Categories: History

A Narrative of a Journey from Caunpoor to the Boorendo Pass in the Himalaya Mountains: Via Gwalior, Agra, Delhi, and Sirhind 1821-22 (Volume One)

₹918.00 M.R.P.:₹ 1,275.00 You Save: ₹357.00  (28.00% OFF)
<p>In this book the narrators attempt to give an account of their journey to Lake Mansarovar via Bekhur and Garo. It also gives interesting glimp­ses of the journey to Shatul and Boorendo Passes. Starting their journey from Caunpoor which was a military cantonment the narrators first crossed the Doab to arrive at Kalpi and then travelled to Gwalior crossing Chamba before going on to Agra Mathura etc. and later the Sutlej River. The book is interspersed with interesting anecdotes histories of the places historical monuments and the description of diverse flora and fauna. About the Author Sir Major William Lloyd (1782-1857) was a Welsh military commander and was one of the first Europeans to ascend a Himalayan peak. Alexander Gerard (1792-1839) was a Scottish army officer in India and an early surveyor and explorer of the Himalayas.</p>

A Narrative of a Journey from Caunpoor to the Boorendo Pass in the Himalaya Mountains: Via Gwalior, Agra, Delhi, and Sirhind 1821-22 (Volume Two)

₹979.90 M.R.P.:₹ 1,195.00 You Save: ₹215.10  (18.00% OFF)
<p>In this book the narrators attempt to give an account of their journey to Lake Mansarovar via Bekhur and Garo. It also gives interesting glimp­ses of the journey to Shatul and Boorendo Passes. Starting their journey from Caunpoor which was a military cantonment the narrators first crossed the Doab to arrive at Kalpi and then travelled to Gwalior crossing Chamba before going on to Agra Mathura etc. and later the Sutlej River. The book is interspersed with interesting anecdotes histories of the places historical monuments and the description of diverse flora and fauna. About the Author Sir Major William Lloyd (1782-1857) was a Welsh military commander and was one of the first Europeans to ascend a Himalayan peak. Alexander Gerard (1792-1839) was a Scottish army officer in India and an early surveyor and explorer of the Himalayas.</p>

Burmese Weights and Other Animal-Shaped Weights

₹2,130.00 M.R.P.:₹ 3,000.00 You Save: ₹870.00  (29.00% OFF)
<p>This book describes the famous animalshaped weights of Burma sometimes misnamed ‘opium weights’. Described are previously unknown weights that first appeared in eleventh century Bagan (Burma) the totemic weights of the Ava kings and subsequent weights in the form of the duck fabled hintha and the leonine chinthe and toe. Burmese kings controlled the production of weights which remained in use throughout Burma until the end of the nineteenth century. Such weights in animal form could weigh anywhere from a fraction of a gram up to 60 kg. While these weights were vital in commerce they were iconic for Burmese people. Animalshaped weights spread to neighbouring lands especially Thailand and Laos where depiction of the elephant was prevalent. We explore the relevant weights of other lands including the Ancient World Ghana India China and Vietnam where weights have distinctive and related forms. The book differs greatly from others as it addresses a range of topics often for the first time. These include: the role of weights in Asian cultures the manufacture of weights using lostwax casting metal analysis of weights counterfeit and regional weights ‘weights’ used as amulets weights produced more recently in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries fakes and reproductions and the collectability and care of animalshaped weights. The book is richly illustrated with over 450 colour illustrations. About the Author Rick Willis is a botanist born in Canada known for his works on the chemical interactions of plants (allelopathy) who lives in Melbourne Australia. Recently he has concentrated on his longterm interests in Asian art and antiquities. Over 30 years he has accumulated a vast collection of trade weights from Southeast Asia and India which have formed the core material for the present work and subsequent books on the weights of India. Greg Herman is a Melbournebased collector of Burmese weights who is familiar with South­east Asia. He played a key role with study material and photography and contributed critically to the manuscript.</p>

Odissi and the Geeta Govinda

₹1,164.35 M.R.P.:₹ 1,595.00 You Save: ₹430.65  (27.00% OFF)
<p>The book attempts to trace an overview of the different components that define the cultural landscape of the state of Odisha in relation to its history religious cults art and literature and to link the development of the various aspects to the role played over the centuries by the Geeta Govinda poem in its different manifestations. From being an important component of the rituals performed in the Jagannath Temple to becoming an essential part of the people’s daily lives and artistic expressions this immortal poem has exercised its influence on the cultural landscape of the state from its early inception in the twelfth century until present times. Religious beliefs visual representations performative expressions and literary compositions have been influenced by the strong emotional appeal contained in its verses. Its musical structure spiritual underline and histrionic content have been an essential font of inspiration in the process of the rediscovery of a cultural identity during the last century and continue to exercise a strong influence on the performing arts of the present times. Among all the art forms the classical style of Odissi dance the way it has been restructured in the middle of the last century is perhaps the one which bears the closest contact with the poem almost being synonymous with it. The dance’s lyrical quality and its emotional appeal steeped in a long history of association with devotional and spiritual values make it an ideal form of visual expression for the literary content of the poem. About the Author Ileana Citaristi is an Italianborn Odissi and Chhau dancer guru and choreographer based in Bhubaneshwar since 1979. She has authored three books: The Making of a Guru: Kelucharan Mohapatra: His Life and Times (2001) Traditional Martial Practices in Orissa (2012) and My Journey: A Tale of Two Births (2015). She is imparting training in Odissi and Chhau dance at her own institution Art Vision in Bhubaneswar founded by her in 1996.</p>

