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The novel Rishika by Dipavali Sen describes a journey that Ila, a working woman in the NCR, takes in her lonely flat by reading ancient Indian texts through the night. She reads about the lives of Rishikas or women sages mentioned in the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Puranas. She re-lives as well as re-creates those stories with her own contemporary approach. Based on original material in Sanskrit, this book provides - through Ila - a fresh look at an essentially male-dominated world where women are still doing their tapasya and coping with challenges. Interspersed with the lives of Gargi, Apala and the like, there are snippets of Ila's own life. This is what makes the book a blend of the present and the past.
Duhshala: Princess and Queen Lost in Time by Dipavali Sen brings to life the forgotten tale of Duhshala, the only sister of the Kauravas from the epic Mahabharata. Overshadowed by the wars and glories of her brothers, her voice and struggles remained unheard. This book delves into her journey as both princess and queen, exploring her emotions, choices, and resilience in a world dominated by men and conflict. Through historical imagination and storytelling, the author revives a character lost in time, presenting a compelling portrait of a woman who sought identity, dignity, and strength amidst turbulent destinies.
A ghost that giggles and tells stories on a moonless night, a king whose intelligence is as sharp as his curved sword, meet them in this innovated yet authentic retelling of the Sanskrit classic Vetala-panchavimshati which goes back beyond the 11th century CE. Vetala Pacchisi (Twenty-five Vetala Tales) in Hindi is a household name. In Bengali, retold by educationist and social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, it pre-dates Indias First War of Independence. For generations, these stories have entertained as well as intrigued. They have been read and retold numerous times and yet have remained relevant. In the world of today, globalised yet divided, advanced yet insecure, they continue to be so. This is because they contain revelations of human nature as well as socio-political events, and can help the governance of countries as well as everyday conduct. Remaining loyal to the Sanskrit sources, here the author has both abridged and expanded the Vikram and Vetal lore prevalent in India. ***
Set off on a colourful trail of tales - from Kashmir to Kerala, Gujarat to Arunachal, and everywhere in between. An enchanted chest, a very special guest, gold coins in a cake, a helpful snake, golden pearls, courageous girls, tears of gems, mangoes and yams, an undead ghost, an incredible host, a world without night, a strong man's might, adamant kings, rivers that sing, a tiger caught by a scaredy-cat - now what do you think of that?! This must-have book brings you the most fascinating folktales - from each of India's 28 states and eight Union Territories - brought to life with rich, vibrant illustrations. Celebrate India's storytelling tradition - timeless stories and breathtaking art - all in one magical book! Featuring stories by: Amrita Bogra, Benita Sen, Deepa Agarwal, Devika Rangachari, Dipavali Sen, Girija Rani Asthana, Indira Bagchi, Ira Saxena, Katie Bagli, Mamata Pandya, Neera Jain, Nita Berry, Nilima Jha, Nilima Sinha, Paulomi Misra Jindal, Ramendra Kumar, Ratna Manucha, Santhini Govindan, Savitri Singh, Shailaja Nair, Somya Dave, Surekha Panandikar, Usha Dutta, Vaneeta Vaid, Varsha Das, Vijaylakshmi Nagaraj and Vinita Krishna.
Come, travel with Kushi, from the bed in the morgue where she lies as an unidentified corpse – a rape-and-murder victim. To her childhood and teenage in Kolkata and Rajpur, early marriage days in East Delhi beyond the Yamuna, to a few lovely years in Bangkok, then to the most tortuous decades in a Delhi prison. Travel with her then on the National Highway, going towards Neemrana Fort in Alwar but flowing out in the end in the waters of Garh Ganga in Hapur. Meet Rahul, Kuto, Rakhi Didi, Veena, Tapen, Alex, Shabnam and so many other fellow-travelers. Travel by train, plane, car, taxi and hearse…and then by flowing water.
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This is a fictional interpretation of the story of Subhadra as found in the Mahabharata and the Puranas. It has been related to the modern context through a young woman named Priyanka who lives in Gurgaon. Though separated in time and space, the two women can feel each other's joys and sorrows, and the constraints their brothers subject them to, though lovingly.Love, freedom, and several other ageless issues come together in this novel.
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