“Journalism”
by C.L.R. Sastri.–Thacker & Co., Ltd., Bombay. Rs.
11/8/-
Mr.
C. L. R. Sastri is Sir C. Y. Chintamani’s son and that, perhaps, partly
explains his charming cocksureness. It also explains the readability of a
book which deals mostly with figures who, to the working Journalist in India,
are forgotten ghosts of Fleet Street remembered only by John O’
London’s or, at best, by James Agarte. Mr. Sastri is alive to
the limitations of his book and it is no use finding fault with him for
not doing what he does not attempt to do. His main purpose is to indicate the
higher aims of journalism, emphasize its kinship to literature, explain the
work of great models and recall to the minds of Indian Journalists some
of their own good standards. This he does in the manner of an essayist, in a
style intensely personal, and since it helps to make his enthusiasm infectious,
the method may be considered highly successful. Like Hazlitt, one of his
heroes, Mr. Sastri has gusto.
To
those of the younger generation of journalists in India, who either do
not know or do not care to know their Massinghams, Montagues and Gardiners, a
book which glorifies not only the English language but English models may seem
unconvincing. Mr. Sastri does not mention even American journalism or American
journalists by way of compensation. But if our tailors still look to Bond
Street, our financiers to Lombard Street and our politicians to Downing Street,
there is no reason why our journalists should not look to Fleet Street for inspiration.
As long as there is English journalism in the country, it would be better not
to claim linguistic swadeshi in the matter of English but to
remember that what is well worth writing is worth writing well. Unfortunately,
many of the younger journalists in India drift into the profession with no
higher purpose than to make a living and turn their blood into lead and with no
higher success than be slipshod leader-writers, indifferent newsmen and
incompetent editors, mere journeymen in an alien world of letters.
Mr.
Sastri, it seems, emphasizes too much the kinship between journalism and
literature. His list of British journalists who have achieved distinction in
literature is not imposing. Nor was Saintsbury’s. Neither Masingham nor
Montague, good writers and great journalists, could be classed as major figures
in literature, and when Mr. Sastri calls EarleWelby as genius, the reviewer,
who has equal enthusiasm for Welby, must look to other standards than Mr.
Sastri’s. Where journalism ends literature begins and the true journalist is
modest enough for, as Mr. Sastri admits, journalism is at best literature in a
hurry, in fact, it is history, sociology, politics, and economics in a hurry.
The truth is that it belongs to the sphere of action.
If
Mr. Sastri prefers to emphasize the literary aspect of journalism, he is
entitled to it. He is also well qualified for it. His standards are high, his
models great, his epitaphs eloquent. His digressions–including the digression
on digressions–are always interesting and his quotations, for which he puts in
again a digression in defence, are, even when they seem too long, apt. His
enthusiasm for Sir Francis Low or Sachchidananda Sinha it is difficult to share
but on one matter it is easy to agree whole-heartedly–his tribute to ‘Triveni’
and its Editor. For one who had the same heroes as Mr. Sastri at one time
or other but has since chosen other standards, it is possible to disagree with
Mr. Sastri at every step; but it is impossible not to be interested in his
enthusiasms. It is a vividly written and highly entertaining book.
M. Chalapathi
Rau.
“Maria
Murder &: Suicide”, By Verrier Elwin–Oxford
University Press. Price Rs. 10/-
Mr.
Elwin’s study of Maria Murder and Suicide is a refreshing contrast to much
pseudo-anthropological research that is carried on in the country. The author
combines in himself a broad knowledge of primitive life, an accurate
acquaintance with the aborigines of India, a humanitarian insight and
scientific acumen of a high order. The book embodies investigations into the
murders and suicides of the Bison-horn Marias of Bastar.
The
book naturally divides itself into four broad sections. In the beginning we are
furnished with a general idea of crimes among the aboriginal tribes in India
and we are then introduced to the tribe under investigation. Its general
manners and customs are described and the ethico-religious background of the
lives of its members is indicated. This part of the book is valuable in view of
the author’s claim that it is a contribution to social anthropology rather than
to the study of crime. The most interesting group of chapters in the book is
the one devoted to the analysis of the various categories of crimes, in terms
of their causes, like witch-craft and magic, marital infidelity, the desire to
eliminate disputes about property, the tangle of family life, alcohol, revenge,
and fatigue. The crimes of women and criminal lunacy are also discussed. This
part of the book has great value particularly because of the many concrete
cases in illustration and incidentally much light is thrown on the actual life
of the community. Its problems and tragedies are vividly presented. The last
group of chapters deals with the behaviour of the criminal after the crime, the
attitude of the society to crime and the ways of the aboriginal prisoner.
