life and teaching of Lord Krishna and of Orpheus of Greece. The account of the birth and ministry of Sri Krishna is totally different from that of Indian tradition.      The writer purports to draw material for his legend from Book V, Chapter 2 of Vishnu Purana. There is an attempted parallel between the birth of Sri Krishna and the birth of Jesus Christ. A complicated symbolism is woven around the figures of Virgin Mary and Devaki.

The section on Orpheus, however, is well-written. It is gripping and effectively combines mythology and history of Greece, Egypt and allied civilisations. Orpheus’s lyre and Krishna’s flute, the doctrines of the two leaders of evolution are shown to have strong similarities. Mysticism, occultism and philosophy combine in these pages to underline the unity of Consciousness variously manifest in different climes and ages.

–M. P. PANDIT

Sri Krishna - A Socio-political and Philosophical Study: By Rama­chandra Gupta. B R. Publishing Corporation, Delhi - 110052. Price: Rs. 125.

This is an impassioned study on the various facets of Krishna, the darling of humanity. The very name of the Lord evokes in the hearts of the devotees a plethora of fine museful images of an omnipotent child-God, a peerless romantic hero, a crusader for Dharma, the greatest philosopher of all times and an incarnation par excellence. It is these aspects that inspired Prof. Gupta who in this tastefully-produced volume goes the whole hog of Krishnaism and its historical, social and political and philosophical rami­fications.

Prof. Gupta combines in him a historian, a teacher, a litterateur and a journalist and so this treaties has a touch of versatility. The first chapter devoted to the historicity of Krishna starts off with a bunch of references from Vedas, Upanishads, secular works of Panini and Patanjali, inscriptions of Ghosundi, Besnagar, Nanaghat, etc., Puranas and Itihasas. Attempt is also made to establish the identity of Vasudeva, Narayana, Vishnu and Krishna cults a’la the historians’ accounts of Krishna of whom we have enough.

But in subsequent chapters Prof. Gupta exudes a sense of devotion and deep perception into the story of Krishna and its meaning, The boy-Krishna of Brindavan and his delightful play reveals a sense of sacrifice. Kurukshetra-Krishna, well-equipped for the battle of life, strives for the establishment of Dharma, while the prophet of Gita is a propounder of universal power and unity. Krishna was also a hero and king-maker who throughout his life strove to vanquish evil forces and found a new social order. Prof. Gupta dispels many misnomers concerning the Gopi Krishna Leela, the part played by the Lord in the Kurukshetra war and highlights his role as saviour of mankind.          .

Authenticity, devotion to the subject and sense of conviction, make this account thoroughly readable.
–DR. DHARA RAMANADHA SASTRY

The Snake Charmer’s Song.. By Harisankar Badapanda. Trans­lated from Oriya by Prof. Asit. Poetry Time Publications, Giri Road, Berhampur - 760 005. Price: Rs. 20.
Vallalar: By Krishna Srinivas. Price: Rs. 5.
Tamil Vedas: By Perialwar. Translated by Krishna Srinivas. Poets Press, Madras-42. Price: Rs. 5.

Man seeking to find his identity in between the depressing forces of the home and the office is the subject of Harisankar Badapanda’s “Recapitulation.” “A tired boatman rowing in a wretched shallop,” has to give in and go under now or later.

“In the magic casket
we are shut to be ground
grist to the mill
half naked souls of caveman
pretending to live.”

Among other poems that make up The Snake Charmer’s Song are “Rains at Ramgiri” and “The Empty Bier.” “Total Dark­ness” conjures up unfamiliar patterns in a familiar image:

“What pleasure it is
to become one
and fall in flakes of a single hue
like a song in the dark
folding you up in my arms
in an act to become one.”

