Reviews

Summary

1. Magadha Architecture and Culture � Sris Chandra Chatterjee (University of Calcutta, 1942) The reviewer praises Chatterjee�s reconstruction of Magadhan art and cultural ideals from pre-Christian times, emphasizing its imaginative evocation of cities like Rajag?ha, P??aliputra, and N?land?. The work stresses the continuity of Indian art from the Indus Valley Civilization onward, despite temporary foreign influences such as the Greek. Chatterjee rejects rigid periodizations (Vedic, Buddhist, Brahmanic), viewing Indian art as a spiritual continuum inspired by nature. The review notes that the author idealizes ancient forms and calls for revival of India�s inner artistic spirit against modern industrialism, though some findings may not satisfy rigorous historians. 2. Dhamma-Sangani (1940) and Atthas?lini (1942) � P. V. Bapat & R. D. Vadekar (Fergusson College, Poona) The editors are commended for new critical editions of these Pali Abhidhamma texts and commentaries, surpassing the 19th-century Pali Text Society versions. Their editions benefit from modern research, offering clear typographical divisions and learned English introductions explaining classification schemes and content. The Atthas?lini is shown to be partly independent of the Dhamma-Sangani, containing additional discourses. The editors challenge the belief that Buddhaghosa authored the commentary. The works are affordable and expected to stimulate Abhidhamma studies among students. 3. Progress of Greater Indian Research (1917�1942) � U. N. Ghoshal (Greater India Society, 1943) As Secretary of the Greater India Society, Ghoshal surveys research on Indian cultural influence abroad, covering regions from Afghanistan to Ceylon, including Tibet, Cambodia, Java, and the Malay world. He compiles findings from European-language sources (French, Dutch, German) and recounts how European scholars and collectors advanced this field. Though concise, the review calls the book illuminating and inspirational for students of cross-cultural studies, especially for its appendices and index. 4. Jainism and Karnataka Culture � S. R. Sharma (Dharwar, 1940) Written for the Silver Jubilee of the Karnataka Historical Research Society, this work traces Jainism�s influence on Karnataka�s rulers, literature, art, and architecture. Sharma uses epigraphic and other primary sources to show how northern Jainism adapted to southern Karnataka, revealing its transformation and decline. The review describes the presentation as lucid and reliable, and encourages further comparative studies with Vai??avism and other sects. 5. A Grammar of the Prakrit Language � Dines Chandra Sircar (University of Calcutta, 1943) Based mainly on Vararuci�s Pr?k?taprak??a, this grammar aids beginners in epigraphic Prakrit, differing from literary Prakrit. It includes translations, notes, and examples from Pali and inscriptions, with comparative observations by Hemacandra and Puru?ottamadeva. The work�s emphasis on dialectal variety (Sauraseni, M?gadh?, etc.) and Apabhra??a developments makes it a scientifically valuable handbook for students of Middle Indo-Aryan linguistics. 6. Oudh and the East India Company (1785�1801) � Purnendu Basu (Maxwell Company, Lucknow, 1943) A detailed study of Oudh�s semi-independent state after Aurangzeb�s death and its dealings with the British. Basu covers the reigns of ??af-ud-Daula to Sa�?dat Ali, exploring themes such as military decay, economic collapse, and the political subjugation leading to the cession of Oudh (1810). Drawing on India Office and British Museum records, Basu situates Oudh�s decline within British strategic policy toward the Marathas. The review commends the analysis but notes missing references to certain Persian chronicles (e.g., Im?d-us-Sa�?dat, Madan-us-Sa�?dat) and recommends annotated bibliographic notes. 7. Poona Residency Correspondence, Vols. VIII�IX � Edited by Jadunath Sarkar and Raghubir Sinh (Bombay Govt. Central Press, 1943) These archival volumes (1794�1803) present primary correspondence on Daulat Rao Sindhia and North Indian affairs, forming part of the Poona Residency series (1785�1828). Sarkar�s introduction elucidates post-Mahadji Sindhia politics and Sir John Shore�s non-intervention policy, while Sinh�s introduction analyzes Sindhia�s administrative weaknesses. The review urges historians to use these sources for a definitive history of Maratha decline, alongside other Poona dispatches. 8. Early History of the Andhra Country � K. Gopalachari (University of Madras, 1941) Gopalachari reconstructs Andhra�s history from prehistory to the Eastern C?lukyas, emphasizing the ??tav?hana dynasty. Based on inscriptions and monuments studied in situ, he challenges key earlier theories�such as Bhandarkar�s dual rule of Gautam?putra ??takar?i and Pulum?vi, and Ray Chaudhuri�s notion of a later �Andhra� appellation. He argues the ??tav?hanas were originally Western Deccan rulers who later became an eastern Andhra power. Later chapters examine minor dynasties (Ik?v?kus, Br?hatphal?yanas, Vainge?yakas, K???aras, Vi??uku??ins) and their genealogies, modifying D. C. Sircar�s conclusions through palaeography. The review applauds his critical method and inclusion of maps and plates.