Kenneth Anderson's "Tales From The Indian Jungle"

This is my first read from Kenneth Anderson. He was a hunter, nature enthusiast and chronicler of wildlife. He spent most of his life in Bengaluru, hence his insights in to jungles of South India remains undisputed.

I am not new to Jungle Adventure stories. I have almost read every book of Jim Corbett, who was another British born Indian from North India, who dedicated his life towards conservation of Indian jungles. The transition from North India's Jim to South India's Ken was flawless and smooth. I could seldom recognize that I was actually reading Ken's book and not Jim's! Both were hunters in their respective regions, both were equally enthused towards conservation and both were equally at home with Indian Jungles and its people. 

"Tales from the Indian Jungle" involves stories touching every sphere of indigenous people, be it a man-eating Tiger, man-eating Panther, other evil and ghost tales, etc. Quiet similar to Jim's "My India". Although Ken moves forward by describing supernatural force/ghost related stories in much detail (Tales of the Supernatural) and as usual leaving it to readers to decide of believing in it or just negating out as superstition. However, Ken's experience with an incident can alter your belief at once, if you belong to later lot (Non-Superstitious one). 

One thing that I learned from the episode is that we urban humans quite often overestimate ourselves with pride and arrogance which is not the case with Indigenous people. They never hold themselves above nature or its forces. They have learnt to be Humble, which we too must learn. 

These books are true entertainment. As such one can be cynical enough to question its authenticity, for instance, would the author be so lucky to escape death from wild beasts every time? To which, even I don't find any answer. However, we are talking about times when men were more close to nature then they are as of now! At such time, Men knew every skill to survive dangers that were most of the times from nature itself. And then talking about authors, they were no ordinary persons, they were trained hunters and well acquainted with their surroundings, hence this facts are sufficient enough to douse our suspicions. 

What makes me read these books (again and again) is simple description of raw nature. For me they are a door to retire to nature, true and original jungles of India that we are seldom to find these days. Its like taking a break to enjoy the nature at fullest!

I would recommend this (and other Jungle adventure books, which I have reviewed and will be reviewing in future) book as good a competitor over a blockbuster movie.

"SPELL OF THE TIGER - THE MAN-EATERS OF SUNDARBANS" By SY Montgomery

 I am obsessed with (true) accounts of Jungles of India. Being a nature enthusiast and a wildlife lover it was not hard for me to find Jim Corbett's accounts and hence then after, this one by SY Montgomery. SY Montgomery's a naturalist. She has authored many books, though this is my first read from her.

Based on infamous Man-eater Tigers of Sundarbans, the work involves much research of her, spanning years, as she thronged to and fro from United States to Sundarbans in both India and Bangladesh. Her resilience and reverence can be understood as you flip through pages. Language Barrier didn't stop her in unearthing secrets and mystery that the mangrove sits on. You can however feel the frustration of her for inability to conduct an effective communication with the locals.

The work does not limit itself to only flora and fauna of Sundarbans as I had expected, rather it encapsulates every being - biotic or abiotic - associated with it. In a broader framework, the author weaves around a holistic ecosystem that is interdependent on Sundarbans. Sundarbans, also an abode of Last Remaining Species of Royal Bengal Tiger, carries an aura that is more of a feeling (touch and hear) than to see through eyes. A hard thing to swallow for a westerner or a rational thinker, although somehow the author concurs to local perception of the region as something beyond mere logic or scientific explanation. For example, a popular local perception that (repeatedly emphasized in the book) a tiger can fly through air; can appear from nowhere; can shrink a human body to half its size, etc., can at once be negated by a westerner but the author neither negates it nor confirms it, that some things cannot be explained, seems to be an appropriate explanation. Shamanism prevails to this day in Sundarbans, surprising is the fact that even the forest department assists the locals in conducting rituals that one must conduct before entering forest for livelihood purposes. The author delves deeper in to such ritual practices and proceeds for validation here. This is where you may find the book goes off topic! 

