tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1252029670999470882024-03-06T11:29:48.544+08:00The Āryavarta ChroniclesVirtual home of Krishna Udayasankar, author of The Aryavarta ChroniclesKrishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-39480480930259628952013-08-25T00:37:00.001+08:002013-08-25T00:39:07.773+08:00The Aryavarta Chronicles Book 2: Kaurava<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Watch out for The Aryavarta Chronicles Book 2: Kaurava<br />
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Coming your way very soon!<br />
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Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-6205839794824899942012-08-10T18:12:00.001+08:002012-08-10T18:12:49.218+08:00Magical Madness!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Magical Madness - that's the only way to describe these past some days. After launching Govinda: Book 1 of the Aryavarta Chronicles in both Delhi and Bangalore (and feasting on some great food in the process - details of the road trip to follow) its back to reality, the computer, and Book 2 - though an air of excitement still remains.<br />
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For one, Govinda has made it to the Asian Age's top ten bestsellers lists (and I'm personally uber-kicked to be in the company of Jeet Thayil and "Narcopolis")<br />
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The Asian Age has also carried an interview, in which I manage to sound (IMHO) not very dorky, so that went well. <br />
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More stuff is sent to happen over the next couple of weeks - am doing my first Singapore reading tomorrow (the 11th of August) at Select Books on Armenian Street. I will be part on an exciting line-up that includes Vincent Clay, Stephanie Ye, and Heng Siok Tan. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0fKqEayXGQutORONYPoMf-3gupsfliEWg25iRW8Xw15DTn5Cza_cUfEnKQM1ATvwTrkS3oF-4S8T_cGk6ZKjVv1CosI3r3Vye5fsq4ST14FJ-pfVhcqiV3z8-V2iVd8Zn1QldJv-3s8/s1600/An+epic+for+Generation+Y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0fKqEayXGQutORONYPoMf-3gupsfliEWg25iRW8Xw15DTn5Cza_cUfEnKQM1ATvwTrkS3oF-4S8T_cGk6ZKjVv1CosI3r3Vye5fsq4ST14FJ-pfVhcqiV3z8-V2iVd8Zn1QldJv-3s8/s320/An+epic+for+Generation+Y.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Also, The Aryavarta Chronicles now has its own Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/thearyavartachronicles<br />
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Note also the new website: www.aryavartachronicles.com <br />
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No wonder I'm still reeling :-)<br />
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</div></div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-82786729243339300032012-08-02T17:31:00.000+08:002012-08-02T17:31:38.704+08:00The Aryavarta Chronicles Book 1: Govinda now available in bookstoresGovinda: Book 1 of The Aryavarta Chronicles now available in stores <div class="restofpost"> <br />
Its here! Copies of Govinda are available in leading bookstores across India and Singapore. Crossword has also designated it their "Book of the Month". For those of you who prefer to shop online, IndiaPlaza, Flipkart, Sapna Book House and other merchants let you buy it online. <br />
Here's hoping you enjoy reading it! </div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-23149562917499242722012-06-27T23:14:00.001+08:002012-06-27T23:14:43.908+08:00Govinda - Book CoverAnd here it is: The final cover... Also watch out for the poster in bookstores soon!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ujHKZ-c2Qae6MPeeSnwXaq_HFz9NjDSWlFfR_wSJUxGaMMu99DtsnkBBuAXiebOCY3tKjroeBU3A-nMMoe_qMa7o3v5BAAkKyc2BS8JB7p6asUfzgHyiUKJu4fSi26Pux8-jmMMOXvk/s1600/Hachette_Aryavarta+Chronicles+1+Cover_Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="285" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ujHKZ-c2Qae6MPeeSnwXaq_HFz9NjDSWlFfR_wSJUxGaMMu99DtsnkBBuAXiebOCY3tKjroeBU3A-nMMoe_qMa7o3v5BAAkKyc2BS8JB7p6asUfzgHyiUKJu4fSi26Pux8-jmMMOXvk/s400/Hachette_Aryavarta+Chronicles+1+Cover_Small.jpg" /></a></div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-31816035055542109452012-05-31T13:13:00.000+08:002012-05-31T13:13:42.419+08:00Straits Times Article - and a sneak peek at the cover of "Govinda"Things reach a feverish high with endless proofreading, tweaking and edits, amidst that ever-present sense of irrevocability that is publication. To press, very soon, and then...
In the meantime, The Straits Times, Singapore's leading national paper features the Aryavarta Chronicles (and me). Also part of the article is a pic of the final cover of "Govinda" - showing the city on sea in the background and Govinda's sword in the foreground.
'Nuff said - The article follows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBqs_jaFDkRs9OrSV0vZ-uqD7SX2dHh_6AdvkgtchovFjDMWsbFRMiJKRY4E4KjN-lIqd0TXXgcn3T48ha6N-EEz2FNLtvitaS9OVzP8fE9mkbweZTYWKtFilQ5Y2dQDLrWh5Mt4Eoc4/s1600/Books+Abroad-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBqs_jaFDkRs9OrSV0vZ-uqD7SX2dHh_6AdvkgtchovFjDMWsbFRMiJKRY4E4KjN-lIqd0TXXgcn3T48ha6N-EEz2FNLtvitaS9OVzP8fE9mkbweZTYWKtFilQ5Y2dQDLrWh5Mt4Eoc4/s400/Books+Abroad-2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="restofpost"></div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-59585642045281539422012-03-06T19:09:00.001+08:002012-03-06T19:52:48.256+08:00And the countdown begins....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It hits me with a slight, somewhat-pleasant jolt that after all the hard work (a reason why things have been quiet on this blog for a while now) and anticipation, 'Govinda' is now in the last stages of editing - and of course to be published within a matter of months!</div>
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As work continues on full throttle, the past few months have also seen the Chronicles receive mention in the press. Most notably, the Aryavarta Chronicles made it to the much-followed Hindustan Times list of trends to watch out for in 2012! </div>
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<a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/Brunch/Brunch-Stories/2012-What-s-trending-now/Article1-789032.aspx" target="_blank">Hindustan Times - 2012: What's trending now</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESxlSJcwHaX6zPc2tph6JCn5UBRkdWwPJUd0Y_ubTg9nTkTIPoZW751dy80ipmgcfr1GfxpJ8gKHlhcB4KyrSBCdXbBdLryCW294d2ImNPQsBKpyk8_OrAqBupivSCd95DNNFBerdEvo/s1600/TOI_27Nov_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESxlSJcwHaX6zPc2tph6JCn5UBRkdWwPJUd0Y_ubTg9nTkTIPoZW751dy80ipmgcfr1GfxpJ8gKHlhcB4KyrSBCdXbBdLryCW294d2ImNPQsBKpyk8_OrAqBupivSCd95DNNFBerdEvo/s200/TOI_27Nov_2011.jpg" uda="true" width="200" /></a>The Aryavarta Chronicles were also picked up by the Times of India and mentioned in its national pages as part of an article on trilogies. </div>
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So, here's to all the excitement 2012 promises! Look out for sneak peeks of the book cover of Govinda, soon!</div>
</div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-71164861161633978842011-10-30T19:52:00.000+08:002011-10-30T19:52:50.709+08:00A New Book Project<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As the first three books of the Aryavarta chronicles move into the publication process (Watch out for <em>Govinda</em> early next year), I've begun work on a new book, which is not part of the Chronicles. Of course, my love for mytho-history won't let me wander too far from my favourite characters and stories, but this time, am trying something that blends mytho-history with a contemporary setting. In terms of style too, am trying a first-person narrative - A lot of fun to write, considering my protagonist is a rather snide, sarcastic kind of guy. He's a dash complex too, which makes it interesting to be inside his head, and tell a story from his point of view.<br />
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And what is this book all about? Well, here goes: the blurb is below:<br />
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<strong><u>Immortal </u></strong></div>
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<em>“Some say immortality is a curse, that when you’ve been alive long enough, you’ll begin to long for death. The loneliness gets to you. Death becomes the only hope, and the only purpose in life is to find a way to die. And so begins the saga of lonely vampires, and werewolves mourning their lost humanity, tales of undead creatures grieving over lost human virtue and human need. But, there’s a problem with those stories. </em></div>
