Kauṣītaki-Brāhmaṇa. 1 Text by E. R. Sreekrishna SarmaReview by: Ludo RocherJournal of the American Oriental Society, Vol. 91, No. 1 (Jan. - Mar., 1971), pp. 153-154Published by: American Oriental SocietyStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/600481 .

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Brief Reviews of Books Brief Reviews of Books Brief Reviews of Books

The Birth of Indian Civilization. India and Pakistan before 500 B.C. By BRIDGET AND RAYMOND ALL- CHIN. (Pelican Books A 950.) Pp. 365, 32 plates, 75 figures. Baltimore: PENGUIN BOOKS, 1968.

The purpose of this "joint production" is very well indicated in the Preface: "The book seeks to present a digest of the results of a great body of research, much of it barely completed, as far as possible in terms of the data themselves as the authors see them." The authors are aware of a certain unevenness in the volume, but the reader will undoubtedly understand that this un- evenness is due to the nature of the materials rather than the authors' approach, in which "the facts" play a prominent part: ". .. such a book must never remain too long in the airy realms of interpretation, important as they may be, but must for ever come back to earth to examine a stone flake, a potsherd or a section of strati- fied soil."

The Introduction (Chapter I) gives a rapid but clear survey of the history of archaeological research in the subcontinent. This chapter and the bibliography in- clude even the most recent discoveries and publications. The book is further divided into two principal parts. Chapters 2 to 8 deal with the different periods of pre- history, from "the Early and Middle Stone Age" up to "the Iron Age and the beginnings of history." Chapters 9 to 12 deal with a number of aspects of prehistoric life and culture: patterns of settlement, economy and agri- culture, craft and technology, art and religion. The book is clearly written, and will be read with equal profit by specialists and non-specialists.

In view of a revised edition, which will be required as new materials become available, we add the following minor suggestions. In Sir William Jones' time there was no Asiatic Society of Bengal, but an Asiatic Society (p. 19). The expression "a people called Dasas or Dasyu" (p. 154) combines a plural and a singular form; we would also hesitate to state without qualification that "the word later means 'slave.' " Sapta-sindhava should be replaced by Saptasindhavas. We suggest, that the index also include bibliographical references; for instance, place names, such as Navdatoli (p. 349), Nevasa (p. 350), etc.

LUDO ROCHER UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

The Birth of Indian Civilization. India and Pakistan before 500 B.C. By BRIDGET AND RAYMOND ALL- CHIN. (Pelican Books A 950.) Pp. 365, 32 plates, 75 figures. Baltimore: PENGUIN BOOKS, 1968.

The purpose of this "joint production" is very well indicated in the Preface: "The book seeks to present a digest of the results of a great body of research, much of it barely completed, as far as possible in terms of the data themselves as the authors see them." The authors are aware of a certain unevenness in the volume, but the reader will undoubtedly understand that this un- evenness is due to the nature of the materials rather than the authors' approach, in which "the facts" play a prominent part: ". .. such a book must never remain too long in the airy realms of interpretation, important as they may be, but must for ever come back to earth to examine a stone flake, a potsherd or a section of strati- fied soil."

The Introduction (Chapter I) gives a rapid but clear survey of the history of archaeological research in the subcontinent. This chapter and the bibliography in- clude even the most recent discoveries and publications. The book is further divided into two principal parts. Chapters 2 to 8 deal with the different periods of pre- history, from "the Early and Middle Stone Age" up to "the Iron Age and the beginnings of history." Chapters 9 to 12 deal with a number of aspects of prehistoric life and culture: patterns of settlement, economy and agri- culture, craft and technology, art and religion. The book is clearly written, and will be read with equal profit by specialists and non-specialists.

In view of a revised edition, which will be required as new materials become available, we add the following minor suggestions. In Sir William Jones' time there was no Asiatic Society of Bengal, but an Asiatic Society (p. 19). The expression "a people called Dasas or Dasyu" (p. 154) combines a plural and a singular form; we would also hesitate to state without qualification that "the word later means 'slave.' " Sapta-sindhava should be replaced by Saptasindhavas. We suggest, that the index also include bibliographical references; for instance, place names, such as Navdatoli (p. 349), Nevasa (p. 350), etc.

