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SHRIDHAR ANDHARE
SAMBODHI
a vivid account of the Muni's life in detail The author has given a very detailed information of his works with relevant foot notes It is true that his contributions in literary pursuits are of renowned significance in this chapter a large number of MSS have been quoted with valuable information which was hitherto unknown
Mention must be made of the detailed study on Sutradhāra Mandana, enumerating his works like Prāsāda Mandana, Rāja Vallabha Mandana, Rūpa Mandana, Devatā Mürtt Prakarana, Vāstu Mandana, which throw significant light on various aspects of iconography, sculpture and architecture
His valued treatise on vocal and instrumental music called Sangita Rāja stands second to none in substance and style on which several authors have researched in the past the other worthy contribution is the Rasikpriyā commentary Gita Govinda by Jayadeva, which was translated and commented upon as a most significant event in literature during this period The author has dealt with this chapter in a much minute detail exploding the myth of the authorship of Sangita Rāja and many such works which were erroneously attributed to Mahārānā Kumbhā Sri Somanı has categorically put up his views with adequate proof which will go a long way in correcting certain views for future generation
The chapter on Art and Architecture revolves around the two main projects namely, the temple of Ranakpur and the building of the Kirtistambha Though other famous monuments such as the Jain temple of Shringar Chawkı of Ca A D 1301, The Mahāvīra Jain temple of 1300 A. D and many others have also been dealt with In describing them he has given long lists of inscriptions and new names of Śresthus, Sūtradharas and others which are new additions
Subsequent chapters are on the socio-economic conditions and inscriptional evidences and readations of certain early concepts which have once again been quoted
On the whole the work undertaken is of a comprehensive nature and painstaking Its importance as an excellent reference book cannot be denied I congratulate the author for his erudite endeavour
Shridhar Andhare.
