BOOK REVIEWS (Jun )
By Prema Raghunath, N.Jayashanmugham, D.C. Sircar
Summary
The book *THE Upanishads: A Study of the Oriental Texts* by N. Jayashanmugham, published in 2016, examines eight selected Upanishads, prioritizing the Isa Upanishad, which the author considers the most significant. The study emphasizes discrimination and reliance on original texts, with traditional commentaries by Shankara, Gaudapada, or Vidyaranya provided alongside the author’s interpretations. The work is divided into sections, including General and Allied Topics, but the focus on the Isa Upanishad—with six chapters dedicated to it—suggests a compilation of articles rather than a comprehensive analysis. Critics note the author’s anti-advaitin bias, arguing that his interpretations project his own views rather than objectively reflecting the texts. Despite this, the work is praised for its rational insights and accessibility. Three pictorial books—*DASHAVATAR*, *SRI RAMAKRISHNA’S STORIES*, and *PICTORIAL RAMAYANA*—are reviewed as valuable resources for children, offering engaging narratives of Vishnu’s incarnations, Sri Ramakrishna’s parables, and the Ramayana. These books are commended for their illustrations and ability to convey moral and philosophical lessons in an accessible format. *INDIAN EPIGRAPHY* by D.C. Sircar provides a foundational overview of Indian epigraphy, discussing inscriptions, languages, materials, dating systems, and historical contexts. The book is noted for its comprehensive analysis of ancient and medieval inscriptions, though its treatment of post-twelfth-century Perso-Arabic inscriptions is considered limited. It remains a key reference for historians and scholars.
Conclusion
The reviewed works offer distinct yet complementary insights into Indian cultural and historical traditions. N.Jayashanmugham’s Upanishadic study prioritizes original text analysis, challenging Advaitic interpretations while sparking debate on scholarly objectivity. Prema Raghunath’s review of pictorial books highlights the enduring relevance of India’s storytelling heritage, particularly for nurturing moral and psychological understanding in younger generations. D.C. Sircar’s epigraphy work remains a foundational text, systematically unraveling the complexities of ancient inscriptions as vital historical records. Collectively, these works underscore the richness of India’s intellectual and cultural legacy, emphasizing the need for balanced scholarship, accessible education, and preservation of historical memory.