Reviews

The Beautiful and the Handsome: By Uroob. Kerala Sahitya Akademi, Trichur. Price Rs. 35.

This novel by Kuttikrishnan, written under the pen-namne Uroob, is in the original Malayalam and translated by Dr Susila Misra and sponsored by The Kerala Sahitya Akademi. The author is well known for his social novels and has bad a very good reception from the reading public. A lot of information about the author and his other writings find a place in the long introduction by Prof. Tharakkan.

The story runs into a number of pages and contains as the ground a fairly long period extending from the pre-first world war up to the post-second world war portraying also the conditions of society in Kerala from feudal stage to the com­munistic trend prevailing in politics. The Khilafat movement, the Moplah rebellion and the later national “Quit India” agitation–all have their reflections on, the story which is a bit complex. The introduction gives a brief summary of the events and relieves the reader of any confusion of characters and events getting mixed up in our memory.

From the English translation, which runs smooth and preserves the atmosphere of the original successfully, sustains, the reader’s interest throughout till the end. The dialogues are not artificial because of the rendering done with care to retain its simplicity. The incidents connected with the Non-co-operation upsurge as also of the rise of communism bring into focus two or three characters who play a very typical role of self-sacrifice and national uplift. A woman, named Radha, who traverses the entire story with an attitude of utter self-effacement and patience, takes the reader to view the other important character, Visvam, as no more effective in the capacity toearn our sympathies for his patience and unobtrusiveness. The conclusion too looks as natural, and nowhere we come across any occurrence as melodramatic.

Maybe, the unsparing critic would choose to mention that the narration of some of the political incidents appears dragging; still they do not mar the effect of natural consequences for the shaping of the characters to satisfaction.
–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN

Srimad Bhagavad Gita with Gitarthasangraha of Abhinavagupta: Ed. Dr. S. Sankaranarayanan. Vol. I (Text), Vol. 2 (Translation into English). Oriental Research Institute, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati. Price Rs. 60 each.

Abhinavagupta is well known as an exponent of Kashmir Saivism and an authority on Aesthetics. Little is known of his work on the Bhagavad Gita. Here is the full text of the Gita, his commentary and translation into English by Dr. Sankara­narayanan, along with notes, annotations, indices. As one would expect, the commentator has his own slant in interpreting the key verses of the text. He differs from the Mayavada of Shankara in as much as he regards the universe as a purposeful projection of te Pure Consciousness that is divine. Also ... “While know­ledge is what is important, actions should not be abandoned .... Both together constitute consciousness, JnanakriyamayatvatSamvittattvasya.” His definitions of yajna, vidhi are outside the common beat. His approach is more universal and catholic than that of most orthodox scholars: he does consider women and Shudras eligible for the scriptural knowledge. His emphasis on Sila and purificatory discipline in addition to Sastra is note-worthy.

Though not all the verses have been commented upon, what he has said is enough to open new vistas towards a larger understanding of the Gita. To Abhinavagupta, the Gita is adisiddhasutra, “aphorism of the Foremost among the Beatified.” The editorial labour that has gone into the production of this work is commendable.
–M. P. PANDIT

The Eight Anthologies: By J. R. Marr. Institute of Asian Studies, Tiruvanmiyur, Madras-41. Price: Rs. 100.

The “Eight Anthologies” or EttuttakaiStudied in this book can be considered as among the most important of the Tamil Sangam poems, of probably the first three centuries of the Christian era. Two of them, the Purananuruand the Pattirruppattu, are discussed more especially.

Dr. Marr is a British scholar of Tamil who has been bringing to Tamil studies a wider vision than most of the Indian savants seem to command. Foreigners have entered what are called “Indic studies” to quite a considerable extent. Some, or rather a few, of them seem inclined to want to dazzle and amaze the natives with paradoxes and provocations. This has become particularly true of south Indian historical studies. We are now being told that the Cholas were rascally imperialists who sustained their empire by raiding and plundering other countries. We are also told that the Sri Vijaya Empire which, many Chola inscriptions and literary works say, the Cholas conquered was “probably” only a figment of imagination. Such are the excesses.

