Archive for the ‘History’ Category

Everyday Lives, Everyday Histories – Uma Chakravarthi

Uma Chakravarthi’s Everyday Lives Everyday Histories : Beyond the Kings and Brahmans of Ancient India is a compilation of 14 essays from the authors considerable work on the history and historiography of early India. Though it brings together articles written by historian-activists over two decades, no element of staleness attaches to the book.

The books concentration on socio-economic subalterns enriches the historical gaze, It seems to carry with it an implicit presumption about so-called superalterns – Did Brahmins or merchants not have everyday lives? The Book does not try adequately to address the question of the interplay of multiple basis of power – (more…)

The Feast Of Roses – Indu Sundaresan

As the name suggests, the novel is indeed a literary feast to the reader. It is a sequel to The Twentieth Wife which I haven’t read unfortunately. The story is all about love, jealousy, power, and decline. It is a woman’s story, the story of Noor Jahan and Jahangir. Noor Jahan means ‘light of the world’ while Jahangir is ‘emperor of the world’.
The novel begins by expressing the love the central characters have for each other. Initially they are Salim and Mehrunissa of the Mughal period. In due course of time, they receive their titles – Jahangir and Noor Jahan. Though it portrays the love both of them share, it is a female oriented story. Mehrunissa is the loving, caring, as well as shrewd queen (more…)