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<em>They’re told by mortals. </em></div>
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<em>I am not like them. I don’t believe in magic. And of course, I am immortal.” </em></div>
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Professor Bharadvaj is more than just another whisky-loving, gun-toting historian for hire. Behind the cynical academic hides a man from another age, a man who is neither accursed, nor has super-powers. But a man who cannot die. He is Asvatthama, scholar, warrior and King; a man who has endured in common lore as a myth, a faraway, magical notion. Born in the Epic Ages of India, the time of the Vedas, of mystic seers and ancient Empires, Asvatthama lived amongst those whom the present reveres as Gods. He fought in a great war and survived - Immortal. <br />
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Now, millennia later, as he stands poised to follow his centuries-old routine of casting aside one mortal personality for another, Asvatthama – or his alter identity, Professor Bharadvaj, is dragged into a search for a historical artifact unlike any other. Together with his young assistant Manohar, and the beguiling but tough client, Maya Jervois, he sets out to look for the Keystone – an ancient power hidden in the mysteries of alchemy that are far, far older than he is. Chased by dangerous mercenaries and unknown assassins, the trio travel the length and breadth of India in what becomes more than just a search for the Stone. It is a puzzle left by the ancients, along with horrible traps. Traps that even immortals must fear, for ironically, the puzzle is one that only the fearless can solve. <br />
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As the Professor and his colleagues race from New Delhi to the western coast; from the old city of Kashi, to the mysterious hills of the South, the legendary home of the Siddhas – ancient alchemists, and finally into the heart of the Himalayas in Tibet, Asvatthama must make another kind of journey – into his own mind, his fears, and his unquenchable love of life itself, to discover the true meaning of immortality. </div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-64253375362839713842011-08-16T19:34:00.000+08:002011-08-16T19:34:08.539+08:00My First Writing Grant!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yet another announcement – with some musings on the side. </span><br />
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<div closure_uid_h9epgv="160"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Am delighted to share that I have been awarded a grant by the National Arts Council, Singapore, to work on a new manuscript - a collection of interlinked short stories that come together to form an eclectic novel of sorts. The collection is an attempt to go into the hearts and minds of a city’s diverse (read: multi-national) migrant population, in a search for the meaning of socio-cultural identity. </span></div></div><div class="restofpost"><div closure_uid_h9epgv="147"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<span closure_uid_h9epgv="172" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What does this have to do with the Chronicles? Can I even write contemporary fiction after having drowned (and left still floundering) in the amazingly vast and complex historical past? The kind of things I learnt from shaking myself out of the comfort zone with just thinking about this new endeavour, have been huge.</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My first response was, and is, that the Chronicles are as contemporary as it gets. They are stories of human nature and human action – based on a modern understanding of human beings. The story is set in an ancient time and context yes, but its characters are ascribed personality, elements of rationality and decisions-making processes that we of today’s world can totally relate to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Somehow, I find that thought both illuminating and humbling at once – Humbling especially since it fills me with renewed respect for many of the men and women in the Chronicles, and illuminating because it brought me to understand one of the key things I love about writing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Which brings me to my second response: Over these months, I’ve realised that my passion lies in searching for the alternative perspective that inevitably underlies every narrative. Just as the Aryavarta Chronicles draw strongly on the subaltern explanations behind what we consider established ancient lore, my new foray into contemporary fiction is an attempt to explore the psychological intricacies that underlie routines of modern life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And on that note, I’ve just had yet another realisation. Perhaps, no matter what I write, my fascination with humanity, my faith that borders on reverence shall always remain.</span></div></div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-86238905700914934412011-06-19T00:25:00.000+08:002011-06-19T00:25:32.365+08:00The Aryavarta Chronicles - Soon to be published by Hachette India!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So here it is, finally - Am happy to share with everyone that Hachette India will be publishing <em>'Govinda'</em> - book 1 of The Aryavarta Chronicles in early 2012! Books 2 and 3 - <em>'Firewright'</em> and <em>'The Cowherd Prince'</em> will follow later the same year.</div><br />
Hachette, as many readers are no doubt familiar, is one of the world largest publishers of books - Needless to say, I'm terribly excited at the prospect of having my books under their banner. All thanks and credit to Jayapriya Vasudevan and Priya Doraswamy of Jacaranda - my literary agents, and dear friends! Incessant thanks also to my family, and to the dear friends and mentors who've stood by me from crazy idea to incomprehensible draft, and of course, the final books.<br />
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I hope to share more on the progress of the book, as it goes through the editing, publishing and marketing process, and of course, as I continue to work on Book 3 and beyond. For now though, I invite you all to be a part of my excitement at beginning the next stage of this journey... into Aryavarta.</div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-24771998825989926192011-04-22T18:25:00.001+08:002011-04-22T21:58:51.760+08:00The Age of Revolution<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Subtle, but momentous events have taken place in the world around us, since my last post here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I remember cheering madly, as India lifted the Cricket World Cup, and in my naiveté, I considered myself a part of history in the making. Till but a few days later, seemingly out of nowhere, Anna Hazare cropped up on everyone’s radar. Slowly, but steadily, the facebook and e-campaigns by India against Corruption and Avaaz.org drew more supporters. This, however, was no surprise – we had all seen what purpose technology could serve but weeks ago in Egypt and Tunisia. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What remained unstated, but perhaps a lot more pervasive than more Indians would care to admit, was the sense of doubt, and reluctance. At the end of the day, revolution lies, not in technology, but in the hearts and minds of people. And apathetic, resigned people, who believe it futile to stand against the status quo cannot breed revolution. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Perhaps I should qualify the statement, at this point. </span><br />
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<div class="restofpost"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It would a disservice to club what essentially are two distinct categories of individuals – the apathetic, and the resigned. The distinction? As I see it, apathy implies a knowledgeable, even righteous, disregard. Resigned, on the other hand, involves a greater degree of emotional involvement, and a sense that all is not well. </span></div><div class="restofpost"><br />
</div><div class="restofpost"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In terms of the Chronicles of Aryavarta and their Epic characters, it is perhaps the distinction between Dharma Yudhistir and Partha Arjuna. Yudhistir believes in the virtue of his approach, even though it may lead him to his doom – an argument he presents in favour of going ahead with the infamous game of dice. He believes in a divinely ordained destiny and in the sheer impossibility of dissent. He is apathetic, not perhaps in the malevolent sense of not caring, but something worse – an irrational, dogmatic sense of status quo, which results in his disregard for realities around him. It is a trait that is at once, both infuriating, and yet compels a certain sense of pity.</span></div><div class="restofpost"><br />