LUDO ROCHER UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

The Birth of Indian Civilization. India and Pakistan before 500 B.C. By BRIDGET AND RAYMOND ALL- CHIN. (Pelican Books A 950.) Pp. 365, 32 plates, 75 figures. Baltimore: PENGUIN BOOKS, 1968.

The purpose of this "joint production" is very well indicated in the Preface: "The book seeks to present a digest of the results of a great body of research, much of it barely completed, as far as possible in terms of the data themselves as the authors see them." The authors are aware of a certain unevenness in the volume, but the reader will undoubtedly understand that this un- evenness is due to the nature of the materials rather than the authors' approach, in which "the facts" play a prominent part: ". .. such a book must never remain too long in the airy realms of interpretation, important as they may be, but must for ever come back to earth to examine a stone flake, a potsherd or a section of strati- fied soil."

The Introduction (Chapter I) gives a rapid but clear survey of the history of archaeological research in the subcontinent. This chapter and the bibliography in- clude even the most recent discoveries and publications. The book is further divided into two principal parts. Chapters 2 to 8 deal with the different periods of pre- history, from "the Early and Middle Stone Age" up to "the Iron Age and the beginnings of history." Chapters 9 to 12 deal with a number of aspects of prehistoric life and culture: patterns of settlement, economy and agri- culture, craft and technology, art and religion. The book is clearly written, and will be read with equal profit by specialists and non-specialists.

In view of a revised edition, which will be required as new materials become available, we add the following minor suggestions. In Sir William Jones' time there was no Asiatic Society of Bengal, but an Asiatic Society (p. 19). The expression "a people called Dasas or Dasyu" (p. 154) combines a plural and a singular form; we would also hesitate to state without qualification that "the word later means 'slave.' " Sapta-sindhava should be replaced by Saptasindhavas. We suggest, that the index also include bibliographical references; for instance, place names, such as Navdatoli (p. 349), Nevasa (p. 350), etc.

LUDO ROCHER UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

A Survey of the Srautasutras. By C. G. KASHIKAR. (Journal of the University of Bombay, vol. XXXV New Series, Part 2, Arts Number no. 41.) Pp. vi + 188. Bombay: UNIVERSITY OF BOMBAY, 1966.

This publication is the result of the first series of three "Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. P. V. Kane Sanskrit Prize Endowment Lectures" in the University of Bom- bay. They were delivered by a scholar who has been

A Survey of the Srautasutras. By C. G. KASHIKAR. (Journal of the University of Bombay, vol. XXXV New Series, Part 2, Arts Number no. 41.) Pp. vi + 188. Bombay: UNIVERSITY OF BOMBAY, 1966.

This publication is the result of the first series of three "Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. P. V. Kane Sanskrit Prize Endowment Lectures" in the University of Bom- bay. They were delivered by a scholar who has been

A Survey of the Srautasutras. By C. G. KASHIKAR. (Journal of the University of Bombay, vol. XXXV New Series, Part 2, Arts Number no. 41.) Pp. vi + 188. Bombay: UNIVERSITY OF BOMBAY, 1966.

This publication is the result of the first series of three "Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. P. V. Kane Sanskrit Prize Endowment Lectures" in the University of Bom- bay. They were delivered by a scholar who has been

active in many fields, but who, on account of his long association with the Srautako6a project at the Vaidika Samsodhana Mandala in Poona, was well qualified to treat this particular subject.

Dr. Kashikar does not restrict himself to the grauta- sutras; he also includes the Pitrmedhasutras, the Pari- 6iitas, the Sulbasutras, and the Pravarasutras. He is aware, that it is not possible, for such a vaste range of literature, to propose new materials or theories in a single volume. "What is attempted here is only a general survey of the Srauta and allied Sutras."

