Indian Antiquary Vol 60

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 208

IS
THE INDIAN AXTIQUARY
( SEPTEMBER, 1931
BOOK-NOTICES. HISTORICAL FACTS UK TIL AKALIAN MUSICAL his critic. In his historical perspective he has
INFLUENCE, by HENRY GEORGE FARMER (Studies undoubtedly made out a case for the Arabian in. in the Mwic of the Middle Ages). Wm. Reeves, fluence. He has examined the musical literature of London, 183: . vii-37.
Europe and compared it in detail with that of the 4rabian wil info
Europe. --The
Arabs. His discussions, in periodical literature, of tnttsical influewe of Arabialt endure on Europe
epecifie Arab musical instruments have strongthened is a subject requiring an instally wide amount
his case. His promised translations and further of Arabic scholarship with cleep technical know
pursuit of clues should go still further to clear ledige of the history. theory and art of music. These
up doubtful and debatable points. His researches
are of immonso value for the study of Arabic qualifications are combined in Dr. Farmer in an
civilization and the civilization of medieval Europe. eininent degree. His brilliant contributions on this subject are attracting the attention of students and
They dissipate the one-sided views which have
hitherto held the field. musicians in both hemispheres. His conclusions become the more firmly established the more they
A. YUSUF ALT. are questioned and controvertcil, just as the evidence of a witness in a court of law is best catablished
RELATIONS OF GOLCONDA IN THE EARLY SEVEN. when it stands the test of cross-examination. Arabian culture in this connection is the culture
TEENTH CENTURY. Edited by W. H. Moreland,
C.S.I., C.I.E. 8} x 57 in.; pp. li+109, with 2 maps, which was lissominated through the medium of the Arabic language when that language held the
Hakluyt Society, 2nd Series, No. LXVI. London,
1931. supreme position in the world of culture from the eighth to the eleventh centuries of the Christian era,
of the three accounts of the kingdom of Golconda and was still exerting some influence for at least published in this volume, one was written by an three centuries longer. Its motive force was English morchant, and the other two by Dutch supplied by Islamie organization. Int Jews and merchants who served on the Coromandel Coast. Christians collaborated in the task, and many Tho first is the Relations of William Mothwold, races and many cultures (notably Persian and based upon the knowledge acquired as "Principall Byzantine) e valuable contributions to its of the Coast of Choromandell " during the years vrowth and development. It was ten years ago 1818-92, which appeared in the 1836 edition of that Dr. Farmer senre hell out the cluing to that Purchas his Pilgrimage, but does not appear to have culture in the realm of music, examining the terb een over separately printed in English. The minology and history of musical instruments, second, written for the information of the Directors Discant, Organum. Law of Consonance. Solfeggic, of the Dutch Co. in Holland in 1616 or 1616, by Instrumental Tablature. Mensural Music, and Antony Schoror, an employé of that company at Xotation. He discovered the identity of the term Masulipatam from about 1008 to 1014, is now print. "hocket" with the Arabie "givil." and his clueed for the first time. The third was compiled in for Mensual Mensie is to be followed up in a special
the latter part of 1614, probably, as Mr. Moreland hook. Some of his conclusions were accepted, and
and shows, by Pieter Gielisz van Ravestyn, who served others were called in question by crities of authority,
in the Dutch factory at Negapatam from 1608 to Among the latter is the well-known writer on music,
1614, and was printod in a Dutch collection of voy. Mise Kathleen Schlesinger, who has subjented many
ages published in 1644-46. These practically con. of Dr. Farmer's statements to cleta,lecl criticism. tomporaneous narratives, which corroborate each There have been replies and counter-replier, and other in esential points, are of considerable value the present book "Historical Facts for the Arabian as giving a graphic picture of the conditions of the Musical Influence" reviews the whole controversy people and the methods of government in the king. in detail, point by point. from Dr. Farmer's point dom of Golconda at time when the Qutb Shahi of view.
dynasty was approaching its end. As Mr. More Unfortunnely Miss Schlesinger is no Arabist.
land points out, with the two Dutch ascounts Dr. Farmer is able to dispose satisfactorily of many
before him, an unprejudiced roader can be satisfied of the arguments advanced against him as far as
of the essential trustworthiness of Methwold's they depend on Arabic sources. He also promises to
Relations. issue a complete translation of the Arabic trestige The editing of this volume has been performed in on music by the famous writer Al-Farabi, who died & manner that might well serve as a model. The in 950, as well as a critical edition of the text and Introduction contains just such historical, geogra. translation of an Arabic manuscript, the Ma'rifat phical and biographical information as is required al Naghamdt, which bears on the questions at issue. for proper approciation of the texts; while the
We think that Dr. Farmer's thorough examination notes are commendably concise and to the point, of all the criticisms lovelled against him enables the
suporfluous and irrelevant matter finding no place. impartial investigator to judge between him and
C.E.A.W.O.