</div><div class="restofpost"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Partha on the other is resigned to living with the status quo, a sense that comes not from believing that dissent is impermissible, or even impossible but simply, that it is futile. The system he fights against is far too powerful and he thinks he is bound to fail. It does not stop him from feeling sad, even angry, at things he believes to be wrong. But it does stop him from acting on those feelings, from doing. </span></div><div class="restofpost"><br />
</div><div class="restofpost"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It may be a state of confusion that many of us understand only too well, whether we would admit it or not – that sense of grief and outrage at a world going wrong around us, but the equally debilitating sense of being small, insignificant, and thoroughly incapable of doing anything about it. </span></div><div class="restofpost"><br />
</div><div class="restofpost"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And then began the Jan Lokpal movement.</span></div><div class="restofpost"><br />
</div><div class="restofpost"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Let me clarify again. It does not, and did not surprise me in the least that we still have revolutionaries in our midst, men and women who believe they can still make a difference, or die trying. What did touch me though was how thousands went from resignation and rage, to hope. How no part was too small to play, be it but the almost-reflexive clicking of a ‘like’ button. Slowly, something changed – beyond the sense of Partha-like resignation, the fear that powers that be would reduce the entire campaign to mere ineffective posturing, a sense of hope seemed to shine through. It wwas a collective sense of wanting to try, without fearing failure or anticipating success, a sense of peaceful, almost cheerful effort, sans rage and resentment. </span></div><div class="restofpost"><br />
</div><div class="restofpost"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It seems for a moment like dispassion, except, it is so filled with the opposite. And then I realise the obvious - Perhaps the resignation was more my own, than anyone else. It is I who’ve been filled with hope. Like Partha on the eve of the battle, is I who was touched by the spirit of revolution and renewal. The spirit of Govinda. In the words of that revolutionary:</span></div><div class="restofpost"><br />
</div><div class="restofpost" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“... the greatest force in the universe is, Time. It’s greater than every probability, every wager, and beyond the comprehension of skill. It’s inevitable, because it’s inexorable. So it is with everything. In every age, there will be a Govinda; perhaps many Govindas…”</span></em></div><div class="restofpost"></div><div class="restofpost"><br />
</div><div class="restofpost" style="text-align: right;">- Firewright: The Aryavarta Chronicles II</div></div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-65975934362686108582011-03-26T10:57:00.003+08:002011-03-26T11:29:53.689+08:00Firewright: Book Two of the Aryavarta Chronicles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Āryavarta - the Realm of the Noble. An Empire of Divine Order, where Gods and Kings walk side by side. The distinction between scientists and magicians is blurred; and few understand that scholar-sages, men and women of learning, are more than just the oracles of the Gods.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Far more.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For generations the Firstborn Dynasty of scholar-sages, descended from Vasishta Varuni, the eldest of Brahma the Creator’s sons, has dominated the Empire of Aryavarta. For just as long, the Angirasa family of Firewrights, weapon-makers to the Kings, have defied them. In the aftermath of their conflict, the Empire lies splintered into many tiny kingdoms, plagued by political intrigue and held together by fragile alliances.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One man dared to bring them together, to forge a new Empire and new destiny.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He failed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now, as Aryavarta hurtles inevitably towards a Great War, the greatest battle yet will be fought by one man - Govinda Shauri, Commander of the Armies of Dwaraka – for he must now face the darkness hidden within the very human soul to find the true meaning of being Arya. Of being noble.</span></div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-58662106463862055552011-02-25T21:11:00.000+08:002011-02-25T21:11:00.284+08:00Sanskrit Word of the Week (WoW)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Jayeti</strong> (<em>jeh-yeah-ti</em>): An exclamation of victory, also used as a motivating war-cry.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Usage: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As one, the army began roaring out, ‘<em>Jayeti! Jayeti!</em> Victory to us!’ </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(Govinda Ch. 76)</span></div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-56794212179356610672011-01-23T21:45:00.000+08:002011-01-23T21:45:55.241+08:00Happy 2011, and a Quick Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Happy New Year 2011 to all. Beginning the New Year with a quick update: </span><br />
<br />
<div class="restofpost"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">'Govinda' is currently being seriously read by a couple of publishers (too soon to name names, though), and I hope to have some news to share on its status, soon. As for TCP, it is at that wonderfully enjoyable stage of re-research: the quest for hidden meaning within the obvious. I've also started work on a shorter piece that is not part of The Aryavarta Chronicles, but is set in Aryavarta nevertheless. (Do I hear guesses on what it is about?)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here's to a year filled with the magic of words!</span></div></div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-48565002461207377192010-12-13T19:12:00.000+08:002010-12-13T19:12:35.386+08:00Aryavarta and the Beginnings of Democracy<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Recently, I had a wonderful discussion revolving around the socio-political context of the Aryavarta Chronicles, in particular, ‘<em>Govinda’</em>. As is often the case with such conversations, the best part was being forced to think about (and sometimes even defend) some of the things I’ve said or written. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In this instance, the question was simple enough - Why do I talk about the times of the Mahabharata as a period of change, which spurred on the beginnings of democracy. The answer, however, was a lot more complex than I bargained for, but one worth sharing here:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="restofpost"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the historical sense, the Epic Empire formed represents a period of consolidation. Like all Empires, this one too breaks up into smaller fragments, but this time, there’s a difference. From an economic perspective, these fragments are not the usual, inefficiently small splinter kingdoms; on the contrary, they are large enough, and also in some sense of shared social identify cohesive enough to stand united as nations. And so began the era of the <em>maha-janapadas</em> – nation-states. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">From a political, even philosophical point of view, however, the change that happened was probably more discreet, but also more fundamental and powerful. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At the end of the day, behind all the good-versus-evil <em>masala</em> of the Mahabharata, there hides the fundamental question of who was, in effect, the legal ruler of the Aryavarta Empire – A question that arose not just from motives of ambition, or issues of primogeniture and descent, but also very simply, competence and efficiency.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This may seem a rather obvious point of order for us, today; but in the Epic Empire, it was a novel, even controversial proposition. Kings ruled because they’d been chose to rule by the Gods – it was a matter of divine right. To question their competence, therefore, was to question the judgment of the Gods, and perhaps worse, the judgment of the scholar-seer hierarchies that served as the moral conscience-keepers of Aryavarta. