Reviews
Summary
This section contains three critical reviews. The first reviews V. Rangacharya’s "History of Pre‑Musulman India," applauding the author’s attempt to cover India’s pre‑Vedic geological and cultural history but cautioning that the subject is too vast for one scholar; the reviewer appreciates the survey of Paleolithic and Neolithic cultures and ethnological discussions. The second reviews a monograph on the Śrī Mahā‑Lakṣmī temple of Kolhapur, noting the author’s chapters on mythology, temple history and architecture. The reviewer disputes the early date proposed for the temple, arguing that anthropomorphic worship probably began later and that the temple’s style suggests a later medieval origin; he praises the descriptive detail but calls for stricter historical method. The third review evaluates K. P. Padmanabha Menon’s "History of Kerala," edited by T. K. Krishna Menon. While grateful for the wealth of material provided, the reviewer wishes for a better introduction, maps and contextual discussion. He highlights the inclusion of Dutch missionary Visscher’s observations on religious tolerance and the spread of Christianity, noting that they provide valuable insights into Malabar society. Overall, the reviews illustrate the journal’s critical standards and its role in guiding scholarly discourse.
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Conclusion
The review section demonstrates how the Indian Historical Quarterly balanced appreciation for new scholarship with rigorous criticism. By praising achievements and pointing out methodological flaws, the reviewers fostered a culture of scholarly dialogue and encouraged higher standards in historical writing.