The
book has the merit of dealing with live anthropological material which it
presents in a classified, tabulated form and, at the same time, is full of
sympathy and insight into the lives of the criminals. Interesting points are
brought out at every decisive stage of the exposition. Most of the crimes are
shown to be the expressions of the social rather than the anti-social spirit.
It is also established that the civilised man is not morally different from the
primitive man, however different their respective types of criminality may be.
It is also interesting to note that a large percentage of crimes proceeds from
ignorance rather than wickedness. A powerful and sustained plea for a deeper
and a more inward understanding of aboriginal mentality is the outstanding
contribution and emphasis of the whole study. Such an understanding serves the
two-fold purpose of rendering investigations more scientifically objective and
of enabling reformist zeal to work with intelligence in the task of aiding the
progress of the aborigines. A work like this educates our spirit of humanity
and guides the effective expression of that spirit in working plans for the
promotion of social welfare.
S.
S. Raghavachar.
“Beggar,
My Neighbour”–The case for India by Lionel
Fielden-International Book House, Ltd., Bombay. Rs. 3/-
“I
hold no brief for Indians. Many of them behaved atrociously to me,” writes the
author towards the end of the book. “I who vowed never to write on India
have reluctantly put my awkward pen to this book,” says he elsewhere (P. 65)
and hopes modestly that “it may stir one or two of my countrymen to a
realisation of the hatred which we are unnecessarily engendering and the
friendship that we are steadily losing among the people
of India.” Lionel Fielden was Controller of Broadcasting in India
from 1935-40 and had occasion, in that capacity to meet not only the high
dignitaries of Government and Congress Ministers but also a good section of the
public. He presents the Indian Problem covering well-trodden ground–the
Minorities, the Princes, the linguistic and racial divisions, urban and rural
differences–with a sureness of tread that is remarkable for one who claims to
be no expert, and with a directness and even brusqueness of expression
characteristic of a broadcast announcer. We have in this book the Indian
nationalist point of view presented with an incisiveness and vigour such as few
non-Indians have ever succeeded in doing. Though the author disclaims the
intention of writing a learned thesis, a ‘heavy-weight’ affair loaded with
facts, he yet manages to present all relevant information in a striking manner.
The general tone of informality, the non-chalance of a free lance, occasional
flashes of humour and irony, the personal ‘asides’, all make the book eminently
readable in spite of its dwelling most of the time on matters of acute
controversy at the present time. One indeed hopes that the book will stir many
more than just one or two of Lionel Fielden’s countrymen. The description of
the Cripps episode and the sketch of Gandhiji are high lights m the book. The
‘Frontispiece’ at the beginning and the ‘Tail-piece’ at the end are delightful
sketches dealing respectively with the departure and arrival of Indian
Viceroys, and suggesting with devastating irony the lurid contrast between the
pomp of viceregal movement and normal Indian life.
We
congratulate the publishers on having brought out this Indian edition, and
hope, If a reprint should be called forth that the letter-press would be less
cramped than in the present one.
K.
S. G.
“Hinduism
at a Glance”–by Swami Nirvedananda, Vidyamandira, Dhakuria,
Bengal. Rs. 4–8–0.
This
book is a presentation, in a brief space of 200 pages, of the essentials of
Hindu religious thought and practice. In his exposition, the author has
followed the orthodox texts; while generally adopting the advaitic
interpretation, he has explained also the view-points of the other schools of thought.
The
book consists of two parts. The first deals with the main basis and contents of
Hinduism like the Shastras, ideas of Karma and Rebirth, Mukti Pravritti
marga, Nivritti marga and the four basic types of yoga. The second part gives
an account of the avatars, the scriptures, spiritual truths, rituals and
mythology. No essential detail is omitted and the explanations are impressive.
The last chapter on the “Hindu outlook on Life” is an efficient summary of the
fundamentals of the Hindu faith and a vigourous defence of the practice of the
religion of the Hindu, which governs one’s entire life and conduct. Emphasis is
rightly laid on the unity which underlies the everchanging diversities in
Nature and on the Hindu concept of Dharma in terms of duty rather than in terms
of rights.
The
glossary of Sanskrit terms appended to the book adds to its usefulness
as also the index.
