Reading New India is an insightful exploration of contemporary Indian writing in English. Exploring the work of such writers as Aravind Adiga (author of the Man-Booker Prize winning White Tiger), Usha K.R. and Taseer, the book looks at how the 'new' India has been recreated and defined in an English Language literature that is now reaching a global audience. The book describes how Indian fiction has moved beyond notions of 'postcolonial' writing to reflect an increasingly confident and diverse cultures. Reading New India covers such topics as: - Representation of the city: Mumbai and Bangalore - Chick Lit to Crick Lit - Call centre dramas and corporate lives - Crime novels and Bharati narratives - Graphic novels Including a chronological time-line of major social, cultural and political reforms, biographies of the major authors covered, further reading and a glossary of Hindi terms, this book is an essential guide for students of contemporary world literature and postcolonial writing.
Something is rotten in the state of Amravati A mysterious ailment afflicts Indrah, reducing the omnipotent king of the gods to, well, not quite the man he used to be. To add to his woes, the Holy Trinity threaten to fire him for dereliction of duty. But Indrah's troubles wilt in comparison to those of his asura counterpart, Bali, ruler of Tripura. Even as Indrah's its fretting over his delicate health, an assassination attempt on Bali leaves the asura on the brink of death. There is only one thing that can save both these men from certain doom: amrit, the mythical nectar. But to secure it, the gods and the asuras will have to cooperate and churn the Ocean of Milk together... Will Indrah and Bali be able to put aside their ancient enmity, or will old rivalries keep them from pulling off this epic feat? Bali and the Ocean of Milk reimagines the eternal conflict between the gods and the asuras in a whacky thriller littered with bad jokes and corpses. EXTRACT The story of 'Bali and the Ocean of Milk' has been derived from an old myth of the now lost Hurrian civilization, which traces its origins to the banks of the Euphrates in northern Mesopotamia. The novel reimagines the eternal conflict between the Hurrian gods and their sworn enemies, the asuras, in a wacky thriller littered with bad jokes and corpses. Here's an extract from the book: Chapter 1: An Evening in Amravati The rays of the setting sun streamed through the tall crystal windows and lit up Urvashi's pretty oval face. Waves of silken hair dyed blonde in deference to the latest fashion, cascaded over her pale, shapely shoulders. Slender arms, diamond-encrusted bracelets on either wrist, were crossed over her full breasts. She was perched upon a blue velvet couch, her long bare legs dangling over its edge. As she swung them to and fro, toes brushing against the tiger skin carpet below, her golden anklets tinkled out a perky melody. She was a sight worthy of the gods - except that the god sitting opposite her did not seem to know this. She mooned at him with her large, blue eyes, fluttered her eyelashes, pouted, preened and sighed - elementary techniques that every apsara was taught during induction training. But her efforts had little effect on the god for whom they were intended. He continued to sit listlessly on his bed, a glum expression on his puffed face. Urvashis pout grew deeper. 'I' sorry, Indy, but this is just not happening.'Indrah did not reply. 're you even listening to me?'Urvashi sniffed. 'hings can' go on like this, you know. It' about time you did something about it.''es, yes, I know,'Indrah muttered. I just need a little more time...am trying hard.'Tying hard!'Urvashi exclaimed. You have to get hard, darling -not try.'Indrah winced while Urvashi chattered away in her sweet, girlish voice. I mean do you even remember the last time when that happened? That was like two hundred years ago. The day you killed that asura ... what was his name now umm...Vira Vita''ritra,'Indrah said under his breath. 'Vitra -right! That's the one. I knew it was something starting with a V. I still remember the day. You had gone out for the final battle and there I was sitting all by myself, worried stiff, when I heard the apsaras going -Vritra is dead! Victory to Lord Indrah!" Indrah grunted. We had such a wonderful time that night after the victory party. Urvashi sighed. You remember, love? Indrah grunted again. Urvashi stood up scowling and hurled an ivory comb to the ground. It shattered into pieces as her voice rose to a shrill pitch. Do you realize that we haven't made love one single time since that night? Do you? It's been two hundred years for heaven's sake and it's driving me up the wall. Come on, Indy darling -what's wrong with you?' Indrah sighed. There was no denying that she was right -he was in bad shape. Rolls of fat swaddled his hips. The taut muscles of his arms had turned into flaccid bags and the chiselled jaw-line, along which Sachi used to love running her fingers during their courtship days, had disappeared into a pair of pulpy chins. A lock of hair fell over his forehead. He brushed it back, wincing when his fingers touched the bald patch on top. It had surreptitiously replaced his once luxuriant mane and was now clearly visible unless he switched on his halo - the light dazzling anyone who looked him in the face. But these days, he realized that even this simple act drained him of energy quite quickly. In short, Indrah looked and felt like an elderly uncle - not the Almighty King of the Devas, Lord of Amravati, Scourge of the Asuras, Shatterer of Citadels. What was worse was that people had started noticing it...the corridors of the palace were abuzz with whisperings of the King's decrepit condition. Many of the lesser gods had even begun to talk openly about it. Soon he started cutting down on public appearances conducting most of his work from his inner chambers. It wouldn't be long before someone started asking uncomfortable questions on why the king spent most of his time inside his bedroom instead of the court...