As a wildlife lover (if you are) you are certainly to expect more enlightenment on flora and fauna, which are elusive to this date. Although there is a brief enlightenment on its diverse flora and fauna, but the author focuses more on local people and henceforth their beliefs and practices or mysticism associated with forest and the locals. She in fact delves deeper in to conduct research on forest gods. As a result at times, I felt little drowsy (No offence) while struggling to find traction. The title does little justice to the work, that is what I believe. In fact the book is great to read if one wants to understand the communities of Sundarbans.

On a concluding note, as I said the work is a treasure for those interested in anthropology of the region. However, if you expect a work, that is majorly based on fauna and flora, this might be a little disappointing, as it did to me. For, any jungle based account surely involves its people who are part of the ecosystem, and hence I cherish their presence in real life or for that matter in a book. However, here author shifts more towards local community and doing slight injustice to fauna and flora of the region. This is my personal opinion and mean no offence to whomsoever it may concern.

"Our Moon Has Blood Clots- A Memoir of a Lost Home in Kashmir" by Rahul Pandita

This is my second read from Rahul Pandita, which in fact should have been my first one. My previous review (kind of) of Rahul Pandita's "Lover boy of Bahawalpur" was also centered on Kashmir and its issue. This one though, is more detailed account of what has been the situation of Kashmir since ancient times. This book can be handy to interpret the situation in valley and its umbilical connections with Pakistan. For a keen curios reader, this book should be preceded by "Lover boy...". That will enable one to understand and comprehend the situation in Kashmir valley in a much better way.

The plot encircles the 'FORCED' MASS EXODUS of Kashmiri pandits from THE VALLEY after 90s. The atrocities met out to minorities were most heinous, brutal and inhumane. The scars of which can still be seen on Kashmiri pandits' lives, even after two decades. 

Kashmir is said to be Heaven on Earth, and indeed it can be known from graphic visualization as the writer narrates. Kashmir has remained a platform for geopolitical conflicts since ages. Having been placed along a transitioning route that enables one to penetrate Indian mainland, the region has remained a complex issue since ages. Every ruler around it tried to claim and leverage its geographical advantages. Unfortunately, one of the most beautiful places on earth had become one of the most disturbed region of the world, and remains so even today. Peaceful periods for Kashmiris has remained brief along intervals of history.

Being a memoir, the reader can empathize the feelings of Kashmiri Pandits. Rahul Pandita's depiction of events unfolding like peeling an onion, ironically waters your eyes. Few events even send shivers and chills down your spine, goosebumps are often while reading events in this work. The author portrays incidents and events that matches and synchronizes with actual events in political background like visit of Indira Gandhi and her insult by uncouth civilians, later Rajiv Gandhi's visit and issues with Governor and his role during Exodus, etc. This enables one to conclude a decent authenticity of memoirs. Being a journalist his work also encapsulates interview with fellow kashmiris, one such being with Vinodkumar Dhar, lone survivor of Wandhama massacre, which made to top headlines during the period. 

I personally believe without reading this book, I wouldn't have ever known the exodus and its impact upon the Kashmiri Pandits and other minorities. I came across the ACTUAL grievances of Kashmiri Pandits only after the abrogation of Article 370, which was welcomed warm heartedly by Kashmiris from across the world. Although my perspective remained much narrow than, until now. After reading this book you can understand the actual situation in the valley. I am still feeling the vibes emanating from the book especially relating to trauma faced by the minorities.

To understand the Geo-political issues of Kashmir, this book is a must read as none other than a Kashmiri itself can satisfy your curiosity relating to the subject, and what better way can one find other than reading this Memoir?

Rahul Pandita's 'The Lover Boy of Bahawalpur'

Rahul Pandita is a Journalist and a Writer. I came across his work while I was searching some other book related on Spying/Investigation etc. This is my first read from him. Anyways, his work is based on investigation associated with terrorist attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama (Jammu Kashmir) on 14th February 2020. The book thus reveals how the case was cracked and links of suicide bombers were successfully established with Masood Azhar (now a UN designated terrorist) and his organization (Jaish-e-Mohammed) based in Pakistan.

