The Goat thief by Perumal Murugan: This collection of short stories from the Tamilian writer takes you into the villages, where both the children and adults make a beeline for the well, hoping to escape into its depth every chance they get. There’s the consternation of the housewife who doesn’t know what to do withContinue reading “On Beauty & The Goat Thief”
Tag Archives: India
The Adivasi will not dance
For all its diversity, India bundles up many issues under the hood. In Gujarat, an officer’s family has to contend with giving up meat. The endeavour involves making weekly trips to relatives to eat their daily staple of fish and eggs, only to find nuance in vegetarian items before circling back to cooking surreptitiously atContinue reading “The Adivasi will not dance”
Nine Lives and a Summer Requiem
Nine Lives by William Dalrymple In a land where gods and goddesses abound as do their stories, Dalrymple’s search for the sacred in Modern India still throws up interesting threads. From tantric rituals in cremation grounds, houses lined with skulls to the frenetic energy of Sufi dancers, the author underlines how faith in chosen godsContinue reading “Nine Lives and a Summer Requiem”
When the jungle calls
“Don’t grab the crabs!” the major said, laughing. “Just gently pass the branches behind.” We looked at each other, the ten of us, wondering if we had heard correctly. We had been in the waters for fifteen minutes, gazing at the star-lit sky when she quipped again, “Next time ensure you come on a moonless night,Continue reading “When the jungle calls”
Microcosm
The ghats are where the action is. Walk alongside and you will find kids playing cricket on each stretch. In the evenings, a premier league, replete with commentators, and a crowd you have to zip past to avoid being hit. Afternoons are about cards with tea. Also, to repair the boats that will be pushedContinue reading “Microcosm”
A Thousand Mornings 