Book Reviews

Abstract

The review contains a comprehensive evaluation of The Legacy of Vaiṣṇavism in Colonial Bengal, edited by Ferdinando Sardella and Lucian Wong. It presents an overview of the book’s main themes, including the ways Bengali intellectuals engaged with Western ideas to reinterpret Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism during the colonial period. The review contains summaries of individual contributions within the volume, discussing topics such as institutional developments, early Western encounters with the tradition, critiques of caste and idolatry, and the complexities of tantric and sahajiyā practices. It also reflects on theological debates and reevaluations of key figures like Bhaktivinod Ṭhākura. The review contains both praise for the book’s scholarly depth and critique of certain omissions, such as limited focus on colonial and missionary perspectives. Overall, it underscores the volume’s importance in broadening the understanding of Vaiṣṇavism in the context of colonial Hinduism.