Reviews
By Mano Mohan Ghosh, U. N. Ghoshal, D. R. Mankad, D. L. De
Summary
The final section of the volume comprises reviews of recently published works in Indian history, archaeology and culture. The reviewer summarises a new edition of the Mysore Gazetteer, praising its comprehensive coverage of the state’s history and geography while noting that some antiquarian details could have been updated. Other books discussed include an illustrated volume on the treasures of living religions, a study on Persian influences on Sikh history, and a critical edition of a Persian chronicle of Mughal India. The reviews evaluate each work’s scope, methodology and contribution to scholarship, highlighting strengths such as meticulous archival research or accessible narrative style, and pointing out weaknesses like inadequate source citation or Eurocentric bias. Collectively, the reviews provide readers with guidance on the utility of these publications for different audiences, from specialists seeking primary data to general readers interested in cultural heritage. They reflect the breadth of topics covered by contemporary historians and the growing interdisciplinary approach to South Asian studies.
Conclusion
The reviewer concludes that the current crop of publications demonstrates both the vitality and the unevenness of historical scholarship in India. While some works set new standards in documentation and analysis, others rely on outdated interpretations or lack critical rigour. By engaging critically with new literature, the reviews encourage authors and readers alike to pursue more nuanced and methodologically sound research.