In the second section of the book, ‘The Stories of Satyolu’, Hari Kumar has included a range of interesting folktales and stories of Daivas of Tulu Nadu. Multiple versions of multiple stories, with subtle distinctions, add to the complexity.
As an advocate of gender equality and women’s empowerment, if I were to add to this splendid volume in any future editions, I would add chapters on the relative merits, the synergies and distinctions between Maha Lakshmi and the other two Mahadevis in the trinity
In its broad strokes of probing modern Indian history, the book, however, is wanting in rigorous scrutiny of the ideal of secularism in the Republic. The writer has spent more time on making the case of how the politics of India—as it has unfolded over the years—has excluded the Muslim community, and with the Hindu Right controlling the reigns
Not only were Raina and Safdar friends, and feature in each other’s life stories as significant characters, they were part of a post-Independence generation of Indian theatre makers and other artists who were deeply inspired by anti-imperialist movements such as the war in Vietnam
Anita Bharti’s ‘Nayi Dhar’ foregrounds the question of feminist solidarity. She raises pertinent questions pertaining to ways in which upper caste, middle class women have appropriated feminist concerns, taking away Dalit women’s right to politically represent themselves.
The language of the novel is deeply evocative, with vivid descriptions and a reflective tone that captures the emotional and psychological depth of the characters. Mishra employs a narrative technique that interweaves dreams, memories, and present experiences