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As a narrative, therefore, the Mahabharata is much more than a tale of feuding brothers – it’s actually a story of how existing power structures were questioned, even torn down, as the notion of sovereign accountability began to take hold.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hidden also in that rather precious phrase – sovereign accountability - are many subtle political implications, the first of them being the idea that even a divinely-appointed sovereign is subject to a delicate balance of power, duties, and limitations. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">From this arises the corollary premise that such a sovereign may indeed fail at meeting those duties, given his or her limitations – the notion of inefficiency, or even incompetence. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And that brings us to the third premise – an actionable one: What if the sovereign is indeed an inefficient or incompetent ruler, as it were? The answer: Let’s get a better ruler in his or her place.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I don’t mean this in the modern Theory of State sense, where the basis of governance stems from the notion that the sovereign can be replaced by a sort of legitimate revolution, and that the right to revolt against a sovereign who doesn’t serve the people remains basic, and vested in the people. Rather, what I’m trying to get at here is the slow dilution of the idea that Kings, by virtue of their divine right, are infallible, even invincible.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Admittedly, when one got rid of a King in ancient Aryavarta, his replacement was likely to come from among his immediate kin – a setting that made for wonderful conspiracies and conspiracy theories, both. Furthermore, one didn’t really call for elections or referendums in the modern sense. It was also highly unlike that a commoner – one of the <em>jagaranyaja</em> - would rise to rule. Admittedly, hierarchies, class conflicts, and power politics all remained just as rampant as they’d been under a system of pure monarchy by divine sanction.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Despite all that, there was a sense of the vox populi, of a shift in philosophy. No longer was it the destiny, or even the raison d’etre, of the people to serve their king; but rather, the idea that perhaps rulers now existed to ensure the well-being of their people had finally root.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And there we have it – the change in the centrality of identity. The beginning of the sense of ‘We, the people…’ </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This notion of common popular identity would then bind the people together into units of governance based on such identities, or ‘nationalities’ – leading to the rise of the <em>maha-janapadas</em>. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It wasn't democracy as we know it today, but it was the beginning – an indispensable beginning.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">From a story-teller’s point of view, I’d like to believe that it perhaps was the beginning of a dream. Govinda Shauri’s dream.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-86234759869345060262010-11-22T18:36:00.006+08:002010-11-22T18:36:00.159+08:00Sanskrit Word of the Week (WoW)<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Mahamatra</strong>: (<em>muh-haah-maa-thruh</em>): A great lady; the wife of a prime minister; a woman of high royal rank.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Usage:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="restofpost"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">'I'm a Queen, a Princess of the Empire. My own personal wishes mean little in the larger scheme of things. '</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">'An individual, for a Kingdom…' Govinda instinctively spat out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">'Yes. And a kingdom for an empire. Though, I shall confess, your venom surprises me. Actually, it both surprises and delights me. You see, venom is the beginning of great passion, and great strength. Keep that in mind, as you think over my offer. I'll wait for your decision.'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Govinda breathed deep. 'You can have my decision now.'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">'And?'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">'<em>Mahamatra</em>, you and your sister may leave for Magadha as soon as you wish.'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(The Cowherd Prince, Ch. 33.)</span></em></div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-49468243999419470582010-11-16T18:12:00.000+08:002010-11-16T18:12:29.353+08:00Sanskrit Word of the Week (WoW)<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Karagraahin.</strong> (<em>kah-reh-graa-hin</em>): Tax collector(s).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Usage:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="restofpost"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">'... it's not the vassals' apathy or incompetence alone that has these people clamouring here; but also the Kingdom's taxation policies. Over the many years the karagraahin, with their unfettered powers, have reduced the nation to this! How can the people grow crops and pay taxes if we won't even leave them with enough grain to use as seed?'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(The Cowherd Prince, Ch. 4)</span></em></div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-71427739153203396832010-10-29T15:35:00.002+08:002010-10-29T15:36:15.418+08:00Govinda - Book Extract<strong>And here it is!!! - An extract from 'Ch. 5 of 'Govinda'. </strong><br />
<br />
"Govinda left Dwaraka before dawn, heading due east. His silver-white Qamboja stallion, Balahak, blazed through the mist-covered fields like a ghost, and by the time the sun came up, they were a good distance from the city.<br />
<br />
They pushed on, crossing the Raivata Mountains, and then turning to ride northwards, alongside the River Charmanvati. Around noon, they sought refuge from the burning sun in a shady glen, but were back on the road before long. They stopped again in the evening, when Govinda caught a little sleep. A little after moonrise, the two set off, galloping over silver-blue plains as a wild happiness took them. <br />
<br />
<div class="restofpost">At their current pace, Govinda was three days journey from his destination in Central Aryavarta. Balahak, named for his strong legs, would make short work of the leagues that took the common war-horse nearly a week and a pack-horse, much longer. The horse's speed, coupled with his exceptional skill with his beloved steeds, made Govinda one of the fastest riders in Aryavarta; and when he yoked all four of his temperamental silver-white stallions to a chariot, few could keep up with them.<br />
<br />
In the misty darkness before the second dawn of his journey, the warrior realised he was being followed. Even before he saw or heard the riders behind him, he sensed them. Closing his eyes, he focussed on the faint hoof beats. Three riders, he concluded, grinning as he guessed who they were. Slowing down, he whispered some calming words to his own steed, and then let out a slow, long-drawn whistle. It rose in a reedy, quavering note before he cut it off short. Within moments, he heard the horses behind him rear loudly.<br />
<br />
Govinda stopped and wheeling his horse around; waited.<br />
<br />
'Watch out!' a familiar voice cried through the mist, and another protested, 'I am, I am!'<br />
<br />
‘<em>Mih!</em>’<br />
<br />
‘You oaf. Oww!'<br />
<br />
'No! Not that way! That's me, you cross-eyed idiot! Look out!'<br />
<br />
'Steady, steadyyyy! Dumb horse!'<br />
<br />
'Stop butting me, <em>Muhira</em>! You fool! Arrgh.'<br />
<br />
'Oh <em>Rudra</em>!'<br />
<br />
'Oi! Oi! Ohhhhhh…'<br />
<br />
The sounds of neighing, jostling, and human expostulation reached Govinda, followed by a deep, rich laugh. One of the pursuers seemed to have fallen off, for a distinctly riderless horse came out of the mist at a light canter. It trotted up to Balahak with the relief of familiarity, and the two horses nuzzled noses in greeting. Govinda reached out to stroke the newcomer, a brown stallion with white markings on its forehead. <br />
<br />
