A Review Reviewed
Summary
Titled ‘A Review Reviewed,’ this article defends Prof. Bhandarkar’s book on Emperor Aśoka against criticisms by the French scholar Sylvain Lévi and others. The author contends that the reviewers demand too much novelty and overlook the value of synthesising existing evidence. He argues that Bhandarkar’s emphasis on traditional sources is justified and that his conclusions about Aśoka’s policies are sound. The essay also discusses the influence of Western philosophical and literary fashions on historical criticism and cautions against judging Indian scholarship by European standards. It concludes with reflections on Marcus Aurelius and Aśoka as examples of rulers guided by ethical principles.
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Conclusion
The article defends Indian historiography against Eurocentric criticism, arguing that re‑examining indigenous sources can yield valuable insights even when not presenting radically new theories. It urges reviewers to appreciate different scholarly traditions and to engage constructively with Indian interpretations of Aśoka’s reign.