Reviews
Summary
The Reviews section evaluates recent scholarly works. It commends B.K. Barua’s "Early Geography of Assam" for compiling geographical names from the Kalika Purana, Yogini Tantra, copper plates and itineraries to reconstruct ancient Assam’s geography, despite scarce sources. The review highlights the usefulness of the alphabetical list of place names and recommends the book to historians. Another review assesses A.L. Basham’s "History and Doctrines of the Ajivikas", acknowledging his extensive use of Pali, Jaina and Tamil sources but criticising speculative reconstructions and some sweeping statements about Indian civilisation. It notes that both Basham and earlier scholars rely on hostile traditions, limiting their ability to present unbiased histories. The reviewer appreciates Basham’s chapters on the later history and epigraphy of the Ajivikas and his discussion of their doctrine of determinism (niyati). Overall, the section offers balanced critiques, pointing out merits and shortcomings and urging readers to approach new scholarship critically.
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Conclusion
The Reviews section highlights the value of Barua’s compilation on Assam’s geography and Basham’s extensive study of the Ajivikas while cautioning readers about speculative reconstructions. It underscores the need for critical engagement with new research and reminds scholars that limited or biased sources require careful interpretation.