The Feudalism Debate

₹786.05 M.R.P.:₹ 995.00 You Save: ₹208.95  (21.00% OFF)
<p>This volume arose as part of global interest in the problematic of feudalism in the 1980s opening up both its theoretical premises and the empirical basis to extensive deep and varied explorations. Most exploration were grounded in Marxist theory. In 1981 Harbans Mukhia’s essay ‘Was There Feudalism in Indian History?’ was published in The Journal of Peasant Studies which triggered an international debate on the problem in the journal’s special issue in 1985 and some subsequent issues. Among the central questions was the tension between the Marxist conception of capitalism as the first world system and several Marxist historians’ construction of feudalism as a universal category. The spatial dimensions of the problem were extended to include China Turkey and Arabia besides Europe and India in the course of the debate. The questioning of some of the received wisdom understandably leads to both fierce defence on its behalf as well as further questions. This extensive reopening of all firmly held views turned the debate into a most satisfying experience for it emphasized exploration rather than agreement. Most contributions to the debate are being published in this volume. About the Author Harbans Mukhia retired as Professor of History Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi</p>

Medieval Panjab in Transition: Authority, Resistance and Spirituality c.1500-c.1700

₹2,495.00 M.R.P.:₹ 2,495.00 You Save: ₹0.00  (0.00% OFF)
<p>This book reconstructs the historical transition in undivided Panjab during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It shows that the assertion of Afghan and Mughal suzerainty faced sustained resistance from local elements particularly the autonomous tribes and hill chiefdoms. In central plains Dulla Bhatti mobilized the toilers of his ancestral domain and leading a relentless fight against Mughal oppression became an abiding symbol of resistance in the collective memory. The multicultural legacy of Panjab evolved through diverse strands of spirituality. The Jogis wedded to monastic discipline supernatural abilities and land grants gained acceptance through their exertions for social betterment. The Sabiris and Qadiris channelized mystical urges towards the technique of prime recitation. The popular verses of Shah Husain Baba Lal and Sultan Bahu proposed a loving relation with God. The legendary lovers perishing in the struggles against patriarchal forces promoted a merger of dissent with spirituality. In the city of Lahore the material pursuits and cultural life were visible in a mosaic of descriptions including episodes of social tension. The book understands the upliftment of depressed castes as a defining feature of Sikhism. It places egalitarian concern of the Sikh Gurus alongside the anticaste protest of Namdev Kabir and Ravidas. Owing to scriptural authority and congregational equality the members of depressed castes attained a numerical majority in the Sikh warrior bands that shook the foundations of the Mughal State. This book relies on evidence from Persian chronicles Mughal newsletters Sufi writings Sikh literature and Panjabi folklore. About the Author Surinder Singh has taught at the Department of History Panjab University Chandigarh. His books include The Making of Medieval Panjab: Politics Society and Culture c.1000c.1500. He has coedited Popular Literature and Premodern Societies in South Asia and Sufism in Punjab: Mystics Literature and Shrines.</p>

History of Indian Air Defence Artillery 1940-1945

₹1,031.55 M.R.P.:₹ 1,495.00 You Save: ₹463.45  (31.00% OFF)
<p>In 1921 the eighth AntiAircraft Battery of Royal Artillery was first stationed in India. However it was only after two decades that the threat from the Japanese expansionism made India to finally realise how illprepared its antiaircraft defences were. Starting from a Battery raised at Colaba Indian AntiAircraft Artillery soon expanded to over thirty four regiments for India to have the second largest concentration of AntiAircraft defences outside the Great Britain. At one time India had more AntiAircraft Regiments than that of field artillery. Numbers aside Indian AntiAircraft gunners served in varied battle­fields with honour both during defeat and victory. If they were at Singa­pore as the fortress fell they kept the Japanese Air Force at bay when Allied forces retreated from Burma and later formed part of the van­guard when the Allies returned to Burma in triumph. Indian AntiAircraft Regiments served in Singapore Malaya Burma Maldives Aden and Iraq. They were truly representative as all regi­ments comprised of varied races and castes. It had a separate training centre for women and was one of the first to enlist women when the WAC(I) manned its operation rooms and drove lorries. They defended key installations protected cities served with field formations participa­ted in amphibious operations served at remote locations facing odds and administrative apathies. About the Author Col Mandeep Singh was commissioned in Air Defence Artillery in 1982 and commanded an Air Defence Group. Singh writes regularly for defence journals on air defence and aerospace matters. He has authored four books on air defence and this book is his first research project with the USI New Delhi.</p>

Memories of a Malabar Lady: M. Sreekumari Vasudevan's Reminiscences of Life with Justice K.S. Menon 1926-1956

