Reviews
By Nalinaksha Dutt, Mano Mohan Ghosh, U. N. Ghoshal, Dasharatha Sharma, Radha Govinda Basak, Vidhushekhara Bhattacharya
Summary
The Padyavali of Ripa Gosvamin, critically edited by Dr. Sushil Kumar De (Dacca University Oriental Publications Series No. 3, 1934), presents a collection of verses dedicated to Krishna-lila, compiled from non-Vaisnava sources but adapted into a Vaisnavite context. Dr. De collated sixteen manuscripts, including those from Dacca University and foreign institutions, though challenges in accessing manuscripts within Bengal were noted due to bureaucratic obstacles. The edition features a 117-page introduction analyzing the philosophy of bhakti and the Caitanyadeva school, aiding readers in understanding the text. The Padyavali itself demonstrates meticulous editorial care in selecting readings from variants across manuscripts, though some readings (e.g., verse 328 and 163) are critiqued for preferring less optimal options. The work includes detailed notes on authors and indices, though a topic index is suggested as a missing element. The Early History of Ceylon by O. Mendis (Y.M.C.A. Publishing House, 1935), with a foreword by Prof. W. Geiger, offers a concise yet comprehensive history of Ceylon from pre-Christian times to the Portuguese era. Organized into three periods—pre-Christian, early medieval, and late medieval—it covers history, agriculture, Buddhism, literature, art, and foreign relations. Mendis prioritizes Sinhalese chronicles over the Mahavamsa tradition, providing reliable data on political events, Buddhism’s spread, and religious dynamics. While digressions on South Indian dynasties are noted, the work successfully balances breadth and depth, making it a valuable resource for understanding Ceylon’s history within a
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Conclusion
This critical edition of the *Padyavali* by Ripa Gosvamin represents a significant scholarly achievement, offering a meticulously collated text based on sixteen manuscripts, including rare specimens from foreign collections. Dr. Sushil Kumar De’s exhaustive introduction provides valuable context by exploring the philosophical underpinnings of *bhakti* and the unique position of Cintanyadeva’s school, aiding readers in interpreting the anthology’s Vaisnava themes. While the editorial choices in selecting readings are generally commendable, minor discrepancies in verse selections, such as the preference for *vete* over *eva* in verse 328 and *lagati* over *valate* in verse 163, suggest room for alternative interpretations. The inclusion of detailed notes on authors and comprehensive indices enhances the work’s utility, though an additional topical index could further improve accessibility. Despite logistical challenges in manuscript procurement, this edition fills a critical gap in Sanskrit scholarship, setting a high standard for future critical editions. Its rigorous methodology and learned analysis underscore the enduring relevance of *