"The best book on Bali for the serious visitor…Has the freshness of personal experience."--Dr. Hildred Geertz, author of Kinship in Bali and Professor of Anthropology at Princeton University In Bali, what you see--sekala--is a colorful world of ceremony, ritual, dance, and drama. What you don't see what is occult--niskala--is the doctrine underlying the pageants, the code underlying the rites, and the magic underlying the dance. In this book, author Fred Eiseman explores both tangibles and intangibles in the realm of Balinese religion, ritual, and performing arts. The essays collected here topics ranging from Hindu mythology to modern gamelan music. Eiseman's approach is that of a dedicated reporter in love with his subject--he has the knowledge and patience to explain the near-infinite permutations of the Balinese calendar, and yet he is still moved by the majesty of the great Eka Dasa Rudra ceremony. The author's 28 years experience on the island shows and this book rewards close reading--even by the most seasoned students of Balinese culture.
Although Hudson died without completing 'The Body of God', the work has been edited and brought to fruition by Margaret Case. The book is a detailed study of a renowned Tamil Hindu temple, the Vaikuntha Perumal (ca. 770 CE). Hudson uses this temple as an illustration of a major current and historical stage in South Indian Vaisnava religion.
This book investigates fiction in English, written within, and published from India since 2000 in the genre of mythology-inspired fiction in doing so it introduces the term ‘Bharati Fantasy’. This volume is anchored in notions of the ‘weird’ and thus some time is spent understanding this term linguistically, historically (‘wyrd’) as well as philosophically and most significantly socio-culturally because ‘reception’ is a key theme to this book’s thesis. The book studies the interface of science, Hinduism and itihasa (a term often translated as ‘history’) within mythology-inspired fiction in English from India and these are specifically examined through the lens of two overarching interests: reader reception and the genre of weird fiction. The book considers Indian and non-Indian receptions to the body of mythology-inspired fiction, highlighting how English fiction from India has moved away from being identified as the traditional Indian postcolonial text. Furthermore, the book reveals broader findings in relation to identity and Indianness and India’s post-millennial society’s interest in portraying and projecting ideas of India through its ancient cultures, epic narratives and cultural (Hindu) figures.
Planning a trip to Bali to explore the temples and amazing scenery? Want to know how to capture great photos for social media, travel blog, or to simply enjoy? Our travel photography guides focus on the information you need: - Detailed maps and diagrams - Photos, including the DSLR camera settings and the exact location where the photo was taken - Tips on planning your journey - Logistical information to ensure that you’re at the right place at the right time - Ways to get the photo whilst avoiding the crowds We've captured what you need to know to photograph: - Hindu temples, including the most significant and photogenic - Rice terraces and lush rice fields - Historic sites showcasing the island's complex history - Exploring the natural beauty of the island, including volcanoes, beaches, and wildlife Our guides help you save valuable time in researching and planning, allowing you to focus on your photos.
This is a condensed version of a long Purana of 18,000 verses. By means of stories from the lives of avatars, sages, and kings, it popularized the teaching of the Vedas. To study it is the best of all ways to become acquainted with the living religion of India today. The nineteenth century saint Ramakrishna said of the Bhagavatam, "It is fried in the butter of Knowledge and steeped in the honey of Love." At regular intervals through the text, the chapters being condensed are designated by Book and Chapter numbers. Each interval is appropriate in length for a daily reading, and there are 365 intervals.
