Eak Rah Translated from "The Path" by Stephen W Tan of New Zealand

Eak Rah

Translated from "The Path" by Stephen W Tan of New Zealand

now releasing soon in Bengali too

CATALOGUING OF NON BOOK MATERIALS

Releasing again in 2018

CATALOGUING OF NON BOOK MATERIALS

BY

Dr. R K Rout & Dr. B K Choudhury

PADMAVATI-RANI PADMINI OF CHITTORE

RANI PADMINI OF CHITTORE

Chittorgarh remains replete with historic associations and holds a very special place in the hearts of Rajputs, as it was a bastion of the clan at a time when every other stronghold had succumbed to invasion. It is often called as the "Bhakti aur Shakti ki nagari" (land of devotion and strength). The first, Meera Bai, is the most famous female Hindu spiritual poet, whose compositions are still popular throughout North India.The saga of Rani Padmini and her jahur; and the great warrior Maharana Pratap, son of Rana Udai Singh II, is regarded as a personification of the values Rajputs cherish and die for. Whether or not this story as a whole can properly be termed a historical romance, the author, leaves for others to decide. Sultan “Ala-ud-din”, Rani Padmini, her husband had reality. 

Chittore was certainly sacked by Sultan and Padmini did immolate herself by fire to avoid falling into his hands. Equally established are the death, in the final phase of siege, of rattan Singh and the escape of Ajey Singh to carry on the royal line. According to Armald Webb there have been difference of opinion about this between Muslim and Rajput versions, as also the mirror scene and the version of Kangra Rani, guardian goddess of Chittore. The author also suspects the poets of invention. Yet the invention, if such it be, is so unimportant historically and so romantically colourful, that any writer might be excused for clinging to it. Rajputana in its polity, its customs and its outlook has changed so little through the centuries, that anyone can recapture the past from the present. 

The author feels he can safely say with Montaigne, “I have only made anosegay of culled flowers, and have brought little of my own but the thread which bins then together.” Armald Webb, born in 1898 was then a well known literary figure and historian. This book was edited by Dr S K Bhatia in 2005 and published by Gita Enterprises.

Padmini, also known as Padmavati or Rani Padmavati, was a 13th–14th century queen of the Kingdom of Mewar in India.^[2] Several medieval texts mention her, although these versions are disparate and many modern historians question the extent of their overall authenticity.^[3]

The Jayasi text describes her story as follows: Padmavati was an exceptionally beautiful princess of the Sinhalese kingdom (in Sri Lanka).^[a] Ratan Sen, the Rajput ruler of Chittor Fort, heard about her beauty from a talking parrot named Hiraman. After an adventurous quest, he won her hand in marriage and brought her to Chittor. Ratan Sen was captured and imprisoned by Alauddin Khalji, the Sultan of Delhi. While Ratan Sen was in prison, the king of Kumbhalner Devapal became enamoured with Padmavati's beauty and proposed to marry her. Ratan Sen returned to Chittor and entered into a duel with Devapal, in which both died. Alauddin Khalji laid siege to Chittor to obtain Padmavati. Facing a defeat against Khalji, before Chittor was captured, she and her companions committed Jauhar (self-immolation) thereby defeating Khalji's aim and protecting their honour. Coupled to the Jauhar, the Rajput men died fighting on the battlefield.

Many other written and oral tradition versions of her life exist in Hindu and Jain traditions. These versions differ from the Sufi poet Jayasi's version. For example, Rani Padmini's husband Ratan Sen dies fighting the siege of Alauddin Khalji, and thereafter she leads a jauhar. In these versions, she is characterised as a Hindu Rajput queen, who defended her honour against a Muslim invader. Over the years she came to be seen as a historical figure and appeared in several novels, plays, television serials and movies.

