Footfalls of Indian history

by Sister Nivedita

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

Genres: History

332 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Sister Nivedita, born as Margaret Elizabeth Noble, was a Scots-Irish social worker, author, teacher, and disciple of Swami Vivekananda. She met Vivekananda in 1895 in London and traveled to Calcutta, India (present-day Kolkata), in 1898. Swami Vivekananda gave her the name Nivedita (meaning "Dedicated to God") when he initiated her into the vow of Brahmacharya on March 25, 1898. She had close associations with the newly established Ramakrishna Mission. However, because of her active contribution in the field of Indian Nationalism, she had to publicly dissociate herself from the activities of the Ramakrishna Mission under the then president Swami Brahmananda. She was very intimate with Sarada Devi, the spiritual consort of Sri Ramakrishna and one of the major influences behind Ramakrishna Mission and also with all brother disciples of Swami Vivekananda. Her epitaph aptly reads, "Here reposes Sister Nivedita who gave her all to India."

Nivedita wrote in 1904 to a friend about her decision to follow Swami Vivekananada as a result of her meeting him in England in November 1895:

"Suppose he had not come to London that time! Life would have been like a headless dream, for I always knew that I was waiting for something. I always said that a call would come. And it did. But if I had known more of life, I doubt whether, when the time came, I should certainly have recognized it.

"Fortunately, I knew little and was spared that torture. . . . Always I had this burning voice within, but nothing to utter. How often and often I sat down, pen in hand, to speak, and there was no speech! And now there is no end to it! As surely I am fitted to my world, so surely is my world in need of me, waiting — ready. The arrow has found its place in the bow. But if he had not come! If he had meditated, on the Himalayan peaks! . . . I, for one, had never been here."

"The mother's heart, the hero's will The sweetness of the southern breeze, The sacred charm and strength that dwell On Aryan altars, flaming, free; All these be yours and many more No ancient soul could dream before- Be thou to India's future son The mistress, servant, friend in one." —A benediction to Sister Nivedita by Swami Vivekananda

Reviews

[Urbi Chatterjee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I do not usually give such low ratings, to a history book that too. But then again, I have not given up on a book halfway through since Sophie's World a few years ago. This is one of the slowest and driest books I have picked up in a while and I'm relieved to be letting go of it. The book deals with ancient Indian history, something I do not particularly enjoy in the first place. Also, the focus is entirely upon Buddhist history and specifically architectural aspects and significance of Buddhism in terms of Indian historiography. The book goes into great details about the architecture at Ajanta and Ellora. An enthusiast in archaeology might find the book more enlivening than I did. The prose was rather prosaic, full of tedious details. The book represents all the reasons why History remains a source of dread and dislike to such a large number of people.

[Kiridaren Jayakumar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book on narrating the Indian perspective from the philosophy, civilization , historical and many perspectives. However, at times, I do feel this author who done a great job in overall , going at roundabouts of completing the same thought. It was detailed explanation but I think it more on regurgitation than needed. But, I respect the knowledge and deep philosophical thought shared by Miss Niveditha.

[Revanth Ukkalam]

Too hard to understand.