Jammu Kashmir has remained a sensitive issue for 3 stakeholders, One, India; Two, Pakistan and Three, Independents (Separatists, who now are aligned with Pakistani interest). The issue of Kashmir is older than independence. The ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, who belonged to Dogra clan, had aspirations of independent state after India's independence along with partition. However, Pakistan staked its claim on Kashmir with unofficial sanctioned invasion with the help of Pakistani tribesmen, Kabaili. Seeing the destruction, inhumane and unruly behavior wrecked upon subjects along with failure of royal military to take the siege under control, Hari Singh had to approach Government of India for help. The story continues with the accession of the state by Government of India. However, a major territory of the state was occupied by Pakistan, which is today known as Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK). PoK since than has become a buffer for Pakistan to launch terror attacks on India, with a ulterior motive of "Bleeding India with thousand cuts" which is also a Pakistan's military doctrine. The motive to put the long story was to make you understand the history of Kashmir unease, which is not a modern phenomena but has a history of its own. Although the book does not mention it, accept it as a complimentary from me.

The Book throws light on politics in Kashmir especially after 90's which resulted in infiltration of cross border terrorism and simultaneously flushing out Kashmiri pandits from their homes in the valley. Mass exodus along with unspeakable atrocities broke the community's soul. At the same time, Kashmir became a melting pot for different terror groups with different ideologies, with same goal of snatching Kashmir from India. The book also points, although not directly, but a sound minded reader would know that Government of India has always acted in a manner as a parent treats a child, to Kashmir and its issue. Meanwhile, attacks on Jammu Kashmir assembly in 2001, later an attack on Indian Parliament, the same year points to laggard nature of Government in dealing towards the issue. Article 370 of the Constitution of India which gives a special status to Jammu & Kashmir has remained a contentious issue in Governance in India and the State as well. The freedom accruing from the Article 370, was used in malignant manner. Until August 5th 2019, when it was finally abrogated. Abrogation of Article 370 was followed by strong reactions from separatists both within Indian borders as well as cross border separatists, additionally even Pakistan showed contention at this move of the government. Naturally, as a pre-emptive measure, government took several measures so as the region would not witness any chaos and terror activities as an incitement against the decision. However, there were many elements across the border who were planning to bleed India Big this time. And unfortunately, Pulwama attack was one such incident.

The book also throws light on events and elements that nourishes terrorism in the valley. The terrorism is often known as an organized crime but how organized?, you can know from this book. The role of 'Hawala' (Money laundering), Off Ground Workers (Mostly stone pelters), even the local-disoriented, brainwashed, illiterate youths, etc. feed the entire terror network and ensure its sustenance. 

The story revolves around a LOVER BOY who is considered a prime suspect in the terror attack. Through him links were established to his uncle, who had a considerable say or rather a prime role in carrying out the attack. The uncle later was found to be Masood Azhar, from across the border. If having a keen interest in investigative literature, you would expect some tactics at play, but only to your disappointment. Being a sensitive issue concerning National Security, the details of investigation were not disclosed elaborately in the book, the argument to which we can willingly align! Through investigation of just one terror attack, it tries to establish the fact that the valley is infested with terrorists and is vulnerable to attacks any time. It also helps us to understand how Kashmir and its politics with India has always been wrongly presented at International platforms. Through this one incident it becomes easy to gauge the ground realities.

Overall the book is a good read, it enables you to understand the ground picture of Kashmir. The flow of writing incidents grips you well to not let go off the book. Concluding it as an insightful yet entertaining read, would be apt.

William Dalrymple's 'CITY OF DJINNS'

This has been my second read from William Dalrymple. His work is based on immense research accommodated by rigorous travelling and meeting persons in face that may aid or be part of lineage concerning historical underpinnings. Undoubtedly and yet again his work has been backed by factual data collected from tangible and intangible sources. And yet again the work is good read providing insights-this time-on a city i.e. Delhi.  