A contemporary of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Ramalinga Swamikal (Yallalar) posited a universal religion of global brotherhood through his Samarasa Sanmarga. A mystic, his compassion for suffering humanity was immense. “The tropical opulence, labyrinthine movements and dazzling imagery” (K. R. Srinivasa Iyengar) of Vallalar’s poetry (collected as Tiru Arutpa)defies all critical categories even as Vallalar’s life which was full of mystic imponderables. The sublime spaces of Vallalar’s manifest­ation and ministry fail to come through Krishna Srinivas’s poetic recordation, mainly because of his fondness for phraseological oddities. The same weakness for indigestible, opaque word-patterns mars his translation of Perialwar’s poetry. His sincerity is never in doubt, but alas, how are we to avoid wincing when he renders the fount of Bhakti cult into the following shape:

“Born of Rohini star
My child afar
Radiates charm
Annulling harms.
Behold his limbs
His rolling curls
His swelling flesh
His glowing flush.”
Dr. PREMA NANDAKUMAR

Watermelon Mountain: Cold Mountain: By John Rothfork.    Price: Rs. 30.
The Hull Alliterative Beowulf: A Modern Version: By William Hull. Writers Workshop, Calcutta - 45. Price: Rs. 80.

The pride of place in John Rothfork’s volume of verse goes to “Watermelon Karma”. Intriguing title till we read the four­-line poem:

“the monk’s head is shaved
slick and veined as a watermelon
black seeds inside the red flesh
spit out another year’s crop”

The expanses of New Mexico, rambles in Zen Buddhism and a smattering of Hindu philosophy make up Watermelon Mountain: Cold Mountain. Interesting poems, though they may not stand repeated readings. The paean to “Indo-American relations” voiced by S. Krishnamoorthy Aithal in his preface boils down to idle imaginations:

“Vishnu were you a Pueblo farmer
at Nambe or Tesuque or Taos
speaking with the earth
for fat watermelons
hand shaping Zuni adobe walls
to crouch against
in the early morning light?”

Writers’ Workshop deserves to be congratulated forbringing out William Hull’s excellent translation of the Old English epic, Beowulf. The kennings gain a keener edge in Hull’s hands, and the literal translation flows with a natural ease. The depredations by the dragon Grendel in Hrothgar’s kingdom for twelve years is followed by the killing of Grendel and its mother by Beowulf. Fifty years of glorious reign after, Beowulf once again goes out to battle with the dragon and kills it. But he is also mortally wounded in the encounter. The epic closes with the funeral accorded to him by the Geats. The rugged emotions of the Old English scop twanging his lyre in the halls of the heroes and reciting the glory and the grandeur of the past late at night pour forth through Hull’s hardy English. Fate is inexorable! Ah, the touch of tears in mortal things.
–DR. PREMA NANDAKUMAR

The Ten Incarnations” Dasavatara: Sri-La-Sri Pandrimalai Swamigal. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay - 7. Price: Rs. 12.

These ten lectures each telling the story of an avatar of Vishnu in simple English are divinely inspired. The author is a rare spiritual leader of today. He is a siddhapurusha. Hence to read these divine lectures is to acquire spiritual merit.
–Dr. G. SRIRAMA MURTHY

Vedic Socialism: By Nityananda Banajee. Hindutva Publications, New Delhi-16. Price: Rs. 50.

This latest book from the much-travelled Hindu thinker and
writer does not come a day too soon, “The world today, “as he observes,” is in search of a social order, wherein people will enjoy equality, fraternity and freedom from political, social and economic exploitation.” The book under notice argues and establishes that Vedic wisdom and ancient sociological thinking as enshrined in the Manusmriti, the mother of all codes, holds a key to such an ideal society. In the eminently readable first two chapters, “Evolution of western socialism” and “Socialism and Democracy in ancient India,” the author presents an objective critical analysis of socialism and Hindu polity, which speaks volumes of his mastery over the subject. He paraphrases relevant sections of Manusmriti in simple English, sloka by sloka in Ch. III for the benefit of lay readers and then chalks out a plan for a model society in Ch. VIII (A Blue Print). The book makes a coherent whole and a valid statement, which no right-thinking person can afford to ignore. However, we would like, to suggest that Ch. IX (Why Indian. Hindus are discarding their Vedic way of life) might be omitted altogether, as the main argument would not suffer in any way by such omission. As Max Mueller never visited India, his name should be omitted on page 9.

–Dr. G. SRIRAMA MURTHY

Bhartrihari’s Trisati in English Verse: By Inguva Raghava Rao, Godugupet, Machilipatnam. Price: Rs. 16.

Bhartrihari’s three centads in Sanskrit, however difficult they are to understand for the lay men, are more popular than most other versions in different languages. This is even so at a time when the very authenticity of the authorship of the original is in doubt. The 300 verses relating to “Niti”, “Sringara” and “Vairagya” richly contribute to our cultural and literary heritage and direct us to the ideals of meaningful living.

