Studies in the Epics and Puranas (Review)

Summary

Studies in the Epics and Puranas (Review) evaluates A. D. Pusalker’s collection of papers about the Indian epics and Puranas. Originally published in journals and other books, the papers examine many aspects of the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic literature. The longest essay is a bibliographical study of research on the epics and Puranas, focusing on scholarly work from the early twentieth century; it occupies about two‑thirds of the volume. The reviewer notes omissions, such as M. S. Aney’s paper on the Ramayana tradition in Ceylon and other titles in provincial languages. The remaining papers explore Puranic cosmogony, whether the Puranas were originally composed in Prakrit or Sanskrit, the relative authenticity of the Vayu and Siva Puranas, stories of Kuruśravana and Kuru‑samvaraṇa, and the historicity of Krishna. Pusalker challenges F. E. Pargiter’s theory that the Puranas began in Prakrit, arguing instead that any Prakrit elements stem from popular speech influencing scribes and reciters. He asserts that the Vayu Purana is a genuine Mahapurana, whereas the Siva Purana is a later work unworthy of that title. On Krishna, Pusalker concludes that the hero was a historical figure involved in the Bharata war around 1400 BC whose deification predated the Buddha. A reconstructed life of Krishna based on epic and Puranic accounts is highlighted. Despite minor oversights, the review emphasises the volume’s value as a comprehensive synthesis of research on the epics and Puranas, encouraging scholars to engage critically with its conclusions.