Lecture I ("Genesis of the Srautasutras") deals with the more general problem of the place of the Srautasutras in Vedic literature. Kashikar combines a thorough knowledge of the texts themselves with extensive reading in modern scholarly literature. In the paragraph which deals more directly with the genesis of the grautasitras, for instance, he gives an excellent survey of the various problems which have been raised by his predecessors. We agree with his point of view, that "the Sutrakaras were persons not only proficient in their subject, but also of high standard and achievements."

Lecture II ("Brief Sketches of the Srauta and other Sutras") offers a systematic survey of all Srautasutras and allied works, their composition, content, etc. The author discusses nearly seventy different texts, some at considerable length.

Lecture III ("Glimpses of the Srautasutras") treats a number of specific problems: translations of the Srautasutras, Vedic accents, the relation between Srautasftras and Grhyasftras, the relative chronology of the grautasftras, the original homes of the authors of the Srautasftras, and the cultural data in the Srauta- sutras.

In addition, each lecture is followed by a series of notes, which not only contain bibliographical data, but often discuss technical details, erroneous readings in editions, etc.

Dr. Kashikar's lectures constitute a useful status quaestionis of Srauta literature. They raise many more problems than they solve. But this was the scope of the book, which will be consulted by anyone interested in ancient Indian ritual and its literature.

LUDO ROCHER UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

active in many fields, but who, on account of his long association with the Srautako6a project at the Vaidika Samsodhana Mandala in Poona, was well qualified to treat this particular subject.

Dr. Kashikar does not restrict himself to the grauta- sutras; he also includes the Pitrmedhasutras, the Pari- 6iitas, the Sulbasutras, and the Pravarasutras. He is aware, that it is not possible, for such a vaste range of literature, to propose new materials or theories in a single volume. "What is attempted here is only a general survey of the Srauta and allied Sutras."

Lecture I ("Genesis of the Srautasutras") deals with the more general problem of the place of the Srautasutras in Vedic literature. Kashikar combines a thorough knowledge of the texts themselves with extensive reading in modern scholarly literature. In the paragraph which deals more directly with the genesis of the grautasitras, for instance, he gives an excellent survey of the various problems which have been raised by his predecessors. We agree with his point of view, that "the Sutrakaras were persons not only proficient in their subject, but also of high standard and achievements."

Lecture II ("Brief Sketches of the Srauta and other Sutras") offers a systematic survey of all Srautasutras and allied works, their composition, content, etc. The author discusses nearly seventy different texts, some at considerable length.

Lecture III ("Glimpses of the Srautasutras") treats a number of specific problems: translations of the Srautasutras, Vedic accents, the relation between Srautasftras and Grhyasftras, the relative chronology of the grautasftras, the original homes of the authors of the Srautasftras, and the cultural data in the Srauta- sutras.

In addition, each lecture is followed by a series of notes, which not only contain bibliographical data, but often discuss technical details, erroneous readings in editions, etc.

Dr. Kashikar's lectures constitute a useful status quaestionis of Srauta literature. They raise many more problems than they solve. But this was the scope of the book, which will be consulted by anyone interested in ancient Indian ritual and its literature.

LUDO ROCHER UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

active in many fields, but who, on account of his long association with the Srautako6a project at the Vaidika Samsodhana Mandala in Poona, was well qualified to treat this particular subject.

Dr. Kashikar does not restrict himself to the grauta- sutras; he also includes the Pitrmedhasutras, the Pari- 6iitas, the Sulbasutras, and the Pravarasutras. He is aware, that it is not possible, for such a vaste range of literature, to propose new materials or theories in a single volume. "What is attempted here is only a general survey of the Srauta and allied Sutras."

Lecture I ("Genesis of the Srautasutras") deals with the more general problem of the place of the Srautasutras in Vedic literature. Kashikar combines a thorough knowledge of the texts themselves with extensive reading in modern scholarly literature. In the paragraph which deals more directly with the genesis of the grautasitras, for instance, he gives an excellent survey of the various problems which have been raised by his predecessors. We agree with his point of view, that "the Sutrakaras were persons not only proficient in their subject, but also of high standard and achievements."