All translations, literal or otherwise, tend to suffer the loss of their original tenor to a great or less extent. Viewed against this fact, any “Sahridaya” will put in a word of encouragement to the zealous translator who undertook an unequal task. Nevertheless, it has to be pointed out that there are some malapropisms, though not glaring and deliberate. It appears that the translator was fired by a fit of frenzy, poetic as it is, and under its sway let himself carried away rendering the whole corpus in a free and uninhibited mental frame.

There are bold disclosures of the erotic flavour indulged in by the love-lorn pair much to the amusement of an inquisitive reader. The book by and large, provides aesthetic enjoyment to general reading public and scope to pass strictures to discerning critics. But the rate of discounting is marginal.

–Dr. P. G. KRISHNA MURTHY

The Phenomenological Approach to Philosophy-Indian and Western: By Dr. G. Srinivasan. Caravan Publishing Co., Delhi- 7. Price: Rs. 35.

This new book from the facile pen of Prof. Srinivasan is an able, critical exposition of an important and influential philoso­phical movement of our times, namely phenomenology as developed by the German philosopher, Edmund Husserl (1858-1938), whose roots are in “intentional psychology” propounded by Brentano and which gave birth to atheistic existentialism of Jean-Paul Sartre on one hand and metaphysical existentialism of Heidegger on the other.

After giving a critical appraisal of phenomenalism in the first four chapters, the author tries to discover similar metaphysical stances in the traditional systems of Indian philosophy in the fifth chapter. In the sixth chapter, he deals with the influence of Descartes, Hume and Kant on Husserl, showing how Husserl puts the earlier philosophers in correct perspective. In fine, he dwells on the limitations of phenomenology. We agree with him when he says in conclusion that it may not be right to restrict “our perspective area to what may be regarded as directly engaging the attentive gaze of consciousness in its concernfnl mode of perceptual intentionality.” We hope that a fully developed cosmological system in which “every object is explained as being related to every other object or part of the universe which is coherent whole” will soon be realized – thanks to the efforts of people: like Einstein, Ernest Mach and Arthur Koestler. As a Source book on the subject, it is of immense value and use to scholars and researchers.
–Dr. G. SRIRAMA MURTHY

Indo-Anglian Fiction: An Assessment: By P. P. Mehta. Prakash Book Depot, Bareilly. Price: Rs. 28.

This is a second and revised edition of the earlier publication of 1968 in which all new novels and new novelists up to 1978 have been included. The book is a result of unremitting scholarly labour of some twelve years. It has deservedly won the kudos of great scholars like Prof. V. K. Gokak. The author has tried to etch outt a graph of origin and growth of Indo-Anglian fiction against the Indian ground of social milen and the vernacular literary situation as far as possible. Translations are given their due place. Short story, too, received due consideration from the learned author. In an appendix, the author presents the case of Mirza Morad Ali Beg (Gaeckwaree)’s Lalun the Beragun or the Battle of Panipat (A legend of the Hindustan), 1879. It beats me why Beg cannot be accommodated in the broad stream of Indo-Anglian literature when the mart himself born and bred in India, professiing and practising an eastern religion, lived and died in India, was absorbed into the main stream of Indian life? The 17-page index enhances reference value of the book.

–Dr. G. SRIRAMA MURTHY

Celebrities All: By Dr. A. Prasanna Kumar. Kundurti Enter­prises, WZ-201, Palam Village, New Delhi-45, Price: Rs: 18.

The book is a collection of 22 sketches on eminent personali­ties – 21 of them by Prof. A. Prasanna Kumar and one by his uncle K. Ananda Mohan. Many of the essays are written to mark specific occasions. They cover a wide range of persons and personalities extending from the metaphysical to the mundane with saint Tyagaraja and Chandrasekharendra Saraswati at one end and Abu Abraham and Prakash Padukone at the other. One may question the propriety of including in one book sketches on such diverse personalities. But as the former Vice-President, Md. Hidayatulla, pointed out in his foreword, the book contains sketches on some among the “noble band of our countrymen” who by “their labour and sacrifices have brought benefits not only to their own, but also to succeeding generations.” Hence there is justification in bringing out these essays in one book.