₹1,136.20 M.R.P.:₹ 1,495.00 You Save: ₹358.80  (24.00% OFF)
<p>Memories of a Malabar Lady: M. Sreekumari Vasudevan’s Reminiscences of Life with Justice K.S. Menon 19261956 emerged from conversations between a mother and son spanning a decade. It recalls Sreekumari Vasudevan’s early life in the company of her father K.S. Menon whose career in the law took them from Mamballikalam the matrilineal family estate in Malabar to Madras other places in Madras Presidency and the princely state of Jodhpur. It is a story of smaller units and individuals in a sprawling joint family and a young woman’s widening arc of experience. The book is remarkable for how Hari Vasudevan combines the skills of a professional historian and the empathy of a son to fashion the story of an era through the personal modest and smaller scenes of historical change. This book was in manuscript form when Hari passed away and was finalized for publication by Ravi Vasudevan. About the Author M. Sreekumari Vasudevan (19262020) daughter of Justice K.S. Menon and M. Narayaniamma was educated in Yercaud Madras and Jodhpur. She married Methil Vasudevan a specialist in aeronautical and mechanical engineering and had two sons Hari Sankar and Ravi Sankar. Methil Vasudevan’s career took them to Britain and then onto Kenya where they lived for twenty years. After retirement Sreekumari and Vasudevan lived in Coonoor Chennai Delhi and Kolkata. Sreekumari was an avid lover of classical Hindustani Carnatic and western popular music of books and movies someone who enjoyed cooking singing painting and flowers and passed on her enthusiasms to her sons. Hari Vasudevan (19522020) was a highly respected scholar and muchloved teacher of Russian and European history. Educated in Nairobi and Cambridge he taught for over forty years at the Department of History Calcutta University and served with distinction at the Academy of Third World Studies Jamia Millia Islamia and as director Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute for Asian Studies. The last of his books before his untimely death due to COVID19 was In the Footsteps of Afanasii Nikitin: Travels through Eurasia and India in the Twentyfirst Century (2014). Hari is survived by his wife Tapati GuhaThakurta their daughter Mrinalini and brother Ravi.</p>

Gandhi and Adivasis: Tribal Movements in Eastern India (1914-1948)

₹1,131.00 M.R.P.:₹ 1,450.00 You Save: ₹319.00  (22.00% OFF)
<p>Adivasi movements played a very important if not determining role in the India’s freedom struggle. Gandhi’s idea of mass mobilization couldn’t have been successful without the active participation of all sections of the Indian society. Adivasi movements were swelled by Gandhian ideology only during the NonCooperation movement. Though Gandhi’s interest in the tribal problems crystallized at a later stage of his life his influence on tribal movements was revealing. His association with Thakkar Bapa and Verrier Elwin also enriched his knowledge about tribal state of affairs. Adivasis started looking at Gandhi as saviour or a saint who could deliver them justice and peace. But Gandhi always supported Adivasi movements in order to give a mass character to his movements. There were some particular demands of the Adivasis that were not supported by Gandhi. Their armed struggle was also against his nonviolent principles. During the latter half of twentieth century movements like Tana Bhagat and Hari Baba were purely influenced by the Gandhian ideology but failed to achieve their goals. Later on Jharkhand movement adopted the cha­racter of a nonviolent struggle; here also the fruits disappeared. The present work focusses on the first three movements of the Chota Nagpur Plateau of eastern India during Gandhi’s lifetime and the current movements against forceful displacement by POSCO Vedanta and others in order to comprehend his ideological impact on Adivasi move­ments of today. The book has critically analysed and evaluated Gandhi’s impact on the Adivasi situation in colonial and postcolonial India. About the Author Debasree De is an Assistant Professor Department of History Maha­raja Srischandra College Kolkata West Bengal.</p>

A History of Travancore: From the Earliest Times

₹799.35 M.R.P.:₹ 1,095.00 You Save: ₹295.65  (27.00% OFF)
<p>Travancore a southern princely state of India was a well-known region in ancient times. Nevertheless its initial history the extent of its territory and other particulars are mostly buried in obscurity owing to the non-existence of an accurate and detailed history of the kingdom. Travancore under the mother-country’s Chera kingdom covered the best portion of Southern India. It is perhaps the only kingdom in India that preserves its caste religion customs mannerisms institutions etc. Its institutions were never affected by the Mahomedan conquest. A very important feature in the history of Travancore is that even after being reduced to a feudatory state its sov­ereigns were able to extend their dominions; solely on the basis their own bravery. This history will show how the sovereigns and the statesmen of Travancore distinguished them­selves in the government of the kingdom when western enlighten­ment and civilization were unknown to India. This remarkable native state being situated at the southern extremity of the Indian empire had not been brought forward prominently before the public in early times. It is not surprising that the original history re­mained in obscurity. This work carries the reader through the history of Travancore very swiftly. It is the only authoritative work available on this most remarkable part of India. The author has collected the complete information and details from the primary sources where the public had no access and from the royal archives. This is an immensely useful work for every student of Indian history.</p>