Lecture II ("Brief Sketches of the Srauta and other Sutras") offers a systematic survey of all Srautasutras and allied works, their composition, content, etc. The author discusses nearly seventy different texts, some at considerable length.

Lecture III ("Glimpses of the Srautasutras") treats a number of specific problems: translations of the Srautasutras, Vedic accents, the relation between Srautasftras and Grhyasftras, the relative chronology of the grautasftras, the original homes of the authors of the Srautasftras, and the cultural data in the Srauta- sutras.

In addition, each lecture is followed by a series of notes, which not only contain bibliographical data, but often discuss technical details, erroneous readings in editions, etc.

Dr. Kashikar's lectures constitute a useful status quaestionis of Srauta literature. They raise many more problems than they solve. But this was the scope of the book, which will be consulted by anyone interested in ancient Indian ritual and its literature.

LUDO ROCHER UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Kausztaki-brdhmana. 1 Text. Herausgegeben von E. R. SREEKRISHNA SARMA. (Verzeichnis der orienta- lischen Handschriften in Deutschland. Supple- mentband 9, 1.) Pp. xvii + 210. Wiesbaden: FRANZ STEINER VERLAG, 1968.

The Kaustakibrahmana has been edited twice so far: (1) herausgegeben und iibersetzt-but the translation was never published-von B. Lindner, Jena 1887; (2)

Kausztaki-brdhmana. 1 Text. Herausgegeben von E. R. SREEKRISHNA SARMA. (Verzeichnis der orienta- lischen Handschriften in Deutschland. Supple- mentband 9, 1.) Pp. xvii + 210. Wiesbaden: FRANZ STEINER VERLAG, 1968.

The Kaustakibrahmana has been edited twice so far: (1) herausgegeben und iibersetzt-but the translation was never published-von B. Lindner, Jena 1887; (2)

Kausztaki-brdhmana. 1 Text. Herausgegeben von E. R. SREEKRISHNA SARMA. (Verzeichnis der orienta- lischen Handschriften in Deutschland. Supple- mentband 9, 1.) Pp. xvii + 210. Wiesbaden: FRANZ STEINER VERLAG, 1968.

The Kaustakibrahmana has been edited twice so far: (1) herausgegeben und iibersetzt-but the translation was never published-von B. Lindner, Jena 1887; (2)

153 153 153

This content downloaded from 62.122.76.91 on Mon, 9 Jun 2014 23:16:23 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions

Journal of the American Oriental Society, 91.1 (1971) Journal of the American Oriental Society, 91.1 (1971) Journal of the American Oriental Society, 91.1 (1971)

under the title Rgveddntargatam Sidkhdyanabrahma.nam, AnSS 65, Poona 1911. It has been translated by A. B. Keith in his Rigveda Brahmanas, HOS 5, 1920.

The main contribution of the new edition consists in its being based on a larger number of manuscripts, especially from Kerala. Lindner used one Malayalam manuscript preserved at the India Office Library, "but he ... misrepresented many readings found in that manuscript" (see the list, p. VII, n. 3). The new edition also makes use of the readings exhibited in Udaya's commentary. To be able to judge whether the editor is right when he says that these readings are "decidedly superior" to those of the printed editions, we shall have to wait for the publication of Udaya's commentary. We hope, that Sreekrishna Sarma will be able to bring out this commentary in a near future. Another important source for the present edition is a recorded recitation of the entire text by Raman Nam- puitiri of Erkkara Mana; in all cases of doubt the editor relies on this recited version.

The edition itself is beautifully presented. Whereas the existing editions did not punctuate the text, the new edition does. The editor mentions, that the end of each passage is indicated in the Malayalam manuscripts, and that it appears from Raman Namputiri's recitation. Each paragraph is followed by a list of various readings. The subdivision in khandas often differs from that of the older editions; there is a comparative table on p. VIII.