Prof. Prasanna Kumar has a literary style all his own, marked by lucidity of expression and clear and effective narration. He has succeeded in projecting the human side of each of the worthies described by him. The sketches on Nehru, Patel and Radhakrishnan recall to one’s mind the eventful decade that followed the dawn of independence. “A Sage at Pandharpur” brings out the piety and godliness in Swami Chandrasekharendra Saraswati. While writing on Prof. K. R. Srinivasa Iyengar the author very aptly remarks: “When he speaks, English appears so simple that one would be tempted to imagine that anyone could speak in that language as fluently as ho does.”
–S. R. M. PRASAD

A Window to the East: By Abdur Rashid Tabassum. Himalaya Books, Connaught Place, New Delhi - 1. Price: Rs. 45.

Nine short stories are here collected from the pen of the author who belongs to Pakistan. They are all of them originals in English and bear a strikingly natural flow of language. The ingredients for interesting material for a short story are well-preserved in their creation and the element of the “unexpected” leaves the desired effect on the reader’s mind with no straining after­effect. The first of them here deals with the great tragedy of the wholesale massacres in both India and Pakistan during the exodus of people from one to the other, and makes the reader’s mind reel under the weight of the imponderable dire consequences of racial prejudices and hatreds. The last of the chapter is more of a kind of deep reflective leave-taking by the author from a world harassed by gruesome happenings. In between we find stories with a veneer of sarcasm yet with understanding of the traditions of ancient civilizations. Most of the themes have a core of instinctive purposefulness for more of education of the normal reader into the play of circumstances which sway many of the human actions.

On the whole what we have here will give a perspective of what we need.

–K. C.

Madras Literary Society: By N. Ramaswami. Madras Literary Society, College Road, Madras-6.

The Madras Literary Society is one of the oldest of libraries to have encouraged the “Book Habit” among the intelligentsia of the city. Situated on the Old College Road in Nungambakkam, its services by way of lending books to its members even at their very doors had been for years a very welcome feature of its existence. It is learnt that, even outsiders had the benefit of receiving the library’s books at distant places like Calcutta. Having had its foundation in 1812, when some of the British administrators and Governors of the place presided over its deliberations and showed good interest in the growth of its usefulness. The Society which started with only the idea of proving an association for research in geological, archaeological and historical matters, soon began gathering books of value and manuscripts which dealt with early Indian history and the con­ditions of the community’s life. The library had its adjunct of a museum too, where some of the finds of the early researchers were preserved. Between the Society and the Royal Asiatic Society of Calcutta there grew also a healthy kinship which sustained more and more the Society’s work in the fields of Indological studies.

With the years the Society seems to have expanded its interest in books and about the end of the last century its shelves contained nearly a lakh of books. Having been sponsored and kept up by the early British settlers of the city, its colour to some extent presented of foreign selection of materials, etc. Soon everything changed with the advent of Independence of India, and now most of the treasures it contains are of old volumes preserving a lot of historical and archaeological substance. A journal too was conducted in the early days which reveals how much original information was found in some of the articles of the journal.

N. S. Ramaswami, the chronicler, himself being much of an explorer in the fields of archaeology and art, writes this history of the Society with the deserving understanding and academic outlook that gains for it a more than a passing interest.
–K. C.

Studies in Indo-Anglian Poetry: By S. Z. H. Abidi. Prakash    Book Depot, Bareilly – 243 001. Price: Rs. 18.

As the book is mainly meant for those students who do not have an access to the libraries and primary sources, the author claims no orginality for it. Explaining the scope of the book, he says “Here is a small book that seeks to give in brief the story of Indo-Anglian poetry from its tentative and derivative beginnings to its fruition and fulfilment. I have chosen six representative poets – Toru Dutt, Manmohan Ghose, Rabindranath Tagore, Sri Aurobindo, Sarojini Naidu and Harindranath Chattopadhyaya, all outstanding poets of exceptional gifts and have tried to discuss their poetic features and achievement in simple terms. An attempt has been made in the last chapter to construct the graph of Indian poetry in English from 1950 to date (i.e., 1979).” It is a veritable mine of information. The bibliography at the end is indeed a boon for scholars.
–DR. G. SRIRAMA MURTY

Kuvempu, His Voice and Vision: By T. N. Shyama Rao, Sri Kuvempu Vidyavardhaka Trust, Jayalakshmipuram, Mysore - 12. Price: Rs. 15.

