“introduction by pavan k varma”

Misconceptions about India and Indians abound, fed by the stereotypes created by foreigners, and the myths about themselves projected by Indians. In Being Indian, Pavan K.Varma demolishes these myths and generalizations as he turns his sharply observant gaze on his fellow countrymen to examine what ... More

Think of the erotic literature from India and what immediately comes to mind is Vatsyayana’s Kamasutra. This was indeed not the first study in erotology nor was it the last. Beginning with the Rig Veda (written some 5000 years ago) right up to the seventeenth century, Indian literature is marked b... More

‘[An] erudite, thoughtful, perceptive and elegantly written study’—Hindustan TimesIn this powerful and insightful critique, the author examines the evolution of the Indian middle class during the twentieth century, especially since Independence. He shows us how the middle class, guided by self... More

A stunning visual record of India’s struggle for Independence This elegant volume attempts to chronicle for the first time ever, the visual moments of the movement that changed the history of India. The culmination of over a hundred years of striving that had claimed thousands of lives, the I... More

A brilliant biography of nineteenth century India’s greatest poet Mirza Mohammad Asadullah Khan Ghalib began writing poetry in Persian at the age of nine and the pre-eminent poet of the time, Mir, predicted a great future for the precocious genius when he was shown his verse. But succ... More

Born in Deena (now Pakistan) in 1934, Gulzar’s journey as a poetbegan with the Progressive Writers’ movement. Today, he is regardedas one of India’s foremost Urdu poets.Whether evoking an abiding nostalgia for yesterday (‘The HeartSeeks’), lamenting the lack of time to spend with the belov... More

Of all Vishnu's avatars, Krishna is regarded as the purna avatar, the complete incarnation, for he encapsulates in himself the entire gamut of emotions and attributes that constitute the ideal human personality. He is the most accessible of gods, and bridges the gap between the mortal and the immort... More

Varma takes a fresh look at the ancient manual of love and presents a fascinating treatise on how to be a good lover, sensitive to the needs of women. The book is packaged in a rich silk covering and comes in a special binding with a magnetic flap--making it perfect for gifting.... More