Appendix 1 gives a list of the beginning passages of each khanda; an alphabetical list might have been useful. Appendix 2 contains an alphabetical list of mantras. It is much easier to consult than Lindner's "Verzeich- niss der im Texte citirten Lieder und Verse" (pp. 148- 159), which is subdivided into five different sections (R. gveda; Atharvaveda; other sources; Yajfiagatha; Yajus, praisa, nigada, etc.). Appendix 3 offers an alpha- betical index of repeated passages. The sole list which occurs in Lindner's edition only is a list of proper names (pp. 159-160).

We look forward to seeing Sreekrishna Sarma's edi- tion of Udaya's commentary.

LUDO ROCHER UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Die kaukasischen Sprachen. By G. V. KLIMOV. Pp. 2 (unnumbered) and 151, 5 maps. Hamburg: HELMUT BUSKE VERLAG. 1969.

This survey of the Caucasian language group first appeared in 1965. Its translator, W. Boeder, not only rendered the Russian text into German but also en- larged the bibliography (105-130), redesigned the linguistic maps and added transcription tables. The book

under the title Rgveddntargatam Sidkhdyanabrahma.nam, AnSS 65, Poona 1911. It has been translated by A. B. Keith in his Rigveda Brahmanas, HOS 5, 1920.

The main contribution of the new edition consists in its being based on a larger number of manuscripts, especially from Kerala. Lindner used one Malayalam manuscript preserved at the India Office Library, "but he ... misrepresented many readings found in that manuscript" (see the list, p. VII, n. 3). The new edition also makes use of the readings exhibited in Udaya's commentary. To be able to judge whether the editor is right when he says that these readings are "decidedly superior" to those of the printed editions, we shall have to wait for the publication of Udaya's commentary. We hope, that Sreekrishna Sarma will be able to bring out this commentary in a near future. Another important source for the present edition is a recorded recitation of the entire text by Raman Nam- puitiri of Erkkara Mana; in all cases of doubt the editor relies on this recited version.

The edition itself is beautifully presented. Whereas the existing editions did not punctuate the text, the new edition does. The editor mentions, that the end of each passage is indicated in the Malayalam manuscripts, and that it appears from Raman Namputiri's recitation. Each paragraph is followed by a list of various readings. The subdivision in khandas often differs from that of the older editions; there is a comparative table on p. VIII.

Appendix 1 gives a list of the beginning passages of each khanda; an alphabetical list might have been useful. Appendix 2 contains an alphabetical list of mantras. It is much easier to consult than Lindner's "Verzeich- niss der im Texte citirten Lieder und Verse" (pp. 148- 159), which is subdivided into five different sections (R. gveda; Atharvaveda; other sources; Yajfiagatha; Yajus, praisa, nigada, etc.). Appendix 3 offers an alpha- betical index of repeated passages. The sole list which occurs in Lindner's edition only is a list of proper names (pp. 159-160).

We look forward to seeing Sreekrishna Sarma's edi- tion of Udaya's commentary.

LUDO ROCHER UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Die kaukasischen Sprachen. By G. V. KLIMOV. Pp. 2 (unnumbered) and 151, 5 maps. Hamburg: HELMUT BUSKE VERLAG. 1969.

This survey of the Caucasian language group first appeared in 1965. Its translator, W. Boeder, not only rendered the Russian text into German but also en- larged the bibliography (105-130), redesigned the linguistic maps and added transcription tables. The book

under the title Rgveddntargatam Sidkhdyanabrahma.nam, AnSS 65, Poona 1911. It has been translated by A. B. Keith in his Rigveda Brahmanas, HOS 5, 1920.

The main contribution of the new edition consists in its being based on a larger number of manuscripts, especially from Kerala. Lindner used one Malayalam manuscript preserved at the India Office Library, "but he ... misrepresented many readings found in that manuscript" (see the list, p. VII, n. 3). The new edition also makes use of the readings exhibited in Udaya's commentary. To be able to judge whether the editor is right when he says that these readings are "decidedly superior" to those of the printed editions, we shall have to wait for the publication of Udaya's commentary. We hope, that Sreekrishna Sarma will be able to bring out this commentary in a near future. Another important source for the present edition is a recorded recitation of the entire text by Raman Nam- puitiri of Erkkara Mana; in all cases of doubt the editor relies on this recited version.

