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BOOK REVIEW
MAHAVIR Amar Citra Katha No. 82 Editor : Anant Pai Text in Hindi written by Rishabhdas Ranka Illustrated by Pratap Mullick Published by IBH Education Trust, Bombay
The need of imparting to readers the essence or traits of the past achievements of man in the field of civilization and thoughts may well be felt particularly in the present days when the lives of apostles and saints remain as glowing as ever despite progress in utilitarian science dramatised by success and display. If these themes are conveyed with such illustrations which are convincing in style, mood and situations they will inevitably enliven the subject not only in its half-forgotten or idyllic setup, but also in the perspective of appropriate environment and cultural atmosphere where an ideal sometimes confronted with another either to succumb or to win. Recalling, as it were, the presentation of tales by the Illustrated Classics issued from the Fifth Avenue of New York the publication entitled 'Mahāvīr' has communicated some of the important moments and episodes connected with the life of the 24th Tirthankara. With its illustrations often warm with colour and sensitivity the exposition has attained a height as expected from its kind when dealing with the greatness of Vardhamana, the historical founder of the religion of the Nirgrantha. Beginning with the dream of Trisala, the wife of prince Siddhartha of Kundagrama to the Nirvana of Mahavira at Pawapuri the annals have been illuminated with deep sincerity which is more commendable as an attempt than as a faithful version simulating details from ancient monuments and sculptures which abound at places like Bharhut, Mathura and Udaygiri (Orissa). Here one will agree that the queenly grace of Trisala and the glory of the Jinas made a deeper impression in ancient art at times distinguished by a plastic depth and a harmony of colour fascinatingly confirming, as it appears, a linear achievement. One may yearn for the ancient mood and environments if it is not possible to return to established formalisations of past epochs.
---P. C. Das Gupta
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