'Are you hurt?' a young voice whispered loudly.<br />
<br />
'No, I'm dancing with the Nymphs of Heaven, you imbecile. Help me up!'<br />
<br />
'You think he heard us?' <br />
<br />
'<em>Vathu</em>! Hush, you lout!’<br />
<br />
'Of course he heard us,' a third voice said, even as the speaker burst into more laughter at whatever antics were going on in the mist. <br />
<br />
Unable to resist any longer, Govinda slowly guided his horse back along the path, the brown stallion following alongside. He could not help but guffaw uproariously at the scene that greeted him. <br />
<br />
On the ground, his feet still tangled up in a mess of stirrups and reins, lay Govinda's young cousin and adopted heir, Pradymna. Standing over the youth, unsuccessfully trying to unravel the tangle, was the dark-skinned Samva, the second of Govinda's adopted sons. <br />
<br />
'Ack! Not that way, you idiot; you're trying to kill me, you are!' Pradymna shrieked, as Samva tried to help the struggling youth out of the jumble he was caught in. <br />
<br />
'I'd do a better job of killing you, if only you shut your troublesome mouth!' his brother expostulated.<br />
Both young men suddenly noticed Govinda, and fell into silent sulks. <br />
<br />
Govinda, however, took no notice of them, instead leading his horse over to the third rider, who remained confidently astride. 'Yuyudhana,' he nodded in greeting to a fashionably-dressed man of his own age.<br />
<br />
'Cousin,' the man greeted him. 'I left as soon as I realised you weren't present at the meeting of the Council - Couldn't let you have all the fun on your own now, could I!'<br />
<br />
Govinda said nothing, but he was far from displeased. Yuyudhana was a tested warrior, and a close friend. He trusted the man implicitly, and was glad of his company.<br />
<br />
'Those two,' Yuyudhana continued, with a nod backwards, indicating Pradymna and Samva, 'came along at the last moment.'<br />
<br />
'They're hot-headed and impetuous,' Govinda noted. 'Pradymna's nearly twenty-one, but still acts like an adolescent at times. And Samva...' he let the phrase hang, grinning widely.<br />
<br />
'Oi! We're right here, you know. We can hear you,' Pradymna protested.<br />
<br />
'Indeed, your presence might be more notable and respected if you could at least stay astride your horse!' Govinda retorted.<br />
<br />
'Or follow the instructions of your elders,' Yuyudhana wistfully added. 'In any case….' he continued, turning to address Govinda, 'Shall we?'<br />
<br />
'Of course,' Govinda said, and set his horse off along the path at a slow amble, Yuyudhana alongside.<br />
<br />
'Wait! What about us?' Samva cried, leaving Pradymna behind to run after the two departing warriors.<br />
<br />
'Next time!' Govinda cheerily said.<br />
<br />
'If you learn to ride, by then,' Yuyudhana quipped.<br />
<br />
'And you're any smarter,' Govinda added.<br />
<br />
'Which, alas is….'<br />
<br />
'Impossible?'<br />
<br />
Laughing, the two men tugged at the reins, urging their horses into a gallop. Shouting and cursing, the two youths made to follow."<br />
<br />
------------<br />
Copyright Krishna Udayasankar, 2010. <br />
<br />
</div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-80912766125131224922010-10-29T14:07:00.000+08:002010-10-29T14:07:40.180+08:00A Long Overdue Post<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I begin by confessing that my lack of activity has been far from intentional – between the demands of reality (read: day-job), and the lure of working on The Cowherd Prince – I’ve had little time to post on the blog. But, as Govinda Shauri is often known to say: ‘In the scheme of the Eternal Universe, there are no coincidences.’ </span></div><div class="restofpost"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Such has been the unexpected honour bestowed on me during the past month’s electronic silence – I’ve been overwhelmed by the inquiries, and even the occasional scolding, that have, for the first time, shown me that Aryavarta is familiar to many more people than I had realised.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It is; I think, a credit to Mr. K.D. Vyasa, and his cast of immaculate characters – none more memorable that Govinda Shauri himself. And I see no better way to make up to those of you who messaged, emailed, called or Facebooked to ask when the book was coming out, or failing that, when the next post would be up. As thanks for all your kind wishes, I present in the next post a small extract from ‘Govinda’. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This one is especially for Ms. Priya Rao – </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You see, for a writer, there is perhaps nothing so wonderfully affirming or delightful, than to be asked to write. </span></div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-9815401040925007552010-09-27T10:03:00.003+08:002010-09-27T10:03:00.630+08:00Mahabharata Quiz –II: Answers<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Answers to the second Mahabharata Quiz - without any further ado:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q1. Of the five sons of Pandu – the Pandava brothers – Nakul was famous as:</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) The most intelligent of the five</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) The best-looking one</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) The most cowardly of the five</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) The best singer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) The tallest one</span><br />
<div class="restofpost"><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Answer</strong>: Nakul was known as the best-looking of the five.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q2. Matsyagandhi is another name for which of these royal ladies</strong>:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) Subadhra</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) Pancali</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) Kunti</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) Sudeshna</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) Satyavati</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Answer</strong>: Satyavati. Apparently she smelt (rather awfully) of fish. Sage Parashara is said to have transformed this odour into a wonderfully appealing fragrance, in return for her submitting to his overtures.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q3. Shikandin, Prince of Pancala had a son named</strong>:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) Yuyudhana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) Yudhamanyu</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) Yaudheya</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) Yuyutsu</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) He had no son at all</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Answer</strong>: Yudhamanyu. Shikandin was married to the princess of the neighbouring Dasarna kingdom, who bore him a son. Yudhamanyu is also mentioned as fighting (rather well, in fact), during the Great Mahabharata War.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q4. Mathura was the capital of which Kingdom during the times of the Mahabharata?</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) Kuru</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) Magadha</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) Dwaraka</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) Anartta</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) Surasena</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Answer</strong>: Surasena</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q5. Who in the Mahabharata was known by the epithet ‘wolf-bellied’?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) Bhim</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) Syoddhan (Duryodhana)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) Dussasana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) Bakasura</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) Narakasura</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Answer</strong>: Bhim – he is also known as Vrikrodara, meaning ‘wolf-bellied’. It seems to have been an allusion to the unique combination of his ravenous appetite and his (contrary to common perception) lean frame.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q6. What assumed name did Pancali go under, during her period of exile/hiding in the Kingdom of Matsya?