Contemporary Governments in Action- New textbook for Law & Political Science Students

राजगृह

Dr. Sayantan Gupta is a medical professional based at Malda, West Bengal. His facile pen has created yet another literary eloquence to exhibit his diverse capabilities and creativity in the form of this book “Abode Of kings “. His earlier works on poetry and novel have different themes than the present one which is based on ancient history and rich civilization of what is now called India. His characters of the novel are familiar to those, in their above fifties, irrespective of whether they were students of ancient History or not. The initial chapters, out of total three parts of the book links reader’s memory back to famous Hindi novel of yesteryears   called “Vaishali Ki Nagarvadhu” by the eminent author, Acharya Chatursen Shastri. At the same time what binds the attention of young, tech savvy readers is the racy, encapsulating narration to build up a long saga involving few generations.

It is to the credit of the writer to develop his storyline without any factual discrepancies with regards to the historic names, ancient places and about the social fabric prevalent in the periods of 500 B.C.

The better part of historic settings is that the general plot is somewhat known and ingenuity in such works, improves the acceptability in the minds of the readers. Amrapaali, Bimbisara, Abhaya, Jivaka, Ajaatshatru, all fit in the large landscape and thus story climaxes to exclaim “Abode of Kings”.

Amongst the central characters, it is Amrapali, the Cleopatra of her time, stands tall amongst others.  She symbolises societal ingraciousness, impure thoughts and basic human instinct of conquer or subjugate, yet it was her character strength with which she bargains for peace for her fellow countrymen, her motherland from the neighbourhood king in disguise, who, enamoured by her charm, was seeking her companionship. Besides central characters, there are others who have also got equal treatment by depiction of their strong ethics, commitment and devotion. Jivaka is one such character who renounces the throne to become a medical   practitioner to serve the humanity. Here the author, successfully draws parallels with his own profession and builds the character of Jivaka, assiduously, to establish “service before self.”

The twirls and twists in the tale is in descending order, each time from fairly positive or complimentary to negative to hostile. It helps maintaining the curiosity of the reader, and at the same time central characters of the story evoke emotions, hold on to their strength and succumb to their weaknesses. This is where the author’s imagination spreads like sunshine through the trees and he seems to lose fear of being wrong.

History, follows geography and there is vivid description of travel through pious rivers like Ganga and Yamuna and great cities like Pataligram, later called Pataliputra, Kashi and so on in quest   for knowledge and learning. Here, the well-researched description of places and people, gives good overview of geography. The city of Rajgir, was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha, a state that would eventually evolve into Mauryan Empire. It was called “Rajgriha”, meaning “the Home of Royalty”.

Part two of the book can be loosely found to be related with state craft where ‘Mridanga to Madira’, ‘Veena to Venom’ and crowns, insatiable appetite of rulers for expansion of their kingdom have been well handled by the author, albeit falls short of significant strategic insight.

The concluding part of the book revolves around “Buddham Sharanam Gachchami.” Here again, the author has been successful in his adaptation of sensitivity of human emotions and brilliantly portrays his central characters in their different avatars. Amrapali valiantly reasons out her new role to be adopted, before ‘Tathagat’ or Buddha and his affirmation showcases the all-encompassing traits of her would be master. Such is the strength of her character and she has been portrayed with deserving intensity.

I compliment the author for his foray into a new turf, against a historic landscape and I may say, he does not disappoint. “Abode of Kings” propounds the Indian philosophy of renouncement towards the end. In any case, storyline against historical background may not necessarily have calamitous or happy ending as a matter of rule.

                                                Dr. Kiran Singh

New Fiction based on Kingdom of Taxela and Magadh. Story of war & Peace

by Dr Sayantan Gupta

राजगृह                                

                                                FOREWORD




Dr. Sayantan Gupta is a medical
professional based at Malda, West Bengal. His facile pen has created yet
another literary eloquence to exhibit his diverse capabilities and creativity
in the form of this book “Abode Of kings “. His earlier works on poetry and
novel have different themes than the present one which is based on ancient
history and rich civilization of what is now called India. His characters of
the novel are familiar to those, in their above fifties, irrespective of
whether they were students of ancient History or not. The initial chapters, out
of total three parts of the book links reader’s memory back to famous Hindi
novel of yesteryears   called “Vaishali
Ki Nagarvadhu” by the eminent author, Acharya Chatursen Shastri. At the same
time what binds the attention of young, tech savvy readers is the racy,
encapsulating narration to build up a long saga involving few generations.

