India Books

Once again, this author has produced a great photographic array of tasty dishes to choose from. Easy to follow, straight forward instructions, and dishes that actually look like they did in the photo when you're done cooking!

Most cookbooks are either full of pretty pictures with so-so recipes or full of strong recipes but no pictures. This book makes a new niche for itself on the rather crowded indian cuisine shelf by being worthy on both accounts: fantastic quality pictures and a comprehensive cookbook with delightful recipes. It even has calorie and nutrition information for the recipes. The only drawback is that some of the pictures are just there to fatten the book, just ingredients being mixed in a pan which don't add any real value but there is always a picture of the final meal. If you wanted to buy a single book on indian cooking and care about pictures, this would have to be the one.

It is a useful little book for understanding Indian contributions to mathematics.

This book brings together the work of scholars such as Subhash Kak, Frits Staal, B. van Nooten, David Frawley, T.R. Rao and A. Raman on computing ideas in ancient India. "Not only the sign for zero, but also the binary number system, the ideas of metarules, algebraic transformation, recursion, hashing, mathematical logic, formal grammars, and high level language description first arose in India." In this book one can investigate the original research papers dealing with these topics.

For a British soldier, (Lieutenant) under the services of the Nizam of Hyderabad in the 19th century India, turned writer Philip Meadows Taylor certainly proves his prowess as a writer through this book 'Congessions of a Thug', no wonder the book turned out to be a 'best seller' in 19th century England.

The main character AMEER ALI comes to life at the outset and the story of this 'Thugee' unravels before the reader without much interruption from the author. The story is about plotting,murder and mayhem excuted with precison, conviction, with ease and without remorse for that is the way of the 'Thugee'. Though Ameer Ali and his merry men were social parasites and the very embodiment of evil, Taylor quite successfully managed to bring out the many facets of the man and his men as an impartial observer and master story teller. Lastly, the historical nature of the book can not be overlooked considering the fact that similar group of bandits (called Dacoits) still exists in certain parts of India, Chambal Valley comes to mind.

A fascinating book indeed and worth reading.

Ameer Ali was born a Muslim but he was raised to be a devotee of Ma Kali, or one of her Thugs, men who killed in her name and offered all to her, including their souls.

This Ameer's story, of how he became a Thug, of his childhood years, raised in the shadow of death and destruction, brought about by his adopted family, Thugs of Kali, men who slew in her name.

Despite the fact this is a book written in the 19th century, it is surprisingly modern and without too much judgment by the author, who was obviously clearly fascinated with his subject.

When Meadows wrote this book Ameer was a prisoner of the British, he had betrayed his breathen for his own personal reasons, not for money and not out of fear for his life but for revenge, pure and simple.

A book you just can't put down no matter how hard you try.

Anthony De Mello pulls no punches with his theology or his belief that we are all weak creatures that could be making a hell of a lot more with our lives. This book is a wonderful introduction to the Retreat experience and helps guide the reader through the process of settling into the mediatative state a religious retreat requires. De Mello is tough on the reader (not with his prose, but with his tone) and expects action - spiritual, mental and physical - and won't settle for complacency or laziness. Thank you for the wake up call!

Don't do what I did - I read this during my retreat; I should have read it before. Nonetheless, it was an eye-opener - a finger pointing the way (don't concentrate on the finger, focus on the way).

Anthony de Mello is loved and respected the world over; he was a Jesuit spiritual director and retreat leader from India who held numerous conferences, retreats, and workshops for those looking to further their spiritual lives. His Christianity was the mystical variety, a position which has placed his writings under the skeptic's scope since his death. But anyone who has read his splendid works knows firsthand the wonderfully kind and open heart he had; there is not doubt in this mind that Anthony was teaching the true spiritual roots of all Christianity.

De Mello had an uncanny ability to draw those attending workshops and the like completely in with his masterful charm and charisma. He aimed at helping the participants break down their stress packed minds in order to have a more simplistic and beneficial experience in cultivating a relationship with God. His exercises were always intended to open the virtually unlimited capacity of the human heart.

This text focuses on a number of retreats de Mello led throughout his teaching years which he always meticulously edited, yet never published. He was not the type to shy away from controversial subjects, and in this work he made some criticisms about the catholic Church's hierarchy, calling for a fresher and more inspired outlook. In here he gives practical advice on how to practice a life of prayer for fellow Christians, some chapters include "How to Pray" and the Jesus Prayer, the social implications of sin, and on and on. This book is a no-brainer for those interested in the spiritual life, filled with timeless advice and practice suggestions to further each and every one of our aspirations in coming closer to that Ultimate Mystery: God. Enjoy.

I read about this book in "Economic Times" a month or so ago and bought a copy for myself. I am working with a similar company like Crompton Greaves and hence was interested in the book.

