HINDU MANNERS, CUSTOMS AND CEREMONIES

In this first volume, the socioreligious customs and traditions of the Hindus are discussed in great detail by Abbe J. A. Dubois, one of the great scholars of Sanskrit texts. It is a translation from French by Henry Beauchamp with his critical notes and corrections of the French manuscript. This study touches almost all aspects of Hindu philosophy namely, Brahmanism, caste, marriage, morality, women, beliefs and practices. Sanskrit texts constitute a major source of this work including the Vedas, Dharmashastras and the epics. What may be regarded as still more satisfactory, perhaps, is that by the Indians themselves the work has been received with universal approval and eulogy. The general accuracy of the Abbe?s observations has nowhere been impugned; and every Indian critic of the work has paid a warm tribute to the Abbe?s industry, zeal, and impartiality. Perhaps he may quote in conclusion here the opinion expressed by one of the leading Indian newspapers, The Hindu which in the course of a long review of the book, remarked?It is impossible to run through the immense variety of topics touched in this exceedingly interesting book; but we entirely agree with Beauchamp in his opinion that the book is as valuable today as it ever was. It contains a valuable collection of information on a variety of subjects?.