Kuvempu, as Dr. K. V. Puttappa is more familiarly known, is a famous name in Kannada letters. He has won the prestigious Jnanpith Award. A measure of his fame is the establishment of a Vidyavardhaka Trust in his name by his friends and admirers. The book under review, comprising fifty poems translated from the original Kannada into English by Sri T. N. Shyama Rao, has been presented by the Trust on the occasion of the poet’s seventy­fifth birthday.

The poems, however, are disappointing and belie the expecta­tions raised by the eminence of the poet and the attested competence of the translator. The translator’s felicity of expres­sion, to which our attention is drawn by the Chief Editor, is marked by archaism, triteness and needless inversions which are trying, although one sees that they sometimes serve the purpose of rhyming.

The content of the poems and their emotions which, granting the diffractions caused by a different medium, may be broadly taken as coming from the original source, seem to be on a par with their expression.

The following high message does not seem to strike the chord of poetry:

Check the evil in the deeds of humankind
Sowing thoughts of common weal in every mind.
Make men walk the path which saints and seers tread
That sarvodaya may quick and quiet spread.
–PURASU BALAKRISHNAN

Relevance of our Cultural Heritage to Modern India: By Sailendra Kumar. Ghosh and Ardhendu Sekhar Ghosh. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay - 7. Price: Rs. 5.

One cannot sufficiently feel thankful to the two authors of this tiny volume, containing in a nutshell some of the most relevant matters germane to our understanding of this age-old civilization of India. In five chapters, including the Introduction and Conclud­ing Remarks, nothing essential to know of our culture is omitted, though dealt with briefly. Of course, everyone of the statements here needs elaboration which evidently the design and plan of the pamphlet does not envisage.

Treating of modern science and our ancient thought, the book says: “The basic scientific conclusion is in harmony with the spiritual Truth...Thus modern science is not at all anti-spiritual as some people might be thinking.” Again, the basic spirit of our culture and Dharma are discussed illuminatingly but with brevity. Education is also finding a place for penetrative analysis. A critique of qualities which go to shape leadership as linked with the educational policy, is correctly emphasised. The observation that “the spirit of modern science is, in any case, not different from that of our cultural heritage” is pregnant with such significance as to make anyone pursuing this little booklet to pause and seek more information of the kind.

This is a volume to possess and ponder over.
–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN

SAMSKRIT AND TELUGU

Sundarakaandamu: Edited by C. V. Seshacharyulu, Sri Jayalaxmi Publications, Kesavanagar, Sri Nagar Colony, Hyderabad-500 873, Price: Rs. 40.

Sundarakaandamu, true to its name, is the most beautiful and efficacious Kaanda in Valmiki Ramayana. This edition is not only self-sufficient but also unique in many respects. Telugu purport (Taatparya) is given for all Slokas. Some interesting and important elucidations given in the commentaries like Tami Sloki (cf. the Sloka Trinam antaratah kritvaa)and those of Mahesa Tirtha (ref. P. 222) and Govindraja, etc., are also added here and there. Another outstanding and useful feature is the description, at the end of the text, of the modus operandi of almost all varieties of “ Paaraayana” (recital) of the text to achieve the desired ends, to nullify the evil effects of the unfavourable planetary movements, and to overcome difficulties of all kinds. Some important chapters like that of coronation, and Stotras necessary for recital are also included herein for ready use. Another highlight of this edition is the incorporation of 1008 names of Srirama, and 108 names of Sita and Hanuman culled from the Ramayana text itself.

A short introduction by N. C. Raghunathacharya points out the esoteric significance and message of this Kaanda according­ to Vaishnava tradition. Thus this edition is highly useful to all devotees of Sundarakaandam and Sri Hanuman.
–B. K. SASTRY

Champu Ramayana:   By Bhoja. Telugu translation by Tatta Narasimhacharyulu. Kalpavalli Publications, P.O., Guduru. Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh. Price: Rs. 20.

Bhoja was a famous king who patronised many poets and scholars. He was himself a great poet in Samskrit and well versed in many Sastras like Vyakarana, Alamkara, Silpa, Vastu and Ayurveda. Sringara Prakasa was his magnum opus in Alamkara­sastra, and Champu Ramayana his best Kavya, which easily captivates the hearts of all readers, by virtue of its elegant and graceful style, beautiful puns on words, delightful figures of speech and splendid portrayal of characters. He is at home in writing majestic prose and mellifluous verse.