The book owes its origin from Mr. William's stay in India during his journalistic tenure. For a SCOTTISH to have nurtured in temperate climate and ending up in a tropical climate has found an interesting expression in the work, forcing you to visualize graphically. The book thus takes you in to his personal life, his interaction with locals and field guides. Historical incidents, like I previously mentioned in his other work "THE ANARCHY", is the core of his work. His work flows in Reverse Chronology. From Modern history to Ancient history of India, his this technique is intriguing yet interesting. So at times, it becomes predictable what may follow next if you are already aware of Indian History. Yet, his perspective has a potential to add new leash to the narrative.

Starts from British in India and their occupation of Delhi after the mutiny of 1857 and takes you into personal lives of British officers like William Fraser. Their contribution in architecture as well as memoirs has been well recognized and documented. You then take a back seat in to Mughal era. Their architectural achievements and their legacy to Delhi has been portrayed. The legacy of Mughals with respect to societal developments has also been highlighted. Particularly of interest being etiquette of aristocratic Delhi, sporting pleasures of nobles, etc. Mr. William traces out one of the last surviving Mughal descendent and tries to acquire insights into and of their family tree. Again you take a back seat and further find yourself awash in to Sultanate period. Although the contribution of Sultanate period in terms of architecture is meagre, certain administrative measures of the period especially during Muhammad Bin Tughlaq's reign that went into a debacle, were elaborately mentioned. The extensive research in this part accrues from memoirs of various foreign travelers of the time like Ibn Battuta can be seen here. As we again move backwards in History, we come across contributions and legacies on kingdoms in and around Delhi, but this time quite less than their later counterparts. However, evidence of PAINTED GREY WARE pottery around Nigambodh ghat-One of the oldest places in Delhi-helps us trace the history of this Historical place to ancient times. This way Mr. William tries to trace the history of Delhi.

Let me focus on the title of the book. Clearly when you search for the meaning of DJINN, you tread across mythical realms. The Book with such a title thus would demand a portion particularly on The Mythical Aspect. Mr. William's work tries to address this demand, in fact, he also takes on a research and meet certain persons in OLD DELHI to vindicate the Title. His work serves you a platter that has Originality and Rationality although with a tinge of superstitious elements, which he leaves unto readers to decide for! And hence at some point it seems Myths may be real where logic fades.

While reading you might have to struggle to keep pace with the narration. As stories and characters shift, you can at times find yourself in bewilderment, this might be due to the employment of Reverse Chronology technique, I guess. However the flow of narration is precise to ensure you are diverted to track gradually. As we approach last pages, we expect something dramatic (Generic of us), however the end portion in this work disappoints you, as you fail to receive as per your expectation.

Overall, the book enhances your inventory of information on Historical Cities, this time, Delhi. This is a must read for those residing in and around Delhi since imagining to be part of a place which shares historical roots, gives you Goosebumps already!

Sooyong Park's 'THE GREAT SOUL OF SIBERIA'...In search of the Elusive Siberian Tiger

Sooyong Park is a Korean wildlife Conservationist. The first time I came across his work was while watching a documentary-Siberian Tiger Quest, featuring Mike Birkhead. The documentary itself had an impact to sow the seed of curiosity towards elusive Siberian Tigers. 

There are five species of the largest cat on earth-Tiger. Out of which, work on siberian tigers is rare and hence very little is known of this species, which is on the verge of extinction. Hence undoubtedly they are termed as elusive.

Sooyong Park's dedication towards protection and conservation of this elusive species can be known from the documentary, but the documentary cannot comprehend the entire work of his, pictured within mere an hour or less. This work of his compensates this lacking and fills the vacuum. This work takes you in to an adventure that in real life is almost impossible. Additionally it is richly filled with information that can aid for the research purpose as well. Sharing the emotions you might shed few tear drops as well.