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) Sairandhari</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) Satyavati</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) Sudeshna</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) Malini</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) Mohini</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Answer</strong>: Malini. While the common perception seems to be that she went by the name ‘Sairandari’, that is not a name, but a job title along the lines of ‘lady-in-waiting’ or ‘attendant’. Pancalu served as a Sairandari, under the assumed name Malini.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q7. What is the name given to Govinda Shauri’s sword?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) Sudharshan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) Nanda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) Kaumoda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) Nandaka</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) Chakra</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Answer</strong>: Nandaka. It means, strangely ‘that which brings bliss.’</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q8. Partha is often referred to in the Mahabharata by the term ‘Savyasachin’. What does this word mean?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) Good-looking</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) Conqueror of All</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) A good friend</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) Ambidextrous</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) Someone who can shoot in the dark</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Answer</strong>: Ambidextrous. Partha was equally skilled wielding his bow with either hand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q9. Govinda and Partha often refer to each other as ‘cousins’. This is because</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) They are descended from the same ancestor, Yayati</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) Partha’s mother is actually Govinda’s aunt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) Govinda and Partha are brothers-in-law</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) It is a term of endearment and closeness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) They are just being polite</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Answer</strong>: Partha’s mother Pritha, is actually Govinda’s aunt. She is Govinda’s father’s sister, but was given in adoption, as an infant, to King Kuntibhoja. Hence, her patronym -Kunti.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q10. In the Mahabharata, who kills Ekalavya?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) Dron </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) Asvattama</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) Partha</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) Abhimanyu</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) Govinda</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Answer</strong>: Govinda. The two end up in a nasty confrontation during a particular attack on Dwaraka by the combined forces of Jarasandha, Shisupala of Chedi, and Ekalavya’s Nishada forces. Of course, TP Kailasam’s moving play ‘Fulfillment’ gives Ekalavya a more poignant end – stabbed by Krishna-Govinda, but not before the two indulge in some thought-provoking dialogue. </span><br />
</div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-88750988914660743032010-09-23T06:00:00.001+08:002010-09-23T06:00:03.495+08:00Govinda - A Museum Visit<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4jtac58Sw2gHmvdwvLx4lFywaZaBfdOOYMnTo222SHTJ4VeJAfbkihHZsw3kAqiTveS6N6YloL4trz4TNJGvxIpQyGR4DvWr5yzr9e05R94wxArgzfcYXSQXYiMetEMWvxr9GFoAFpI/s1600/MaP_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4jtac58Sw2gHmvdwvLx4lFywaZaBfdOOYMnTo222SHTJ4VeJAfbkihHZsw3kAqiTveS6N6YloL4trz4TNJGvxIpQyGR4DvWr5yzr9e05R94wxArgzfcYXSQXYiMetEMWvxr9GFoAFpI/s320/MaP_2.JPG" width="259" /></a>The Chattrapathi Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangralaya (formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum), Mumbai has many fascinating contents, but none more exciting for me, than the Krishna Gallery. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The best part of my recent trip to the Museum (egotistically speaking) was finding affirmation for the many research calls I had taken during the writing of Govinda! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here's a small photo documentation of some of the most interesting facts and artefacts that I came across during my last visit (August 2010).</div><div class="restofpost"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
The first of these delights was this map, alongside. (Click on map to enlarge). Look familiar?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdOoPBQpPmuxVdnn9EgFpv3fcbsg8S1egt4Hgwv0IbqBanEugWgvOyKIUpi22eVOY2_M0ppJmtAtdThXSWePCO6vKlildRpFdVLQ2lOQo77Lu6MRBTZDJh-5A3a-L5OxDKC2OF5kyPmI/s1600/Coins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdOoPBQpPmuxVdnn9EgFpv3fcbsg8S1egt4Hgwv0IbqBanEugWgvOyKIUpi22eVOY2_M0ppJmtAtdThXSWePCO6vKlildRpFdVLQ2lOQo77Lu6MRBTZDJh-5A3a-L5OxDKC2OF5kyPmI/s200/Coins.JPG" width="61" /></a></div><br />
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Also check out these coins from Magadha and Kashi, dating to the Epic Ages. (Left. Click to enlarge).<br />
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Note the solar symbols on the coins. The minor variations suggest that these may be Imperial currency, issued under Magadhan Dominion, but somewhat customised or different based on the actual kingdoms of the Aryavarta Empire that they were issued in. <br />
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The Krishna Gallery, a distinct exhibit with the Museum, is both a historical and artistic exhibit in one. It contained many different representations, from the diverse regional cultures of the Indian sub-continent; arranged chronologically to form the narrative of Krishna's story, as is commonly (and uncommonly) known. Both canon and popular versions found their place here, and there was just so much to be seen and admired.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sS9jLdnsFnDfVA_KYBESKkexNp2PBSNQoeA9LcR7gAl3h-atou8fEtvFA6za1NvTedF15GSs2x_MVvpSK4i0cdJ734RDcrwIq0ViTRS8aKIVN7QnVgDCPMzWPxo0vAODRnopOgvjTmg/s1600/DancingKrishna_Nepal_Edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sS9jLdnsFnDfVA_KYBESKkexNp2PBSNQoeA9LcR7gAl3h-atou8fEtvFA6za1NvTedF15GSs2x_MVvpSK4i0cdJ734RDcrwIq0ViTRS8aKIVN7QnVgDCPMzWPxo0vAODRnopOgvjTmg/s200/DancingKrishna_Nepal_Edited.JPG" width="146" /></a><br />
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The Dancing Krishna shown to the right here, is from Nepal. <br />
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The jewellery is disctinctive and typical of the region, but what is refreshing is the absence of the usual paraphernelia associated with Krishna-Govinda - His flute, the discus or other weapons, or one of his Gopis or consorts.<br />
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The familiar Bhagavad Gita scene below is made of rosewood, teakwood and ivory. (Click to enlarge).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCDOYNKRwho4jiZfPGdcqdMJugIjBWhdcIjlEnMHzjDq8uD5LObleChe_U-rop26ycSAt_NSH0T6LIgAelE78nTqeIxKL0Vq47Qy5FVvw3HI6bCinmVUujraR4BgraOhKn74WMzfjEq4/s1600/Gita.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCDOYNKRwho4jiZfPGdcqdMJugIjBWhdcIjlEnMHzjDq8uD5LObleChe_U-rop26ycSAt_NSH0T6LIgAelE78nTqeIxKL0Vq47Qy5FVvw3HI6bCinmVUujraR4BgraOhKn74WMzfjEq4/s320/Gita.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Unfortunately, the amateurish photo does little to showcase the exquisite and intricate carving; but a close look at the bow and arrow thrown down (in the foreground), at the chariot-wheels, and of course, the figure of Krishna himself still takes the breath away!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSfeGXnFQBBY_bhNbMO2zctK4SQmlj9sbZHltL1gbdA_5sQtiQxWItB-tibjqOEQBya9QBIbdJUXiUOpNgGVsvwNy3r4iGTv-IsgkUCMuee-QVhCx-iC2LOMu9-WgVZylYq4gb8cOCbk/s1600/Krishna_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSfeGXnFQBBY_bhNbMO2zctK4SQmlj9sbZHltL1gbdA_5sQtiQxWItB-tibjqOEQBya9QBIbdJUXiUOpNgGVsvwNy3r4iGTv-IsgkUCMuee-QVhCx-iC2LOMu9-WgVZylYq4gb8cOCbk/s320/Krishna_1.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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As for my historical research, the photo alongside says it all. (Click to enlarge).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Note the picture of the Heliodorus pillar on the extreme left of the picture.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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In conclusion, I present the compellingly cheerful image below. The semi-rustic Madhubani painting is of a recent make, and not ancient at all. But it is timeless, as it is contemporary. <br />