But Dr. Marr is the exact opposite of iconoclasts like those who promulgate such subversive views. He is nothing if not objective, he forswears speculation and surmise. He does not move an inch away from what the texts say. But this is not all.

Dr. Marr brings to his task a view of the problems that is freer, less confined and restricted, farther ranging than most of earlier scholars in this field. He has no prepossessions, no prejudices, no preconceptions. He brings a fresh, but informed, mind to his problems. The result is a book of a kind far from usual in studies of Sangam literature.

The author attempts to assess the anthologies as material for history and as literature. The latter study includes a long examination of the prosody. But it is the historical examination that is of general interest.

An important question is the identification of Karuvur and Vanchi, occurring in Sangam literature. This problem has been discussed to a considerable length. Dr Marr suggests that Karuvur is Karur, now in Tiruchi district of Tamilnad. This is now the generally accepted view. But, Dr. Marr says, Vanchi is not Karuvur, though the mediaeval commentators said it was. It is rather to be identified with a place near Kodungallur, on the Cochin coast (which the Europeans called “Crangnore”).

Dr. Marr makes a valuable point as to the so-called “Aryan,” or north Indian, influence on ancient Tamil society. There are “numerous references in the anthologies to Puranic gods and stories and to Brahmanical customs. Moreover, poets such as Kapilar speak of themselves as Brahmans.” The cultural synthesis “was already far advanced in the Tamil area of South India.” Further, the eight anthologies bear scanty evidence to the activities of the Jains and the Buddhists as to “Aryanisation”. This was rather the work of the Hindus. While the anthologies are mostly “secular” in tone, they are very familiar with Hindu beliefs and customs.

As a work of scholarship that opens out new vistas, this book is likely to become a landmark in Sangam studies.
–N. S. RAMASWAMI

The Grace of Sai: By R. Lowenberg India Book House, Nariman Point, Bombay-29. Price Rs. 22-50.

A book of this kind can be produced only by one whose heart is imbued with and soaked in faith. Lowenberg is really lucky to have been so fully convinced about Sri Satya Sai Baba being a divine incarnation. His faith and conviction are fully reflected in this statement: “He does not die, nor is he born. He is the supreme universal power, who has been in existence even before the universe was formed by Him. He merely decided out of compassion, to take human form in answer to the prayers of the great souls, who foresaw that mankind was about to destroy itself.” With a view to enabling the reader to see Sai Baba in this perspective, the author has narrated the various incidents and experiences of a number of people, very often in their own words. Everything has been set forth with utmost authenticity.

Legion, in fact, are the stories in which Baba saves people from death, disastrous accidents, serious illnesses, or turns people suddenly away from extreme perversion and depravity. Lowen­berg, however, has confined himself only to those whose veracity he could himself verify by getting to know things at first-hand from the people concerned. Sample the following:

Mr. Tom Bolton of Phoenix, Arizona, narrates: “It was nearing Baba’s 55th birthday – a day we were sure we would never forget. However, on the morning of 23rd November, we had in fact forgotten. I decided to clean out a small incense-­holder, which is egg-shaped and I knew that the little stick at the end had fallen in. I turned it upside down and started to bang the bottom end. Out came a stick – and another and another until twenty-three sticks had fallen out of this tiny little holder which could not possibly have held that number of sticks. I suddenly realized – 23 – hey, that’s today – Swami’s birthday. I yelled out to Winifred, “Guess what today is? Its Baba’s birthday and we did forget – but he reminded us.”

The book makes out a good case for the occult and the miraculous and shows how belief in the divine transforms even one’s mundane life.
–P. P. SHARMA

A Medley of Middles: By K. V. Chako. Writers Workshop, Calcutta-45. Price: Rs. 26.