Starting from an introduction about the region, it already wraps you into a magical veil, like a fairy tale. You get awestruck with the detailed description of Usuri region. The myths and legends attached to it along with campfire stories of natives makes you feel as if you are in the moment. Sooyong Park has tried to do justice to the efforts of natives in conservation efforts. Although he more so explains the tragedy natives are going through with changing times. How lives of forest people and THE BEAST is interwoven has been the central facet of the work, in fact how humans mostly poachers have brought the region to a brink of crisis is rightly plotted. You will definitely want to commend the zeal and persistence of Mr. Park towards conservation efforts. The ending portion leaves you baffled and confused with a question as to, was it really a wildlife literature or rather another fiction novel from west?

The work definitely inspires you to contribute towards conservation efforts in saving Elusive Siberian Tigers. Initiating as simple as a talk on the topic and trying to know more on the subject will in fact be a gesture of respect towards Mr. Park and others engaged in this effort.

In all, the work is WORTH A READ. It not only entertains (which is bit a slang word to describe) you but also leaves you at the end with deep insights on the habitat as well the cat itself. I would recommend this book especially for those who like me-wildlife enthusiasts-loved Jim Cobett's work.

William Dalrymple's 'The Anarchy'

 History in academics has always been a nightmare to many, especially when we are to face exams/tests for the subject. Remembering dates, facts, personalities is a challenging task, made worse when you don't like the subject. My experience is that, reading History from academic curriculum's point of view, is a challenging task. Academics focus on just facts, they do not have scope of going into depths. This makes it difficult to remember. In such a case you either end up cramming or skipping the topic/subject forever! Reference books especially in Historical subjects, is a must. They enable you to draw a picture by yourself of the subject so that you don't end up as a stranger while reading.

There are many renowned Historians who have provided insightful material on various Historical subjects. Today here I'd like to review the work of Scottish Historian, William Dalrymple's "The Anarchy-The East India Company, Corporate Violence, and The Pillage of an empire"

The Book is placed in a non-fictional category. However, Will has made such an effort that the book feels like fictional although with non-fictional facts attached to it. In short, the flow of the work goes like a story. What starts like a story, turns dramatic chapter after chapter. You end up at a junction of climax that races your heart, force you to clutch your book even harder, you grind the air between your teeth! The experience becomes more alive when you realize that the incidents occurred in real world, just few centuries ago. The experience is more real when you are an Indian and even more when you belong to a place which has been described in the work. The facts make reading even more realistic and interesting. If you are interested in history but you are unable to cope with it without dozing off, this work can be a good start. The Graphical Images makes the work even more beautiful. It not only entertains you, but at the end it leaves you with barge full of academic insights. The energy poured and the work that results out is just commendable.

The work focuses mainly on East India Company, however local affairs are well portrayed so as to give a detailed picture. The rise and decline and prominence of Mughal Empire is well laid out. Several local fiefdoms also finds a place in the work. The Marathas too find a decent place in the work. The book weaves events and empires together in such a manner that at the end you realize that
 every thing happens for a reason.

I would recommend reading this book for students in school, or at least their teachers can share insights with their students. I would also like to recommend it for aspirants preparing for competitive exams, especially UPSC Civil Services. The facts mentioned in here can come handy in written exams.

Books like such, can alter your perspective towards History and would push you to further delve deeper in the subject.

Dale Carnegie's HOW TO WIN FRIENDS & INFLUENCE PEOPLE, an informal review.

You might have observed (and if not, try it!) that your behavior with your loved and near ones is many a times ambiguous. Often they are at the receiving end when you are in rage. Things said or done when you are in rage can unfold consequences in an unfriendly manner. You are well aware of that and despite, you go on committing same mistake again and again, that is so humane and natural. But what is not humane is not taking lessons from it. 

Why am I making stories? I am just building a preface to what I am about to say (write) next.

Dale Carnegie's this piece of work enlightens you...

Firstly, that you are the same character as has been described in various examples of the book.

Secondly, Your behavior is quite natural, which is often the result of circumstances prevailing around you and hence sometimes you are not at fault.

Thirdly, that even if at times, circumstances cannot be in your grip, you have one thing in your hand, potential to change.

Fourth, through examples he neatly says that, "If They can, You can".

