3 Review(s)

Since the Ras Mala was first published, in 1856, there has been an increasing demand for a fresh edition, and it is to satisfy this demand that the present reprint has been put through te press. Through professing to be a mere collection of legends, or garland of chronicles, the Ras Mala is in fact the first and most important epitome of the history of Gujarat hitherto made. It is the work of a profound and accurate scholar, pervaded by a thorough and intelligent sympathy with the people whose historical phases and domestic life he has in this work so vividly depicted. And though the author in his original Preface modestly disclaimed for his book all pretensions to a scientific character, the work is in truth eminently scientific, and shows us Gujarat under each of the great dynasties which have swayed her destinies; and whether under the Wullubhee kings, the Chavadas or Chalookyas of Unhilwara, the renowned Sultans of Gujarat, or even more famous house of Timur the lame, whether he describes Gujarat under the Guikwar or the Guelphs, we find his picture not only true but pleasing, not only accurate but interesting.