The
author’s style is simple, clear and direct. The study of the book may
well be recommended to the modern University student who has no idea of our
religion and is consequently indifferent to it.
“D.K.B’s.
Standard Dictionary” –English-English-Kannada–containing nearly
24,000 words–pronouncing and explanatory, with appendices containing foreign
phrases, prefixes and suffixes, notable names in fiction, legend and mythology,
mathematical tables etc. Compiled by D.K. Bharadvaj, Vaidyaguru. Published by
B. G. Sunkrishwar alias Tubachi, Shri Saraswati Pustaka Bhandar, Gadag. Price
Rs. 5.
This compilation will be
found very helpful to school and college students. It is an admirable effort
which does credit to the amazing industry of the author.
K.S.G.
“Premchand”
by Madan Gopal.–Published by the Bookabode, 119, Circular Road, Lahore.
Price Rs. 2-8-0.
As
the author says in his preface a book acquainting the English knowing public
with the personality and literary output of Munshi Premchand was long
overdue. This has been well fulfilled by the book under review.
It
gives a very readable account of Premchandji’s life and a comprehensive idea of
his works. An effort has also been made to assess his work and to indicate its
close relationship to the background provided by contemporary
conditions.
Premchandji’s
literary achievment is of universal and lasting value. It is no disparagement
of this book to say that, while it may serve as a useful introduction to the
subject, one must needs await a book giving a fuller and more sustained
treatment for the proper appreciation of a personality of Premchandji’s
stature.
‘N
’.
“Mudrarakshasa"
or The Signet Ring:–A play in seven Acts of Visakhadatta–Translated
into English from the original Sanskrit by Ranjit Sitaram Pandit. Pp. xviii +
277. Bombay: New Book Company. Rs. 10/-
The
Mudrarakshasa is one of the very few plays in Sanskrit dealing with a
historical theme. In fact, scholars have not been unwilling to use it even as a
source of historical information. The play is concerned with plot woven by
Chanakya to force Amatya Rakshasa, formerly the Chief Minister of the Nandas
and now the deadly enemy of their vanquisher, Chandragupta Maurya, to become
the minister and chief supporter of Chandragupta himself. Hence the theme of
the play is entirely political; it is unrelieved by popular attractions. The
time-honoured Court jester is absent; what is more, love-interest itself is
quite absent. Yet the play of his completely grips one’s attention. Here we
witness a ‘battle of wits’; here is the absorbing interest of watching the
clash of political plots and counter plots–the vengeful
plans of the selfless, devoted and efficient but too human Amatya Rakshasa
pitted against the brilliant, far-reaching schemes emanating from
the brain of the ruthless and ever-watchful Chanakya. As the Drama progresses,
the net cast by Chanakya draws closer and Rakshasa is firmly caught in its
coils. Ultimately he sees no other way but to accept service under Chandragupta
if the life of his dearest friend, the great-hearted Chandanadasa, is to be
saved. The whole play sweeps on with such irresistible power that we are
breathlessly carried along with it.
Visakhadatta,
the author of this play, has to his credit at least one more historical play,
the Devichandragupta (which now survives only in brief
quotations). The author’s predilection for historical themes
is shared by his translator too. Nearly ten years ago,
Mr. Pandit gave the world ‘The River of Kings’, an English rendering of
Kalhana’s famous History of Kashmir, sponsored by an illuminating Foreword from
the pen of his brother-in-law, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Both ‘The River
of Kings’ and ‘The Signet Ring’ were produced in the enforced
solitude of prison life. Alas, that Mr. Pandit should have passed away so soon
after the publication of the latter!
Mr.
Pandit’s rendering of the play “is literal and omits nothing”; it is entirely
in prose while the original, as is usual in a Sanskrit play, is in verse and
prose. The translator knew the difficulties of his task quite well. He
has confessed: “Unfortunately it has not been feasible to bring out the charm
or vigour of the lyrical passages in form and matter.” He has moreover
attempted “to retain, as far as possible, the original construction so that the
Sanskrit style might be indicated.” This has resulted, as he himself has
admitted, in making the play, if read aloud, “sound a trifle out of the
ordinary.” It is also possible to quarrel with the translator occasionally, for
instance when he renders the word ‘hataka’ (as in Chanakyahataka) by ‘good as
dead.’ And one notes with regret that he has gone wrong in making the sentence
‘Katham na jnayate nama’ mean ‘How should the name be unknown!’ (page 23). The
context makes it clear that the sentence should be rendered in some such
way as ‘How can you possibly not know it?” Slips there are. But one notes with
joy that they are not many. The translation, especially of the crisp prose
dialogues, (which, it may be noted in passing, are the most significant part of
the play) runs well and can be read with pleasure. Many an English equivalent
has been aptly chosen and many a Sanskrit phrase has been happily rendered.