From the first page to the last page...the only way I can describe this book is..really really good! I have read the books by lots of management gurus and am really tired of people telling me what to do..this book is a pleasant surprise!

Being familiar with Indian business environment, I am really impressed with this work..as a matter of fact, I have already started some evaluation in my plant based on the book!

In short, a must-have book for all the people interested in how Indian firms are facing up the challenges of globalisation....worth every rupee!

This book is one of the few management/business related books that does not "preach" the readers about what they "should" do, but rather analyzes the realities as they exist for thousands of firms around the world while the firms are grappling with the issues of competing in foreign environment.

The detailed analysis of supplier relations is very cogent and timely in these days of global supply chain management and hollow organisations.

An ideal companion for all business people and researchers interested in Asia...

Costume, Textiles And Jewellery Of India: Traditions In Rajasthan is a wondrously informative exploration of traditional Indian attire. Lavishly illustrated with full color photographs on every page, Costume, Textiles And Jewellery Of India reveals how Indian attire proclaims one's place of origin, social position, marital status, occupation, religious affiliations, and even reflections on the changing seasons as well as other psychological aspects of day-to-day life. Information drawn from fifteen years of dedicated research is transformed into a highly accessible and wondrous tour of the physical, historical, trade, cultural and spiritual factors inherent in Indian textiles. A beautiful and enriching tour as eye-catching for lay readers as it is for serious-minded garment designers understanding and inspiration in India's ancient traditions.

The Indian clothing expert Bhandari does a tour de force. Nothing is left out--from origins of and historical influences on Indian garb to materials and manufacture; from basic clothing to the variety of ornaments and accessories; from jewelry and bracelets to class and ethnic wear. The often exotic Indian clothing so noticeable to outsiders does not basically reflect the fashion tastes or personality of the wearer, but instead mainly denotes social station and sometimes occupation. As expected, the more sumptuous clothing and jewelry goes with those of higher class. But the typical clothing of farmers, laborers, and lower-class Indians is also colorful and elaborate in its own way. Rajasthan in northwestern India was chosen as the focus for this one-of-a-kind work because of its historical and cultural significance and the mix of different classes and ethnic groups found there. The Indian state's name is derived from Rajputs, or "sons of kings." Bhandari's meticulous text is so fascinating and endlessly informative that one is hardly conscious of the exhaustive scholarship and research going into it. Often noting measurements, techniques used by the clothing makers, how an article is worn, and what is signifies, the text nonetheless does not strike one as being technical since it deals with such a colorful subject. Readers will fall into a pattern of looking at the attractive, rich color photographs and occasional illustrations and diagrams as they come, and then going to the text to find what interesting facts and points the author has on the items the men and women are wearing. Many readers will try to put their growing knowledge to work to guess social status of the individuals shown and the meanings of their accouterments. The descriptive captions should not be glossed over either. The color photo of one man notes that his "sword denotes his royal lineage, the silk tie [around it] signifying that it is carried in peace." But one of the countless bits of social and cultural lore one learns is the significance of turbans in family relationships and relationships with others. A four-page glossary of hundreds of terms testifies to the complexity of Indian clothing. This is a remarkable work with its generous fund of knowledge, skilled organization, and magnetic appearance.

I have read several of Tagore's works but nothing has ever touched me as deeply as the lines in these poems about children and their loves. The one on the death of a child is my favorite. I lost my own child with leukemia several years ago and thought the tears had all dried up but these touching words of this great poetic master found some still tender areas. If these poems are so very beautiful in their English translations, I can only guess what they must sound like in the original rhythmic and lyrical Bengali language. Thank you for allowing me to review and recommend this book

My mom read some of these poems to me as a child. When she was dying, I read them to her. She smiled when almost nothing made her smile. And then later in the process, they calmed her when nearly nothing else could calm her. These poems seem almost sacred to me.

Reading this book tells Ambedkar was a great scholar.It all describes about how dalits , called lower caste people are treated. It tells about the how india showing two faces towards this community . Inside still these peoples kept separate and treated badly outside it try to create an image as enough and more benefits are given to this society