Delightful these skits are after the fashion of “Alpha of the Plough” (A. G. Gardiner’s). Trifles they may be as ex­periences in life, but the intense observation of events and situations in society and contacts with people, make them rememberable. There are twenty-eight of them, each short and spicy on account of the sarcasm inlaid as well as the piquancy of language. When finishing reading them a sense of fulfilment of an hour of most pleasant feelings lingers in the mind. The purpose of such writing itself is to keep the reader’s mind in no fatigue. On the other hand one may feel “as airily sure of finding a smiling ‘thank you’ as one reflects upon each of them.
–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN

Vallabhacharya on the Love-games of Krishna: By James D. Re­dington. Motilal Banarsi Das, Delhi-7 Price: Rs. 140.

Srimad Bhagavatam in Samskrit is a Purana par excellence. Tenth-book thereof is its crest jewel. Chapters 29-33 therein again describing the dalliances of the divine Krishna with the young damsels of Vraja (Raasaleelas) form the most lustrous gems studded therein; Propriety of Raasaleelas is still a con­troversial subject to non-traditionalists. Many commentaries on these chapters explained the allegorical and philosophical significance of these sports. Vallabhacharya’s commentary Subodhini has its unique distinction from other commentaries. His aesthetic and psychological approach, his postulation of two important concepts “Total love” and “constraint” (Sarvaatma bhaava and Nirodhain the original), and some other ideas, give a distinct place to his commentary, which, though appears to be smooth and unambiguous, is not that easy to understand. It is in this context that both the translator and publishers deserve our compliments. The former for his lucid and free translation of the original texts of Bhagavata chapters 29 to 33 and 35, also, and the commentary Subodhini, which also he has edited and included in this volume as “appendix”, and the later for its publication.

Translator’s footnotes facilitate an easy understanding of some difficult words and phrases. A long introduction of 47 pages in English by the translator, gives a clear idea of the concepts of total love, and constraint etc., that we come across in the commentary.

This valuable work containing both the original text, and commentary in the Devanagari script with a free translation is really a boon both to students of Samskrit and others as well. Omission of translation of words like “eva” and others in some places, however, fail to convey the emphasis, etc., intended in the original. Of two sentences “Ritumapi sharadameva kritvaa” and “Tasyaapi rauryam pushpameva kritvaa” are translated as “making the seasons autumn since the autumn causes flowers to bloom.” But such small things as these do not detract the work from its merits and we commend this to all lovers of Srimad Bhagavatam.
–B. KUTUMBA RAO

SAMSKRIT

Minor Works of Nilakantha Dikshita : Edited by Dr. Pullela Srirama­chandra. Published by Samskrit Parishat, Osmania University, Hyderabad-7. Price: Rs. 15.

Nilakantha Dikshita, a scion of the famous Appayya Dikshita’s family, was an administrator, and a great Samskrit poet. His works are noted for Vakrokti in addition to Upama, Artha­gambhirya, and Padalalitya. The minor works under review are long out of print, and we thank the Osmania University authorities for publishing this work.

(1) Kalividambana Sataka and (2) Anyapadesa Sataka are satiric in their nature and expose the evils prevalent in the poet’s days. (3) Sabharanjana Sataka is a repository of wisdom. (4) Santi Vilasa and (5) Vairagya Sataka praise the efficacy and glory or mental tranquillity and detachment. (6) Ananda Sagarastava is a beautiful devotional lyric, full of noble and philosophic ideas, in praise of the universal Mother. (7) Sivotkarshamanjariextols Siva as superior to all other deities.

An introduction in English gives a brief life sketch of the author and points out the nature of each work with illustrations. A good book for all libraries.
–B. K SASTRI

TAMIL

Tamilakathil Therukuttu: By Dr. A. Arivunambi. Amudan Noolakam, Karaikudi. Price: Rs. 40.

