The Golden Road : How India Transformed the Ancient World

I've had the pleasure of reading "The Golden Road : How Ancient India Transformed the World" by William Dalrymple. In this tale of 'Indosphere', quoting from voluminous sources, (the Notes run for almost one third of the book), William Dalrymple weaves an intricate, rich tapestry of how ideas of Ancient India (c.250 BCE - 1200s CE) transformed the then known world; from the Castles of Europe to the temples of Kampuchea, through the palace intrigues of China & the entrepots of Ancient Rome. Knowledge systems and innovations like Mathematics, Sanskrit ("Language of Gods in the World of men", as noted by Prof.Sheldon Pollock), Buddhism, Chess, Architecture, Art etc marked the influence of 'Indosphere'.

The author proposes that this Golden Road is much more relevant than the so called Silk Road, a term coined by Baron Von Richtofen in 1870s. The influence of Indic ideas permeated through time and space. For instance, Buddhism took birth in Ancient India, but the World's largest Buddhist Monument is in South East Asia (Borobudar, Java), and it was able to compete with Confucianism and Daoism as State patronized religion in Ancient China, beginning with Tang dynasty. The World's largest Hindu Temple / Monument still standing is also located in South East Asia (Angkor Wat, Siam Rep Province, Kampuchea - attributed to Emperor Suryavarman II of Khmer). Indo-Arabic Numerals, introduced in the West quickly replaced Roman Numerals and were much simpler to master, ushering in a sort of mercantile revolution.

Apart from known and well read personalities of Huien Tsang, Brahmagupta, Kumarajeeva, etc, the sketch of the lesser known (atleast in India) personalities of Empress Wu Zetian of China (7th/8th centuries CE), Barmakids of Nav Bahar and Baghdad, the industrious irrigantion engineers of Khmer dynasty make for an interesting read.     

"The Golden Road : How Ancient India Transformed the World"  William Dalrymple is worth readable.

"The Godlen Road : How India Transformed the Ancient World"

16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu

Thursday, 15th of June, 2025
Maheeth Veluvali (Sonu)

Tribute to Frederick Forsyth

Frederick Forsyth (1938-2025), Source : Wikipedia

 "It is cold at six-forty in the morning of a March day in Paris, and seems even colder when a man is about to be executed by firing squad."                        - Opening Line from 'The Day of the Jackal'

Some fifteen years ago, after raking through my father's books, I finally settled on and started reading an old novel at my home, titled 'The Day of the Jackal'. And thus began my tryst with Frederick Forsyth's novels. Frederick Forsyth (1938-2025), former British spy, war correspondent, author and fiction writer passed away early this week, aged 86. Old novels of Frederick Forsyth, reeking of part dusty but absorbing old paper smell, some owned by my father, some acquired by me at various second hand book shops are a prized collection at my home, something that I find comfort that would help me escape the suffocating travails of reality. I often escape to the rich tapestry of fiction woven by the master story teller, gorging on the pages, visiting far off distant places, witnessing fictional assassinations, spy tales and rebellions.  

Reading Frederick Forsyth is a pleasure enhancing ritual, an irresistable tour de force, that transports the reader to the Forsythian World of Geo Politics and Power plays, much before the advent of Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence. The tense and slow word build up, his ruthless and lifelike characterization of people with flaws, is atypical. While a fictional assassination on the then French President Charles DeGaulle forms the plot of 'The Day of the Jackal', the theme of mercenaries ('Vive la Morte, Vive la Guerre, Vive la Sacre Mercenaire') permeats through 'The Dogs of War', an audatious kidnapping of American President's Son, with much darker forces at play is detailed in 'The Negotiator'. Although he started his career with non-fiction (The Biafra Story), it is fiction that endeared him to a generation of fiction hungry and good novel starved readers. 

It was an intense obsession with the master story teller's works that played a little role in my hobby of reading books, which inter alia, included 'The Odessa Files', 'The Afghan', 'The Icon', 'No Comebacks', 'The Fist of God', etc., No one was amazed when he declared few years back that he actually spied for the British Government! Truth is stranger than fiction!

Om Shanti and Rest in Peace, Frederick Forsyth, and rest assured, your stories continue to enthrall our minds and hearts.

 

"Tribute to Frederick Forsyth"

16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu

Thursday, 12th of June, 2025
Maheeth Veluvali (Sonu)

Why Nations Fail?

"Why Nations Fail? The Origins of Power, Prosperity and Poverty" by D.Acemogulu and J.Robinson, first published in 2012 is a popular book that seeks to answer the question as to why some nations prosper, and others are condemned to poverty. In effect, the book is planned in a way that the French Historian F.Braudel would be proud of - seeking to analyze things on a large scale landscape, with detailed examples form World Economic History. As against prevailing theories, Acemogulu and Robinson proposed the centrality of the institutions of a nation, and their interactions with so called critical junctures that go on to determine whether a nation would be poor or prosperous in the long run. 

The book's premise is simple - Over a period of time, if extractive economic and political institutions are formed in a nation state with a small elite enriching itself at the expense of the people creating inequalities of wealth, this would create a vicious cycle during critical junctures of history, trapping the people in poverty. But, whereas, the formation of Inclusive economic and political institutions, based on protection of poverty rights, individual freedom, centralization of authority, enlarges the fact that the ruling elite would have no appetite or incentive to fight for status quo in the face of progressive opposition, paving the way for a virtuous circle to take place, creating Prosperity. Thus, for instance, the impact of Spanish Conquistadors and their extractive institutions continued their vicious hold in countries of Latin America, whereas the kind of Colonialism that existed in Canada, Australia etc, fostered inclusive institutions, creating prosperity. The tribal nature and colonial exploitation in African countries like Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe played on a larger scale fostering a vicious cycle. There are exceptions where countries broke the mold of vicious cycle, as an exception to the 'Iron grip of Oligarchy' during critical junctures, viz, Southern USA in 1960s, Botswana in 1980s, People's Republic of China in 2000s.