History, political history in particular is a chronology of rule. Who ruled and who were ruled? History is written by the historians but nevertheless, rulers strongly influence the historical writings. This is especially true in India where a minuscule minority ruled over the majority for centuries. Majority of the people were strictly barred from the opportunity of education till 150 years ago. Injustice has been done to the untouchables while writing the history of the independence of India. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's name is often omitted or finds only a terse mention in the books of history. He alone fought to get human rights for the Indian masses comprising backward classes , scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. He awakened the masses , made them aware of their pathetic conditions , infused the spirit of self respect and social equality. As the chief architect of the Indian constitution , has been singularly responsible for the firm establishment of modern political and social values in India. Dr. Ambedkar's followership is has surpassed that of Gandhi and Nehru. This is evident on his birth and death anniversary. Yet, this is not reflected even today in the historical or contemporary writings. This is a glaring anomaly in the writing of modern Indian history. The book `Dalits and the Democratic Revolution : Dr. Ambedkar and the Dalit Movement in Colonial India' by Gail Omvedt is exceptional in this respect. This book brings out several veritable socio-political facts hitherto unknown to the intellectuals as well as to the common citizens. This book clearly highlights the fact enunciated by Dr. B.R.Ambedkar that the untouchability was basically a political problem rather than a social stigma. The role of Dalit movement under the leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the harbinger of the new social order based on liberty, equality and fraternity in modern has been brought in light like never before . It was a fight against the advocates of the old social order of the caste based inequality as well as the relative reluctance of British to promote social reforms. The author has a holistic understanding of the historical conflict of Bramhnical and non Bramhnical ideologies. This has enabled her to present the entire subject in a proper perspective. This book is a must for the students of Indian sociology and Indian polity. Above average intellectual lay persons will find this book useful in analyzing perplexities of the contemporary politics as the genealogy of the current political problems can be traced in the failure of National political parties in honoring the political aspirations of the Dalits raised by Dr. B.R.Ambedkar.

"Dance of the Fireflies" takes you deep within the life of street children in India, following the footsteps of a 7-year old boy, Chotu, who refuses to give up his dream. He leaves his small village to pursue a new life in the "big city". But, as you can imagine, he quickly finds out how dangerous life is for a child on his own and how challenging it will be to realize his once-simple dream. He discovers how to survive and the novel follows the twists and turns of his life as he struggles relentlessly to overcome the odds. The novel was inspired by Rucha Humnabadkar's work as a journalist and her own experiences with India's street children.

Her vivid style brings to life the gritty realism of the harsh life of a child on the streets, but you cannot help but be inspired by her examples of amazing human spirit, courage, and hope. She also captures the unbelievable resilience of children and how they overcome all to live a life worth living that still includes moments of happiness and joy.

This novel reminded me of a couple other books. One about another young boy seeking his destiny and following dreams; The Alchemist. Another about hardship and redemption; The Kite Runner.

In all, a surprisingly inspirational book that leaves you with a complex blend of both sympathy and admiration.

Remember the epic story of Krishna and Manju living hand-to-mouth on the streets of Bombay and the award winning screenplay/movie by Mira Nair and Sooni Taraporevala - Salaam Bombay! After destroying his brother's motor-bike, Krishna fled to Bombay to earn 500 Rupees (approx $10) to repay his mother. Humnabadkar resurrects the story of street children in Indian cities with Dance of the Fireflies. After his parents are deceased, 7-year old Chotu leaves his unknown village to go to Hyderabad, earn 500 Rupees and buy a new red bicycle. Young Tasneem ends up in Hyderabad after losing her entire family in a tsunami-stricken village in Tamil Nadu. The story revolves around the lives of these two kids. It is now time to do a Salaam Hyderabad and bring this story to life. If Mira Nair has graduated to catering to the cultural problems of NRI's, I would urge the brilliant Nagesh Kukunoor to pick this up and do justice to this story.

Caste-based discrimination and religion-based crimes in India are still mainstream and directly affect the lives of majority of her population. The adverse impact of these factors on our cultural DNA undeniably hits home when you look at the lives of children. There is no blaming the innocence of a child when her life is a reflection of everything that is wrong about the society we live in.

The book is fast-paced and sometimes you wish the author had spent more time focusing on fewer issues and dived deeper into the nuances of sensitive and complex situations. Then again, maybe the shallowness and irony of everyday decisions that impact the entire lives of hundreds of millions of people are best conveyed abruptly. The story is real, heartfelt, passionate and constructive. Great debut!

Madan Vasishta was struck deaf at age 11 after a bout of typhoid fever and mumps. What a remarkable story of being thrown from the hearing world into the world of deafness. This book is filled with humor and insight, and a complete lack of self-pity.
I enjoyed the depictions of village life in rural India, and the stories of all the "cures" that Vasishta was subjected to by well-meaning family and friends. Faced with many challenges, the author refused to see his deafness as a handicap.I admired his resilience and ingenuity in finding ways to get what he needed, rather than just accepting that his deafness was the result of fate or karma.

Through his perseverance and dedication to getting an education, Vasishta was able to rise from being a cowherd to being accepted as a student at Gallaudet University in the USA.
Truly, a story that inspires.

I look forward to the next book.

My favorite thing about Deaf in Delhi is the narrator's voice. He tells so many entertaining, heartbreaking, and funny stories from a perspective that captures him at a particular age in his life, but also with the wisdom of a man looking back at his life. A very inspiring story that easily connects reader to writer--you will feel as if you have just started a new friendship after reading it.