A sound and comprehensive study of the Ganga in all its aspects has long been a desideratum for no river in the world’s history has achieved such fame as the sacred river of India the Nile is its only possible rival. From its origins in the cold Himalayan peaks to its merging with the ocean in the bay of Bengal in all its majestic length it forms the main artery carrying the lifeblood of northern India. Surely there is not a river anywhere in the world which has not something of beauty and mystery something of poetry about it. And no river is endowed with these qualities in such full measure as the Ganga. It is not in the least surprising that ancient Indians thought of the Ganga as sacred goddess in her own right descending from the head of the great god siva himself.
Dr. Darian is at least figuratively speaking a convinced devotee of that goddess. He has traveled her banks for their full length and has lived among those who dwell by her side. He evidently loves her with an intensity which few modern Indians can match. This book offers a wealth of information about the geography, history and religious significance of the Ganga. It is important both as a scholarly study and as a work of interpretation that explores the hidden relationships between Indian art and religion. But thanks to his deep love for his subject and his excellent literary gifts. Dr. Darian has also conveyed something of the grandeur and poetry of the Ganga to his readers. and indirectly nearly all aspects of India’s history and culture are touched on in these pages reflected in the clear sunlit waters of the sacred river.
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