It is to the credit of the writer to
develop his storyline without any factual discrepancies with regards to the
historic names, ancient places and about the social fabric prevalent in the
periods of 500 B.C.

The better part of historic settings
is that the general plot is somewhat known and ingenuity in such works,
improves the acceptability in the minds of the readers. Amrapaali, Bimbisara,
Abhaya, Jivaka, Ajaatshatru, all fit in the large landscape and thus story
climaxes to exclaim “Abode of Kings”. 

Amongst the central characters, it is
Amrapali, the Cleopatra of her time, stands tall amongst others.  She symbolises societal ingraciousness,
impure thoughts and basic human instinct of conquer or subjugate, yet it was
her character strength with which she bargains for peace for her fellow
countrymen, her motherland from the neighbourhood king in disguise, who,
enamoured by her charm, was seeking her companionship. Besides central
characters, there are others who have also got equal treatment by depiction of
their strong ethics, commitment and devotion. Jivaka is one such character who
renounces the throne to become a medical  
practitioner to serve the humanity. Here the author, successfully draws
parallels with his own profession and builds the character of Jivaka,
assiduously, to establish “service before self.”

The twirls and twists in the tale is
in descending order, each time from fairly positive or complimentary to
negative to hostile. It helps maintaining the curiosity of the reader, and at
the same time central characters of the story evoke emotions, hold on to their
strength and succumb to their weaknesses. This is where the author’s
imagination spreads like sunshine through the trees and he seems to lose fear
of being wrong.

History, follows geography and there
is vivid description of travel through pious rivers like Ganga and Yamuna and
great cities like Pataligram, later called Pataliputra, Kashi and so on in
quest   for knowledge and learning. Here,
the well-researched description of places and people, gives good overview of
geography. The city of Rajgir, was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha,
a state that would eventually evolve into Mauryan Empire. It was called “Rajgriha”,
meaning “the Home of Royalty”.

Part two of the book can be loosely
found to be related with state craft where ‘Mridanga to Madira’, ‘Veena to
Venom’ and crowns, insatiable appetite of rulers for expansion of their kingdom
have been well handled by the author, albeit falls short of significant
strategic insight.

The concluding part of the book
revolves around “Buddham Sharanam Gachchami.” Here again, the author has been
successful in his adaptation of sensitivity of human emotions and brilliantly
portrays his central characters in their different avatars. Amrapali valiantly
reasons out her new role to be adopted, before ‘Tathagat’ or Buddha and his
affirmation showcases the all-encompassing traits of her would be master. Such
is the strength of her character and she has been portrayed with deserving
intensity.

I compliment the author for his foray
into a new turf, against a historic landscape and I may say, he does not disappoint.
“Abode of Kings” propounds the Indian philosophy of renouncement towards the
end. In any case, storyline against historical background may not necessarily
have calamitous or happy ending as a matter of rule.




                                                Dr.
Kiran Singh
Dr Gupta

                                                FOREWORD




Dr. Sayantan Gupta is a medical
professional based at Malda, West Bengal. His facile pen has created yet
another literary eloquence to exhibit his diverse capabilities and creativity
in the form of this book “Abode Of kings “. His earlier works on poetry and
novel have different themes than the present one which is based on ancient
history and rich civilization of what is now called India. His characters of
the novel are familiar to those, in their above fifties, irrespective of
whether they were students of ancient History or not. The initial chapters, out
of total three parts of the book links reader’s memory back to famous Hindi
novel of yesteryears   called “Vaishali
Ki Nagarvadhu” by the eminent author, Acharya Chatursen Shastri. At the same
time what binds the attention of young, tech savvy readers is the racy,
encapsulating narration to build up a long saga involving few generations.

