X

The cultural history of Siam dealt in the last three
chapters (ch. VII, monuments of Siam, VIII Religion
of Siam, IX Kingship in Siam) is very well presented
and are very interesting.

The standpoint of Mr. Bose, however, is not an
impartial one. He mostly emphasises on the Indian

influence on the Siamese civilisation and treats thus

one aspect of the history of Siam. But the evolution
of modern Siam is not solely a result of the Indian cul-
ture which the Thai people inherited in the past.

There was something in the character of the Thai race
which has enabled them to defy all obstacles to their

freedom and which when excited caused the downfall
of kingdoms and Empires. From the iyth century on-
wards Siam like contemporary Indian states came into
contact with different European nations and at times

her freedom was in danger. It is not by an accident

that Siam only has come out of the tangles of Euro-
pean diplomacy. There is something else which they

inherited not from India but their Thai forefathers who

came down from the north and once laid the founda-
tion of their kingdom.

Whatever the standpoint of Mr. Bose may be his
book is a welcome contribution to our knowledge.
His aim to trace the history of the achievements of
our fourfathers in distant countries has been a success-
ful one. His manner of presentation is clear and sim-
ple and this is why I hope his book will not be merely
interesting to the specialist but to every body.

CALCUTTA 1 Prabodh Chandra
16.2. 1927. J Bagchi