Mr.
Pandit has provided the interested reader with an Introductory Note, Exegetical
Notes, an Index and, more than all, a Postscript which runs nearly to a hundred
pages, of small print and contains, in addition to a Critical Note and
Bibliography, varied information on topics like the Sanskrit Drama, the
historical background of the play, etc. Much reading has gone into these notes.
One occasionally wonders if all this matter, though valuable in itself, is
strictly relevant to the theme on hand. One also gets the impression that
certain statements are made too confidently by the Author in regard to matters
which are still under discussion, as, for instance, when he tells us that the
language of the Brhatkatha was Ancient Pushto. (page 163).
The
get up of the book is very good indeed for these difficult times. But
one cannot help remarking that the proofs might have been read with greater
care: two whole speeches, consisting of about four lines of the Sanskrit Text,
are missing at the bottom of Page 13 of the translation. Is it possible that
the proof-sheets did not have the benefit of final revision by the translator?
T. N.
Sreekantaiya.
“Narayana
Rao” (Andhra University Prize Novel) By Adavi
Bapiraju, B.A., B.L.,
(Publishers: The Navya Sahitya Parishat, Guntur. Price Rs. 2-8-0)
This
is a full length portrait of contemporary social life in Andhra. As a “novel of
manners”, it is a lineal successor of Viresalingam’s Rajasekhara Charitra, Chilakamarti’s
Ramachandra Vijayam and Vunnava Lakshmi narayana’s Malapalli. Bapiraju
is a painter as well as poet and novelist, and something of the richness of
colour and glow of imagmation of a poet-painter has gone to the making of Narayana
Rao. Narayana Rao, the hero, and the group of friends associated
with him are drawn from what may be regarded as the upper middle class in
Andhra society. They are all ardent of the patriots, with a passionate faith in
their country’s destiny and an absorbing planning love of art and literature.
Discussions on political and cultural topics and descriptions of
art-exhibitions and literary festivals are dexterously woven into the story.
Narayana
Rao is an epitome of all that is noblest in Andhra Youth. He is able,
accomplished and self-sacrificing. In him vigour of body and mind
are allied to great delicacy of feeling. His tenderness towards children and
family pets like cows and calves is specially noteworthy. In the story familiar
spots like the Madras Law College, the Legislative Council Chamber, the railway
platform at Bezwada, and even the prison-cells in Vellore, acquire a strange
charm. The life of the countryside and of the justice toilers in the fields is
depicted with intimacy and understanding. The episode of Maraka, the Harijan
hero, who cuts down his only son while trying to violate the chastity of a
young woman, is a powerful bit of writing.
While
there are several strands, the main theme is not obscured. Narayana Rao who
weds the daughter of an affluent Congress-minded Zemindar finds that he is not
loved by his girl-wife. Through a long process of silent wooing, and the
eloquent testimony of his own life and deeds, he ultimately wins her love. And
all the friends who had scattered themselves in different vocations decide to
settle down in rural surroundings and build an institution where service of the
rural folk is combined with the pursuit of cultural aims. Indeed, there is
right through the story an inner harmony which transmutes all work into
worship.
Bapiraju
is capable of patient chisel-work which enables him to unravel the mystery of
the mind and his heart of his characters, and to bring before our view the life
of a generation profoundly touched by the influence of Gandhi, Tagore, and
Aurobindo. Along with this attention to detail is found the wide sweep of the
brush which suddenly illumines a situation with a few deft touches.
Reading
Narayana Rao, one is instinctively reminded of Sivaram Karant and his
great novel of Kannada life, Marali Mannige. Baplraju and Karant are
dwellers in the realm of the imagination, who have realised that all the
artistic creation derives a new meaning and power by closer touch with mother
Nature. The picture of Nagaveni re-creating her broken life by devotion to
music even while working on the farm, captivates the Kannada reader. So too does
the Telugu reader love the picture of Narayana Rao playing on the Veena
while he gives up a promising career at the Bar to devote himself to
service of his fellow-villagers of Kottapeta.
Narayana
Rao is a notable achievement of the art of the
novelist in modern Telugu literature.
K. Ramakotiswata
Rau.