India’s cultural heritage has been preserved very well because it was never merely elitist. All the rungs of the social order had forged their own means of disseminating the tradition widely and deeply. The vast rural population which found leisure in the summer months encouraged the growth of the street drama­ – therukuttu– to spend the long, hot nights in a purposeful manner. The actors wore decorated, wooden masks and enacted epic and Puranic tales with the aid of vigorous gestures and sustained musical recitation. It is said that Subramania Bharati was inspired to write his celebrated epic, Panchali Sapatham, after witnessing a therukuttuon the theme.

The origins of this art form go to the Sangam Age for the Silappadhikaramspeaks of Aha-kuttu (elitist) and Pura-kuttu(commoner’s) varieties. Both were held in high respect as they were attuned to divine worship.

Dr. A. Arivunambi’s doctoral study speaks about the closeness of therukuttuand the village temple, mostly dedicated to the Mother Goddess, especially as Draupadi. The dramas are usually staged during festivals. Occasionally they are used to give an auspicious conclusion to funeral rites, or presented in honour of settling a major village dispute. Dr. Arivunambi’s statistical data is meagre (almost all his material is drawn from the Purasai Raghava Thambiran troupe) and a good deal of the writing is repetitive. All the same the book offers an authentic glimpse into the world of the therukuttuartistes who hold on to age-old traditions despite financial discouragement and the serious threat from films. Thanks to the sincerity and natural force of the Tamil verses, even the illiterate Indian knows well the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the heroes and heroines, the struggle between Light and Darkness and the ultimate triumph of righteousness. As the drama progresses far into the night, there is warm communion between the actors and the viewers on the subjects of religious faith and moral rectitude. The viewers imbibe all about moral evil and of moral good and the need for walking the path of dharma. It is good to know that the Government is at last lending a helping hand to this art form to save it from oblivion.

–Dr. PREMA NANDAKUMAR

TELUGU

Bolo Swatantra Bharat Ki Jai: A Document on Social Life: By K. Chiranjeevi. Visalandhra Publishing House, Vijayawada-4. Price: Rs. 30.

A prolific writer of repute K. Chiraujeevi lables his book as a social document, but it is something more. Purporting to portray the life in our State spread over a period of three decades and odd, beginning roughly with the advent of freedom, it opens a total perspective of unemployment, reservations, inter-caste feuds and weddings, love, struggle for land, woes of the have-nots, the political ups and downs and what have you. An undercurrent of Indian ethos permeates this work which has a fish-eye’s perspective and a bird’s-eye canvas. Some unforgettable characters taken from a typical Telugu village, their aspirations and disappointments and their rise and fall form the real basis of the story, if one may call it so. Documents of occurrences around culled from the media juxtaposed with the pageant of rural vignettes of humanity enrich the value of the book. This skillful blend is in fact the raison de’tre of bolo swatantra Bharat ki jai. One wonders if the author could be sure of an undivided attention of the reader. This apart, the author does a fine job. His approach is sincere, human and warm. The style is racy and modern and makes for easy reading.

–DR. DHARA RAMANADHA SASTRY

Jeevitam(Kavyam): By Mona. Kamalambika Press, Nellore. Price: Rs. 10.

Mona’s second volume of poetry entitled Jeevitam(Life) bears unmistakable stamp of poetry on it. As the poet himself states, this is an attempt to encase fleeting life in permanent rock-letters of poetry. The poet like an expert photographer presents life from different angles with the help of beautiful images. The entire poem is a cascade of beauty. Both in thought and style, the poet is tremendously indebted to Sri Sri of Mahaprasthanam, which detracts greatly from the merit of the poem. Sometimes, however, he is less meticulous than Sri Sri in his choice of words and rhythm. In spite of false touches here and there the poem is highly enjoyable. The poet is definitely on the road to great success.

–DR. G. SRIRAMA MURTHY