Sriman T. Narasimhacharyulu, a scholar in Alamkarasastra and Vyakarana and an able teacher who won the approbation of his students, rendered this work into Telugu. Word-for-word meanings are even for all verses and prose passages. Taatparyas also are there. Critical remarks wherever necessary are added. Even an ordinary student can easily understand the text. A brilliant and brief introduction highlights the literary merits of the work. Inclusion of Bhoja’s “Vaagdevistuti” in thirty-four verses, a recital of which is believed to bestow poetic talents, enhances the value of this work. This volume contains Baala and Ayodhya Kaandas only. Readers are sure to eagerly await the publication of the remaining text also on the same lines. T. T. Devasthanam did well by financing this publication.

–“KASHYAPA”

SAMSKRIT - TELUGU; HINDI - TELUGU

Raamaayana Tanisloki, Second Part: Rs. 10.
Tulasimanjari: By Dr. I. Panduranga Rao. Rs. 6.
Sri Vishnusahasranaamastotramu: Rs. 9.
Sri Raamaanuja Sahasranaamastotramu: Rs. 6.
Suprabhaatagoshti: Rs. 6.
Navaratnamaala: Rs. 8.

All published by Goda Grandhamala, Musunuru – 521 203.

Tanisloki: A commentary in Tamil on selected Slokas in Ramayana is unparalleled in masterly exposition and devotional fervour. The same was translated into Telugu and published long long ago. It is out of print. All credit to Goda Grandhamala, it brought out the first part containing this commentary upon 13 Slokas. This second part is an exposition on seven more Slokas. One should read to appreciate it. Meanings of Samskrit verses quoted in the commentary are given under footnotes, making the text thereby fully intelligible.

The second book is a lucid commentary in Telugu on 24 selected songs in Vinayapatrika written by the renowned poet Tulasidas. These songs like those of Tyagaraja in Telugu are but the outpourings of an ardent devotee and appeals to Srirama. Sri Panduranga Rao, a scholar in Hindi (Avadhi) and other languages, did signal service by bringing out the beauties of these songs in lucid Telugu. Contents of each song are compared with those of Tyagaraja and this is the most salient feature of this work which can play its own part in national integration.

The third and fourth books, true to their names, contain the texts in original Samskrit verses together with 1008 names given separately. Meanings of all the names in Telugu, according to the interpretations of Parasara Bhatta, are also given in the Vishnu­sahasranama Stotra, and this is its special feature.

The fifth book is a collection of fifteen Suprabhaatams, of Tirunarayana, Rangaraja, Bhadragiri Rama, Venkatesa, Devaraja, Govindaraja, Pardhasaradhi, Lakshmi Nrisimha of Mangalagiri and Yadagiri, etc.

The sixth one contains the following Stotras some in Samskrit and some in Tamil. Mukundamaala, Alavandar Stotra, Gunaratna Kosa, Ashtottara Satanaama Stotras of Sri Ramanuja and Godaa together with their names separately. Tiruppalandu Thiruppalli Eluchchi, and Tiruppaavu. Tiruvaaraadhana Krama is also added at the end. All these books, it need not be said, are valuable gifts to all devotees, and Vaishnavites in particular.

–B. KUTUMBA RAO

TELUGU

Adhunika Telugu Sahitya Vimarsa – Sampradaaya Reeti: Dr. Kovela Sampatkumaracharya. Bala Book Depot, Station Road, Warangal. Price: Rs. 40.

This is a doctoral thesis on the predominance of the traditional Indian aesthetics in modern Telugu criticism. The very concept is unique and requires a thorough grasp of the Indian aesthetic standpoints and their lateral developments along with the corresponding tenets in Western literary criticism. Dr. Sampat­kumaracharya, an adept in both the branches of study, does a good job in propounding the critical standpoints, discussing them and drawing objective conclusions.

He traces the history of critical effort in modern Telugu literature to provide a ground for the study in the first instance and proceeds to interpret the concepts in the context of the modern literature, Thus imagination, natural flare, poetic imagery, characterisation, Rasa, the synthesis of the East and the West, the sense of beauty, the ultimate goal of poetry and other allied aspects are examined thoroughly.