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Just like the Epic.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHrRgm_jdG3B8PNzExLLQ1FAZ6uST4kNmyS-fhw1YpHnNY19VsEPVbtVmjEjsCJbqk-UpmlqIY6FXLLZXR8DqOVZUpRyq0VbH4CYBmBdSV2dxlr15xjfJnz_sTWKiPqY73G6ZqC1R0es/s1600/Krishna_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHrRgm_jdG3B8PNzExLLQ1FAZ6uST4kNmyS-fhw1YpHnNY19VsEPVbtVmjEjsCJbqk-UpmlqIY6FXLLZXR8DqOVZUpRyq0VbH4CYBmBdSV2dxlr15xjfJnz_sTWKiPqY73G6ZqC1R0es/s320/Krishna_3.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-55966659518706627732010-09-21T17:53:00.000+08:002010-09-21T17:53:09.712+08:00Book Talk on ‘Govinda’ – Sept 4th 2010, SingaporeWhat does it take to make the Mahabharata real?<br />
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This was the key question on my mind, when I gave my first talk on the Aryavarta Chronicles, and ‘Govinda,’ in particular. It was also the first time I read from the book! Truth is, I couldn’t have asked for a better audience – the passion and precision behind the questions soon had me forgetting how nervous I was, and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. (Many thanks to Jayapriya Vasudevan of Jacaranda Literary Agency for organising such a wonderful do.)<br />
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Back now, to the key question of that evening: <br />
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<div class="restofpost">The Mahabharata, as we all know is the story a great war; one told in all magical glory, filled with demons and demigods, magical incantations, and heroes and villains both blessed with superpowers. Flying chariots, illusions, even the power of life and death; and of course, the blue-skinned flute playing God descended to earth. <br />
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But that is mythology, in all its grandeur. It’s not real. Now, don’t get me wrong here – The Mahabharata is an awesome story – it’s full of twists and turn, and absolutely memorable characters. These characters and their moral dilemmas have remained relevant till today. Both popular writers and academics have tried to contextualise the Mahabharata by going into the psyche of its huge cast, explore the emotions and thoughts that lay behind the story as we know it. However, that still does not get rid of the magic. And the Mahabharata still remains a myth; almost fantasy. <br />
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Hence, the question - What does it take to make the Mahabharata real?<br />
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If we had to tell this story today, keeping in mind what we know about physics, sociology, politics and economics, what would that story be?<br />
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And that is what my book is about. Historians talk of the Epics age, a time broadly between the third and first millennium B.C., when the events that form the seeds of this myth may have happened – sometime after the Indus Valley Civilisation, and the rise of what are known as Janapadas – semi-democratic city states. The Mahabharata itself is pegged towards the end of the period. Which means, a time of great change.<br />
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From hunter gatherers to agriculturalists; from feudal societies to democracies; from elite cliques of knowledge, cloaked in mysticism, to an era of written records. A time when trade and technology both grew, and society grew with it; but not without upheaval and turmoil.<br />
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My story is the story of people in these times, especially of one man – a rather intelligent, brave, and undoubtedly charming man, who believes that heaven and earth are not so disparate after all.<br />
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There is no mythical lore. No magic. Only humanity.</div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-21546339922775550052010-09-05T16:37:00.002+08:002010-09-05T16:39:41.095+08:00Mahabharata Quiz -II<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As requested by many of you, here’s the second Mahabharata Quiz. The answers will follow (in due course), but if you find can’t bear to wait, do email me with your answers, or post a comment here… All the best, and enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q1. Of the five sons of Pandu – the Pandava brothers – Nakul was famous as:</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) The most intelligent of the five</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) The best-looking one</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) The most cowardly of the five</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) The best singer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) The tallest one</span><br />
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<div class="restofpost"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q2. Matsyagandhi is another name for which of these royal la</strong></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>dies:</strong> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) Subadhra</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) Pancali</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) Kunti</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) Sudeshna</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) Satyavati</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q3. Shikandin, Prince of Pancala had a son named:</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) Yuyudhana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) Yudhamanyu</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) Yaudheya</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) Yuyutsu</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) He had no son at all</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q4. Mathura was the capital of which Kingdom during the times of the Mahabharata?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) Kuru</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) Magadha</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) Dwaraka</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) Anartta</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) Surasena</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q5. Who in the Mahabharata was known by the epithet ‘wolf-bellied’?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">) Bhim</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) Syoddhan (Duryodhana)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) Dussasana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) Bakasura</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) Narakasura</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q6. What assumed name did Pancali go under, during her period of exile/hiding in the Kingdom of Matsya?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) Sairandhari</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) Satyavati</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) Sudeshna</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) Malini</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) Mohini</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q7. What is the name given to Govinda Shauri’s sword?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) Sudharshan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) Nanda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) Kaumoda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) Nandaki</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) Chakra</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q8. Partha is often referred to in the Mahabharata by the term ‘Savyasachin’. What does this word mean?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) Good-looking</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) Conqueror of All</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) A good friend</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) Ambidextrous</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) Someone who can shoot in the dark</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q9. Govinda and Partha often refer to each other as ‘cousins’. This is because</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) They are descended from the same ancestor, Yayati</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) Partha’s mother is actually Govinda’s aunt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) Govinda and Partha are brothers-in-law</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) It is a term of endearment and closeness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) They are just being polite</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Q10. In the Mahabharata, who kills Ekalavya?