The book is filled with real life examples like, one of WALLMART's CEO's own experience, making it easier for reader to corelate. 

The "In a Nutshell" feature, at the end of every part, is really helpful to understand and implement. Especially when comprehensive and bulky chapters have taken you on a ride easy to make you lost, the summary helps to bring you back!

In all, this work of Dale Carnegie has capability of counselling you on improving yourself and your relations with others, without attending to costly appointments of psychiatrists. It helps you experience through vivid examples, through family's point of view, as a customer, as a marketing person, as a business owner and lot more. Of how you could gain optimum results in a prevailing circumstance is the centerpiece of this work.

It is thus not only ONCE A READ book, but I suggest reading it again and again. It will only imprint good ideas in your blood and living a principle and value based life, would become your habit.

Jim Corbett's Man eaters of kumaon, a review.

The possibility of you enjoying a walk in dense jungles of India amidst raw wilderness is next to none, at least now. There are many reasons ranging from problems from your end (time, money, interest, etc.) to problems from Government's end (Laws forbidding trespassing in protected areas on foot) and finally from the nature's end (as nature's resources are depleting faster). Lets not get deeper in to facts that are irrelevant to this blog, rather it might demand an altogether separate blog, per se.

Jim Corbett is a wonderful story teller. His artistic skills mesmerizes you as you keep reading his memoirs. "Man-Eaters of Kumaon" is one of such wonderful creations of Jim Corbett amongst others. 10 Chapters' book would be enough to grasp the skill of this late 19th century and early 20th century hunter. The book takes you into late 19th century and early 20th century India, his area of living and work was confined to Shiwalik Himalayas. Throughout his life he was known more as a hunter and seldom as a conservationist. The book is thus his legacy that preserves his conservation inclined perspective, somewhere elusive yet somewhere more pronounced. Lets get in to setting..

"These stories are true account..." this is what you read as you start flipping pages. As you start reading at some point you MIGHT come to THINK of it being an imaginary creation, to which Jim too prepares himself to defend. He defends as if it was an imaginary piece of work, too many facts and detailing cannot fall in right places at right time, always. To which even reader might concur. His skill of detailing may leave you awestruck, for how can a human be so perfect in detailing a place, a setting or an event? This is what we call God's Gift. Jim has been blessed with this divine gift, which is what makes him a perfect story teller.

The narrator (Jim) sets a stage for audience (reader) by bringing in details from as minute as the color of breaking up of dawn to description of forests as seasons change in Indian subcontinent. This is useful to ensure reader is not alienated from narration as story proceeds. The writing is so subtle that it makes you feel as if you are under the shadow of Jim as he hunts in dense jungles. You can almost feel the chills that one might encounter if he/she walks in the territory of a man-eater that too on foot. The experience will become more alive if one reads it in a natural setting like, at night or when alone. To enliven the experience read it in a forest lodge, Himalayan forest lodge can be a better choice. In addition, Jim brings in emotional elements like compassion, love, loyalty, fear, etc which makes the stories even more interesting. 

"Man-eaters of Kumaon" is all about Man-eating Tigers that roam in Himalayan foothills. He very nascently explains how an animal is never born a man-eater but over period of life, the animal is rather forced to become one out of circumstances created either by its own or Humans. This is where the reader comes in to acquaintance of "The Conservationist, Jim". The trauma that villagers face His love and compassion towards villagers (who are at the receiving end when tigers in their vicinity turns man-eaters) is thoroughly visible. Even villagers' respect towards an Englishman is plainly visible especially when Jim's repeated attempts fail to bring the culprit (Tiger) to terms (Punishment). 

His Innocence and Honesty in writing true facts can be questionable but his creative story telling will remain unquestionable. A wildlife lover might feel hunting tigers was unjust and cruel however Jim manages to pacify the reader in a manner making the grudge vanish.

It is important to know that Independent India's first National park was named after Jim Corbett, only because his conservation efforts were foresighted than his time.

It is a must read for a nature lover, a wildlife enthusiast and especially those who loves stories!!