3 Review(s)

About the book:-In this first volume, the socio-religious 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’. About the Author:-Abbe J. A. Dubois or Jean-Antoine Dubois (1765 – 1848) was a French Catholic missionary in India, and member of the 'Missions Etrangères de Paris'. He was called Dodda Swami by the local people. In his work Hindu manners, customs and traditions he presented Indian cultures, traditions, thoughts and varnasrama system in his work. After some years he returned to France, and authored the book Hindu manners, customs and ceremonies, a valuable work of Indology. He is remembered locally for having adopted the way of life, clothing, food (vegetarianism) and language typical of a Hindu monk or renunciate, and to have thereby earned t