A balanced approach, profound scholarship and deep analysis make the treatise remarkable. The readers get the benefit of not only viewing many a poetic work in the right perspective but also get introduced to the fundamental concepts of literary criticism of the East and the West.

–DR. DHARA RAMANADHA SASTRY

Ovari: (meaning “inner compartment”) – A collection of minor poems: By Bommakanti Srinivasacharyulu. Kalyani Publications, 33 Gajapati Lala Street, Triplicane, Madras-5. Price Rs. 5.

As said by Sri Sri in his short yet complimentary introduc­tion to the book, it is rare to find in these days Telugu poetry written in the traditional style, and one must search for it in old curiosity shops. Sri Sri, when he offers compliments to the late Sri Chellapilla Venkata Sastry garu as the last of the doyens of the traditional style of Telugu poetry, seems to have lost sight of the grand personality of Sri Visvanatha Satyanarayana. Sri Visvanatha, probably in many a poetry-lover’s view (includ­ing Sri Sri’s) established for himself a separate and independent school, a mighty river flowing between the banks of Sanskritic and Telugu style (or highly Sanskritised styles) in content and expression, though it is not wholly true.

The present collection ranges from the ’Forties to date. Except for a couple of “prose-poems”, the rest of the poems cover topics from the age-old romanticism of Gopi and Krishna affaire, Nature in a personified form and sidelights on modern ways of life and thought. The author is at his best in the first mentioned Krishna romance.

The language is generally racy and Sanskritic in diction, yet with a happy blend of Telugu idioms. The collection is like the cool of an oasis for those who feel themselves lost in the ever­-outranging hot sands of modernism in Telugu poetry.
–KOTA S. R. SARMA

Life and Teachings of Sri Madhvachariar: By C. M. Padmanabhachar. For copies: T. S. Raghavendran, 120 Telugu Brahmin Street, Coimbatore. Price: Rs. 37.

The first edition of this valuable book was published in 1909. This is its second edition eagerly awaited for by the votaries of Sri Madhvachariar. The author himself was a great scholar who wrote Geetardha Bhava Chandrika in Sanskrit. Lineage and the life of the author are described in the first 20 pages. In the first part of the work proper, we have a detailed life-sketch of Sri Madhvacharya, describing his achievements and dialectical triumphs. Inscriptional and documentary evidences are furnished wherever available. Reforms made at Udipi, and foundation of Mutts by the Acharya are also described. Part two deals elaborately with the teachings of Sri Madhva. The statement that “Sri Madhva originated little but reformed much” is substantiated. Outlines of Vaishnavism and its main tenets are described. The allegation that there is Christian influence on Dwaita is refuted. Chapter V dealing with Dualism as compared and contrasted with other Darsanas, and Chapter VI giving a broad view of Mayavada, and other chapter that describe the tenets of Dwaita philosophy in a clear and comparative manner, bringing in here and there relevant quotations from scientists and scholars deserve to be read carefully for a proper understanding of Dwaita philosophy. This work is to be treasured by all Madhvas in particular, and students of philosophy in general.

–B. KUTUMBA RAO

Prasanna Kathaa Vipanchi: Andhra Pradesh Sahitya Akademi, Kala Bhavan, Saifabad, Hyderabad 4. Price: Rs. 13.

Nannaya the first great Telugu poet who translated Samskrit Mahabharata into Telugu is renowned for poetic grace and clarity of thought in narrating stories and beauty of sonorous sounds. This work under review is an attempt to pinpoint those qualities in particular along with other literary beauties in eight stories related to Udanka, Garuda, Yayati, Sakuntala, Nala, Ruru, Astika and Ajagara. These are commented upon by six scholars. Texts in full of all stories excepting the third one are given. Meanings of important and difficult words are given.        Tatparya, figures of speech and grammatical peculiarities are there. Deviations from the original and their purpose are brought to our notice. A brief introduction or brief concluding remarks, in some commentaries give an idea of the uniqueness of the stories and their narration. Morals and lessons suggested by the stories are hinted at. Though some more features are left unnoticed, this volume will serve as a good guide to college students in general. The word “Hita” in “Mita hita Satyavakya” is taken as a synonym to “Priya” in the notes on page 18. Such points, however, do not detract the usefulness of the work. The A. P. Sahitya Akademi’s services to Telugu literature cannot adequately be appreciated.

–B. K. SASTRY