________________
Vol. XXI, 1997
BRIEF NOTICES
175
earliest times to the present day, with reference to the extensive literature in Sanskrit and modern Indian languages, as well as to the numerous studies that have been written about the relevant mythology, theology, archaeology, and political history. Modern pilgrimage and associated beliefs and practices are described and related to what is known about Krishna worship to Braj prior to the 16th century. The various Sanskrit and later vernacular texts dealing with
sacred places are examined in detail in order to show how they evolved and are related to each other. On the basis of these sources the full itinerary of the sacred circuit is described with plates and maps. As well as being a valuable handbook for anyone visiting Braj, this detailed study will be of use to all those who are interested in the Krishna cult and Hindu devotionalism.
As has been stated by the author, he cannot by any means claim that his own study has not been tinged by personal taste and subjectivity. In his efforts to present the Vaishnavas' own account of their beliefs, history, and practices, he
tried to avoid giving undue stress to the views current in any particular Sampradāy. Though he has attempted to suppress value judgements and less opinionated than his colonial predecessors, his own perspective remains that of an outsider who, while being charmed by the aesthetics and vivacity of Braj culture, has remained stubbornly impervious to the theology and mysticism. He is intrigued by the sentimental and emotional appeal of Krishna devotion, but has failed to it sweep him off his feet. He has tried to assimilate and select information from the vast amount of material available in various languages, emphasizing the salient points and providing references to sources where more detail can be found. His aim has been to produce a digestible cultural history for the western reader and a handbook that will be useful for students of various disciplines. His own particulars contribution to the study of Braj has been to examine all available texts relating to the sacred places. By collating these sources he has produced a description of the pilgrimage circuit, presenting the itinerary in the form of a gazetteer. N.M.K. MYTHS, SAINTS AND LEGENDS IN MEDIEVAL INDIA by Charlotte Vaudeville. Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 1996. PP. 334. Rs.545/-.
The eleven essays in this volume are classified under three Parts, viz., Part I: The Lord of Govardhan Hill; Part II : The Saint Poets of Mahārāshtra; Part III : Ballads and Legends of North India. Part I contains six essays entitled : (1) The Cowherd God in Ancient India ; (2) Braj, Lost and Found ; (3) The Govardhan Myth in Northern India ; (4) Krishna Gopāla, Rādhā, and the Great Goddess;