It is to the credit of the writer to
develop his storyline without any factual discrepancies with regards to the
historic names, ancient places and about the social fabric prevalent in the
periods of 500 B.C.

The better part of historic settings
is that the general plot is somewhat known and ingenuity in such works,
improves the acceptability in the minds of the readers. Amrapaali, Bimbisara,
Abhaya, Jivaka, Ajaatshatru, all fit in the large landscape and thus story
climaxes to exclaim “Abode of Kings”. 

Amongst the central characters, it is
Amrapali, the Cleopatra of her time, stands tall amongst others.  She symbolises societal ingraciousness,
impure thoughts and basic human instinct of conquer or subjugate, yet it was
her character strength with which she bargains for peace for her fellow
countrymen, her motherland from the neighbourhood king in disguise, who,
enamoured by her charm, was seeking her companionship. Besides central
characters, there are others who have also got equal treatment by depiction of
their strong ethics, commitment and devotion. Jivaka is one such character who
renounces the throne to become a medical  
practitioner to serve the humanity. Here the author, successfully draws
parallels with his own profession and builds the character of Jivaka,
assiduously, to establish “service before self.”

The twirls and twists in the tale is
in descending order, each time from fairly positive or complimentary to
negative to hostile. It helps maintaining the curiosity of the reader, and at
the same time central characters of the story evoke emotions, hold on to their
strength and succumb to their weaknesses. This is where the author’s
imagination spreads like sunshine through the trees and he seems to lose fear
of being wrong.

History, follows geography and there
is vivid description of travel through pious rivers like Ganga and Yamuna and
great cities like Pataligram, later called Pataliputra, Kashi and so on in
quest   for knowledge and learning. Here,
the well-researched description of places and people, gives good overview of
geography. The city of Rajgir, was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha,
a state that would eventually evolve into Mauryan Empire. It was called “Rajgriha”,
meaning “the Home of Royalty”.

Part two of the book can be loosely
found to be related with state craft where ‘Mridanga to Madira’, ‘Veena to
Venom’ and crowns, insatiable appetite of rulers for expansion of their kingdom
have been well handled by the author, albeit falls short of significant
strategic insight.

The concluding part of the book
revolves around “Buddham Sharanam Gachchami.” Here again, the author has been
successful in his adaptation of sensitivity of human emotions and brilliantly
portrays his central characters in their different avatars. Amrapali valiantly
reasons out her new role to be adopted, before ‘Tathagat’ or Buddha and his
affirmation showcases the all-encompassing traits of her would be master. Such
is the strength of her character and she has been portrayed with deserving
intensity.

I compliment the author for his foray
into a new turf, against a historic landscape and I may say, he does not disappoint.
“Abode of Kings” propounds the Indian philosophy of renouncement towards the
end. In any case, storyline against historical background may not necessarily
have calamitous or happy ending as a matter of rule.




                                                Dr.
Kiran Singh

Dr. Sayantan Gupta is a medical
professional based at Malda, West Bengal. His facile pen has created yet
another literary eloquence to exhibit his diverse capabilities and creativity
in the form of this book “Abode Of kings “. His earlier works on poetry and
novel have different themes than the present one which is based on ancient
history and rich civilization of what is now called India. His characters of
the novel are familiar to those, in their above fifties, irrespective of
whether they were students of ancient History or not. The initial chapters, out
of total three parts of the book links reader’s memory back to famous Hindi
novel of yesteryears   called “Vaishali
Ki Nagarvadhu” by the eminent author, Acharya Chatursen Shastri. At the same
time what binds the attention of young, tech savvy readers is the racy,
encapsulating narration to build up a long saga involving few generations.
He is medical practitioner by profession with a passion to