</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a) Dron </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">b) Asvattama</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">c) Partha</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d) Abhimanyu</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e) Govinda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>Happy Quizzing!</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-68684361508086896722010-08-26T16:00:00.000+08:002010-08-26T16:00:15.074+08:00Mumbai Mahabharata-1<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The timelessness of the Mahabharata, I’ve come to realise, lies not in the morals or lessons, but in the dilemmas. As I look out across a murky Arabian Sea, it strikes me that not too far off to the north, the same waters wash along the shores of Dwaraka; or that just a short flight away are the cities that Dharma Yudhistir and Syoddhan ruled.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But the one truly on my mind right now is Bhisma Devavrata.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><div class="restofpost"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Imagine grappling with helplessness and impotence all your life – I mean that not in the sense of Bhisma’s vow of chastity, or his sacrifices; but in watching the world around you, in its gory splendour, and being able to do nothing about it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bhisma believed in Dharma or Justice, in a world of Order and morality. Yet his own beliefs left him powerless to do anything about the many events that came to pass in his lifetime. He watched, trapped by his notions of inevitability and the inexorability of his beliefs and principles. Imagine his confusion when these principles failed to conquer all. Imagine his despair – it’s not too difficult to do so from where I stand right now, watching three stray dogs fight, and then play on, in the surrounds of a slum that lies nestled between two high-rise buildings, not very far away from a dark, dirty sea. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Like many, Bhisma was not a bad man - Just a man without the answers; a man who both resisted and welcomed change. That dilemma haunted Bhisma for most of his life. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We want to believe in Avatars, not (only) in some metaphysical, divine sense; but in the larger truth that change is possible, that once in a while things can be set right after all, that even if we don’t have the answers, someone else does. Perhaps, that is why despite all these centuries that have passed, Govinda Shauri remains larger than life. </span></div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-78963305554555955312010-08-02T16:49:00.001+08:002010-08-02T16:50:57.781+08:00Govinda, self... and green vegetables!About a week ago, my wonderful agent Jayapriya Vasudevan of Jacaranda (check out their awesome list here: <a href="http://www.jacaranda-press.com/">http://www.jacaranda-press.com/</a>) asked me a question to which I had no glib answer. <br />
<br />
<em>Why did I write this book?</em><br />
<br />
It took a few days, and twice that many glasses of soul-fuel, to scramble up any semblance of an answer.<br />
The cryptic solution, finally, was this: I wrote this book because as a child, I hated green vegetables. <br />
<br />
It might sound ridiculous, even trivial. So does the idea that the flap of a butterfly’s wings can create or stem a hurricane. But that, rather plainly stated, is the basis of chaos theory. And chaos, it certainly was. <br />
<br />
<div class="restofpost">My childhood gastronomical idiosyncrasies finally drove a despairing mass of family members, one grandmother included, to come up with a solution. I was fed stories from the Epic Mahabharata along with my greens. Clearly, the consequences had not been foreseen.<br />
<br />
Given that these were the dark ages before 24-hour TV, video games, and the likes of Spiderman had coloured the juvenile world, the adventures from the Epics became an obsession. Friends and I played make-believe ‘cops and robbers’ style games, with each side reluctantly taking turns to play the evil Kauravyas. We poked many an eye out with our mighty bow and arrow sets, bought for five rupees during the Sunday sojourn to the local market. We turned tricycles into chariots, and saris and bed sheets into tents and voluminous robes. We fought for the chance to play the hero of the game - Partha Arjun, the archer; or to be the demon-rakshas Ghatotkach, during which one could pretend to eat up their fellow playmates; to cast astras as the all-powerful Dron and the Grandsire Bhisma; and to even die a gory death as Syoddhan Duryodhana.<br />
<br />
Two characters, however, remained too complex to be played with, and then discarded and outgrown. Many years after I’d hung up my cardboard quiver, my middle-class, post-modern, part egalitarian - part feminist dialectic beliefs, still grappled with the question of Draupadi Pancali; and all the complex events that legend associates with her. The other character was Govinda Shauri.<br />
<br />
The scriptures suggest, and the devout believe, that when Gods descend to earth as ‘avatars’, they too become bound by human foibles, by the laws of earth, and its reality. It was an explanation I could not accept, not just on grounds of agnosticism, but on grounds of faith. I wanted to believe in the rise of humanity, not in divinity diminished; in a true story that could have been history, not some improbable fantasy-tale that defies all logic and science. I was looking for, as the term goes, an outcome with significant probability; as opposed to choosing between a) denying something on the grounds that it is improbable, or b) believing in it, as a matter of faith.<br />
<br />
That meant asking the question: If Govinda, Panċali, Dron, Syoddhan and all these other characters had walked this earth – the world as we know it today, bound by the same tenets of physics, psychology and politic theory that we hold sacrosanct - what might their story really have been.<br />
<br />
Surprisingly, it may not have been very different from the stories told by Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa. <em>Kālās</em>, <em>Yugas</em>, and the Wheel of Time suddenly made sense as theories of revolution and renewal. The magic-filled Epic of old fell into place as the tale of a feudal, agrarian hierarchy based on natural law and religion, caught in the throes of technological and economic change. <br />
<br />
And, of course, it was the story of power politics and passion in the times of such change - Panċali, the fiery rebel, the sometimes-confused, sometimes-forthright thinker; caught in the web of her own despair and frustration. Govinda, on the other hand, was the quintessential revolutionary; someone who saw Time and Society as inexorable forces, and himself as an instrument of social evolution. Around their strange, indefinable relationship, many characters were woven together in a tangled web of intrigue. <br />
<br />
It was a story that was waiting to be told, and so; I have. <br />
<br />
Bold but not irreverent, and passionate but not irrational; this tale is different, but not lacking a deeper integrity. It is the story of why things happened.<br />
<br />
</div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125202967099947088.post-69615905427329208172010-07-29T09:58:00.004+08:002010-07-29T09:58:00.312+08:00Sanskrit Word of the Week (WoW)<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sanskrit Word of the Week:<strong> Agraja</strong> (a<em>gh-ruh-ja): </em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A respectful term of address for an elder brother.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Usage:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="restofpost"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">'I'm sorry, <em>agraja</em>,' Sadev softly whispered. Dharma nodded graciously, taking no offense at all.'</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(Govinda, Ch. 14.)</span></div>Krishna Udayasankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15809269067282911699noreply@blogger.com0