The edition itself is beautifully presented. Whereas the existing editions did not punctuate the text, the new edition does. The editor mentions, that the end of each passage is indicated in the Malayalam manuscripts, and that it appears from Raman Namputiri's recitation. Each paragraph is followed by a list of various readings. The subdivision in khandas often differs from that of the older editions; there is a comparative table on p. VIII.

Appendix 1 gives a list of the beginning passages of each khanda; an alphabetical list might have been useful. Appendix 2 contains an alphabetical list of mantras. It is much easier to consult than Lindner's "Verzeich- niss der im Texte citirten Lieder und Verse" (pp. 148- 159), which is subdivided into five different sections (R. gveda; Atharvaveda; other sources; Yajfiagatha; Yajus, praisa, nigada, etc.). Appendix 3 offers an alpha- betical index of repeated passages. The sole list which occurs in Lindner's edition only is a list of proper names (pp. 159-160).

We look forward to seeing Sreekrishna Sarma's edi- tion of Udaya's commentary.

LUDO ROCHER UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Die kaukasischen Sprachen. By G. V. KLIMOV. Pp. 2 (unnumbered) and 151, 5 maps. Hamburg: HELMUT BUSKE VERLAG. 1969.

This survey of the Caucasian language group first appeared in 1965. Its translator, W. Boeder, not only rendered the Russian text into German but also en- larged the bibliography (105-130), redesigned the linguistic maps and added transcription tables. The book

opens with general remarks (1-25), discusses the char- acteristics of western, southern and eastern Caucasian (25-57), considers the features common to the Caucasian languages (57-61), their genetic interrelations (62-78), the historical nature of Caucasian linguistic structure (78-87), and concludes with sketches of Caucasian literary history (87-95) and of the history of Caucasian studies (95-104). It is most useful to have this up-to- date compendium of the progress made since A. Dirr's Einfiihrung in das Studium der kaukasischen Sprachen (1928) available.

M. J. DRESDEN UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Baits and Aryans in their Indo-European Background. By SUNITI KUMAR CHATTERJI. Pp. xx + 180, 20 plates. Simla: INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDY, 1968. Rs. 20.

"The present Study is intended to be scientific as well as popular, and aims particularly at bringing some knowledge of the Baltic world to English-reading people in general and to Indians in particular who have some background of Indo-Aryan and Indo-European philology and culture; and also at presenting some aspects of the Aryan world in India to Baltic persons;" these are the words in which the author himself describes the scope of his most recent book (p. xvii). The popular aspect of the volume is the dominant one. There are linguistic comparisons, as is to be expected from the dean of Indian linguists; but the general tone of the book, as indicated in the dedication: "With Gratitude and Af- fection to my Sisters and Brothers in the Baltic States of Soviet Lithuania and Latvia," is one of personal sympathy and expression of warm feelings on the part of the author for the Baltic peoples whom he learned to know during two visits to their country, in 1964 and 1966. This attitude comes particularly to the fore in a number of Sanskrit verses glorifying the relationship between Baltic and Indian literatures within the Indo- European orbit (pp. 88-91). Dr. Chatterji received from his Baltic friends, both those residing in their homeland and those emigrated abroad, a vast amount of literature on which he based the present study. He had an op- portunity to discuss with them parts of his work on the occasion of international conferences.

One theme of the work is the peculiar relationship between Vedic India and the Baltic world, resulting from the conservatism and archaic character of the latter, both in terms of language and of way of life. The author feels that this should create a bond between modern representatives of both cultures, and his book aims at giving them a better knowledge of each other, and at emphasizing what they have in common. The

opens with general remarks (1-25), discusses the char- acteristics of western, southern and eastern Caucasian (25-57), considers the features common to the Caucasian languages (57-61), their genetic interrelations (62-78), the historical nature of Caucasian linguistic structure (78-87), and concludes with sketches of Caucasian literary history (87-95) and of the history of Caucasian studies (95-104). It is most useful to have this up-to- date compendium of the progress made since A. Dirr's Einfiihrung in das Studium der kaukasischen Sprachen (1928) available.

