Reviews

Summary

The review section of the journal introduces readers to recent monographs that contribute to the understanding of Indian history and culture. Chintaharan Chakravarti’s Banglar Parva-Parvan, written in Bengali, provides a critical survey of the feasts and festivities of Bengal. Beginning with an analysis of the principles underlying festival traditions, Chakravarti distinguishes between seasonal festivals, harvest celebrations that often evolve into cake festivals, family rites connected with sacraments, and communal gatherings aimed at promoting social welfare. He classifies festivities into Vedic, Purāṇic and Tantric categories and notes that while Vedic rituals are largely obsolete in Bengal, many non‑Vedic rites incorporate Vedic mantras. The reviewer appreciates the book’s comprehensive treatment of regional festivals, some of which have all‑India renown while others are local. The monograph collects information scattered across journals and is commended as a valuable resource for students of religion and culture. The reviewer encourages similar compilations from other parts of India to facilitate a consolidated national survey. Another book discussed is Satyendra Kumar Basu’s monograph on the Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang). Unlike earlier Bengali works that either translate or summarise Xuanzang’s Record of the Western Regions, Basu’s volume recounts both the life and travels of the pilgrim in an accessible narrative interwoven with the author’s observations. Chapters chronologically follow Xuanzang’s journey from China through Central Asia to India, covering regions such as Gandhāra, Uḍḍiyāna, Taxila, Kashmir, Kanauj, Ayodhya, Prayāga, Nālandā, Bengal and Kāmarūpa, the Deccan, and his return journey. The reviewer notes that while the book aims at a general readership rather than specialists, its engaging language and inclusion of maps and illustrations make it appealing. Minor criticism is directed at the interweaving of the author’s commentary with the pilgrim’s statements, which may confuse some readers. Overall the printing and illustrations are praised. These reviews highlight the variety of scholarship being produced in Bengali and English on subjects ranging from regional customs to the lives of foreign travellers who documented India. They emphasise the importance of accessible writings for popular audiences and call for more comprehensive compilations of cultural practices across India.