Sri Shyam Chalisa

Every region/community of the world has its sahre of oral creativity, in varying measures though. And, accordingly, has its own legacy of ‘chanted narratives’: epical, hostorical, mythical, romantic, or even ritualistic. Which have long survived in the collective memory of its people, having been handed down from generation to generation. Confronted, however, by the ‘cornucopian techno-centrism’ of today’s life, these oral narratives are on their way out everywhere — like many other vibrant cultural phenomena. Highlighting why we need to preserve this intangible heritage of mankind, the volume offers a fascinating study of ‘chanted narratives’ from different regions of India and parts of Southeast Asia. Essentially a multi-author work, it explores the nature of orality and its various attendent aspects, like composition, performance, transmission modes, socio-economic context, and the relationship that exists between its performer and the audience. Also addressing methodological issues concerning the existing definitions and terminologies, the authors argue for a paradigm shift in the academic discourse on orality and oral cultures. Carrying twenty four contributors of leading scholars from France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Nepal, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and UK, the book not only provides theoretical insights into the complex nature of orality, but sets out a rich repertoire of chanted narratives as well. Folklorists, anthropologists, historians and scholars of Indian cultures will find it a useful acquisition.

Rajasthan boasts of many beautiful monuments and structures of the royalty which stand as evidence to India’s glorious ancient culture and heritage. The Bagore-ki-Haveli is one such edifice. The book takes us through the architectural wonders of the haveli to reflect what it had been the royal household of Maharaj of Bagore. With many splendid colour photographs of its impressive rooms, large balconies, wide terraces and attractive, leafy courtyards, it reconstructs the royal household and its functioning, customs and religious practices, costumes and ornaments, and arts and entertainment. It captures the artistic brilliance of the exquisite glass inlay work and paintings in the restored haveli including a gallery of Madhurastakam paintings describing the loveliness of Sri Krishna and his divine lover, Radha. The work highlights the charming style of the haveli that typifies the best of Mewari architecture but has a unique character of its own. The book, a visual delight presenting a glimpse into the royal lifestyle and splendour of the time, will be invaluable to historians studying the history, art and architecture of north India in the centuries before India’s independence and will also interest readers in general as well as tourists.