M. J. DRESDEN UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Baits and Aryans in their Indo-European Background. By SUNITI KUMAR CHATTERJI. Pp. xx + 180, 20 plates. Simla: INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDY, 1968. Rs. 20.

"The present Study is intended to be scientific as well as popular, and aims particularly at bringing some knowledge of the Baltic world to English-reading people in general and to Indians in particular who have some background of Indo-Aryan and Indo-European philology and culture; and also at presenting some aspects of the Aryan world in India to Baltic persons;" these are the words in which the author himself describes the scope of his most recent book (p. xvii). The popular aspect of the volume is the dominant one. There are linguistic comparisons, as is to be expected from the dean of Indian linguists; but the general tone of the book, as indicated in the dedication: "With Gratitude and Af- fection to my Sisters and Brothers in the Baltic States of Soviet Lithuania and Latvia," is one of personal sympathy and expression of warm feelings on the part of the author for the Baltic peoples whom he learned to know during two visits to their country, in 1964 and 1966. This attitude comes particularly to the fore in a number of Sanskrit verses glorifying the relationship between Baltic and Indian literatures within the Indo- European orbit (pp. 88-91). Dr. Chatterji received from his Baltic friends, both those residing in their homeland and those emigrated abroad, a vast amount of literature on which he based the present study. He had an op- portunity to discuss with them parts of his work on the occasion of international conferences.

One theme of the work is the peculiar relationship between Vedic India and the Baltic world, resulting from the conservatism and archaic character of the latter, both in terms of language and of way of life. The author feels that this should create a bond between modern representatives of both cultures, and his book aims at giving them a better knowledge of each other, and at emphasizing what they have in common. The

opens with general remarks (1-25), discusses the char- acteristics of western, southern and eastern Caucasian (25-57), considers the features common to the Caucasian languages (57-61), their genetic interrelations (62-78), the historical nature of Caucasian linguistic structure (78-87), and concludes with sketches of Caucasian literary history (87-95) and of the history of Caucasian studies (95-104). It is most useful to have this up-to- date compendium of the progress made since A. Dirr's Einfiihrung in das Studium der kaukasischen Sprachen (1928) available.

M. J. DRESDEN UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Baits and Aryans in their Indo-European Background. By SUNITI KUMAR CHATTERJI. Pp. xx + 180, 20 plates. Simla: INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDY, 1968. Rs. 20.

"The present Study is intended to be scientific as well as popular, and aims particularly at bringing some knowledge of the Baltic world to English-reading people in general and to Indians in particular who have some background of Indo-Aryan and Indo-European philology and culture; and also at presenting some aspects of the Aryan world in India to Baltic persons;" these are the words in which the author himself describes the scope of his most recent book (p. xvii). The popular aspect of the volume is the dominant one. There are linguistic comparisons, as is to be expected from the dean of Indian linguists; but the general tone of the book, as indicated in the dedication: "With Gratitude and Af- fection to my Sisters and Brothers in the Baltic States of Soviet Lithuania and Latvia," is one of personal sympathy and expression of warm feelings on the part of the author for the Baltic peoples whom he learned to know during two visits to their country, in 1964 and 1966. This attitude comes particularly to the fore in a number of Sanskrit verses glorifying the relationship between Baltic and Indian literatures within the Indo- European orbit (pp. 88-91). Dr. Chatterji received from his Baltic friends, both those residing in their homeland and those emigrated abroad, a vast amount of literature on which he based the present study. He had an op- portunity to discuss with them parts of his work on the occasion of international conferences.

One theme of the work is the peculiar relationship between Vedic India and the Baltic world, resulting from the conservatism and archaic character of the latter, both in terms of language and of way of life. The author feels that this should create a bond between modern representatives of both cultures, and his book aims at giving them a better knowledge of each other, and at emphasizing what they have in common. The

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