Reviews
By Dineshchandra Sircar, P. C. Bagchi, S. K. Dutt
Summary
**Summary of Reviews** Dr. D. R. Bhandarkar’s *Some Aspects of Ancient Indian Culture* presents six lectures on Vedic-period issues, including the Arya-Dasa-Sudra dynamics, the significance of *varnasrama*, and the Aryanisation of India. Bhandarkar identifies *Arya* as a racial term, *Dasa* with the Caspian *Dahae*, and *Sudra* as a tribal name. He argues that the *Atharvaveda* contains non-Aryan (Asura and Chaldaean) elements but acknowledges the difficulty in distinguishing them. He links the *Vritya* cult to early Saivism, tracing its origins to Magadha migrants from Sakadvipa. While praising Bhandarkar’s thoroughness, the reviewer critiques his speculative theories, such as equating *Kesin* with Kassites and overreliance on unproven connections (e.g., Pani with Parnian). Despite these critiques, the work is valued for its fresh perspectives and new material. S. Srikantha Sastri’s *Sources of Karnataka History* compiles inscriptions and texts (Kannada, Telugu, Sanskrit, etc.) for Karnataka’s history, focusing on dynasties like the Satakarnis and Kadambas. However, the reviewer notes significant omissions (e.g., key Kadamba inscriptions) and errors in transcriptions and interpretations, such as misattributed royal names and incorrect dates. Despite these flaws, the volume remains useful for its extensive primary sources. C. Collin Davies’ *Warren Hastings and Oudh* examines Hastings’ policies toward Oudh through original
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Conclusion
This document offers a comprehensive analysis of ancient Indian culture, particularly the Vedic period, focusing on Aryan, Dasa, and Sadra dynamics, the evolution of varnasrama, and the interplay between Upanisadic thought and Vedic practices. It explores Aryanisation through the lens of Asura displacement and non-Aryan elements like the Vritya cult, later linked to Saivism. While critiquing unproven theories such as Chaldaean influences in the Atharvaveda and overinterpretations of tribal terms, the work contributes fresh perspectives and new material. Despite its speculative aspects, the lectures provide valuable insights into Brahmanisation and cultural synthesis, though caution is advised against uncritical acceptance of its hypotheses. The analysis underscores the complexity of ancient Indian societal transformations and the need for rigorous scholarly scrutiny.