Despite the sweeping generalization and the rich examples offered in the book, there is a perception that it fails to adequately address the perils of Colonialism and Imperialism. In putting too much emphasis on institutions of a nation, it fails to account for the current rise of China. The role of geography is also a decisive factor. Yet, the book remains an impressive one, and offers deep insights into man's quest for finding meaning and definiteness in prosperity and poverty of nations.

 

      

"Why Nations Fail? The Origins of Power, Posperity and Poverty" by D Acemogulu and J Robinson, Crown Business Publishers

16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu

Thursday, 22nd of May, 2025
Maheeth Veluvali (Sonu)

Chaava

After a long time, and after too many near misses, I've had the pleasure of watching a really good film. Chaava stands out as an icon in the genre of Historical films, albeit a few minor aberrations. The makers of the film did not try to offer something for everybody, ala masala flick, and that is just commendable. By staying true to the sourced Maratha Novel adaption, Chaava basks in gore and glory of the Deccan, that great arena of the clash of egos, that shaped the past and the future of the teeming millions. 

Chaava (literally, Lion Cub) is the tale of Sambhaji Maharaj, son of the more famous and much adored Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. When his father's vision of Swarajya, was slowly fading out, the scion would go on to challenge Zindapeer Alamgir Aurangzeb's Mughal Suzeranity, but would ultimately be betrayed, defeated and brutally executed, staying loyal and courageous, wedded to a cause. 

Vicky Kaushal as Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is unrelenting, iconic and essayed the role with an emotional depth, and clarity. Akshaye Khanna as Shehanshah Alamgir Aurangzeb, ever scheming, always ambitious, an imperialist in his twilight slowly succumbing to the ravages of time and truth, stands tall. Rashmika Mandanna as Yeshubai is good despite limited screen presence. In the ensemble cast, Divya Dutta as Soarabai, Vinnet Kumar Singh as Chandogamatya / Kavi Kalash stood out. The latter's last poetic joust with Sambhaji, chained, bloodied but unbowed is a Piece de Resistance. The music, few battle scenes, the guerilla warfare in the early minutes of second half, could have been better. The film would do definitely good, if dubbed in regional languages especially Telugu. But, one shouldn't expect too much. 

Jai Bhavani. Har Har Maha Dev.  

On  "Chaava " (Film - Hindi) directed by Laxman Utekar, based on Maratha Novel "Chaava" (Book) by Shivraj Sawant.

Maheeth Veluvali, 
Palakollu.

Sunday, 26th of Fevruary, 2025

A riveting retelling of past

I've had the pleasure of watching "Freedom at Midnight" Web-Series. Set in British India of 1947, the Series deals with India's inevitable march towards Partition and Independence and sketches the actions, reactions (or the lack thereof) of the protagonists. It was a great watch.  

In the words of Mark Twain, History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes. And a cruel rhyme wrecked havoc as the fruits of British Divide Et Imperia policy were realized. Beginning with the scorn and sly Jinnah's call for Direct Action Day riots, an obstinate and obdurate Congress led by Pandit Nehruji and Sardar Patelji that was caught between real-politik and principles, Gandhiji - a true Saint and Mahatma condemned as losing touch with ground reality, and a Viceroy, hasty and time staved, driven by ambition and helplessness - the Series stands out, in it's portrayal of history, without pampering or caricaturing anyone - unlike many other films/series. 

The casting is simply outstanding. Chirag Vohra as Mahatma Gandhiji, always an ace up his shirtless sleeve, Arif Zakaria as Jinnah - a man scorned and maligned and out for revenge, haughty yet empty, Sidhant Gupta as Pandit Nehruji - nervous, ambitious and aware of the weight of history, Rajendra Chawla as Sardar Patelji - ever simple, strong and straight to the point - all stand out - Kudos.  The crew did a terrific job, bringing to the fore India of the 40s. And, Nikhil Advani deserves all the bouquets. The series is a must watch, for it is a riveting retelling of past.

 

On  "Freedom at Midnight" (Webseries) created by Nikhil Advani, Sony Liv based on "Freedom at Midnight" (Book) by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins. https://www.sonyliv.com/shows/freedom-at-midnight-hindi-1700001477

Maheeth Veluvali, 
Palakollu.

Monday, 25th of November, 2024

Gajapati : A King without a Kingdom

జై జగన్నాథ్. ଜୟ ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ

I have had the pleasure of reading Sri Ashok Kumar Bal's "Gajapati : A King without a Kingdom". 

The book is a befitting and enlightening tribute to the unique association of Puri Jagannath temple with the institution of Gajapati (Current King of Puri), first as Rauta (Deputy), and then as Adya Sebak (Chief Servitor).  Some traditions survive tests of time and frosts of fate. The identity of Lord Jagannath as Rashtra Debata ingrained into Odisha's consciousness, acting as a rallying call and unifying factor for the people of the region time and again is an interesting feature. Nevertheless, Lord Jagannath's blessed grace is not just limited to Odisha. 

The legend of King Indradyumna, set the tone for the later day Gajapatis, and while the era of the Eastern Gangas ushered in the Golden Age (with the long reign of Anantavarman Chodagangadeba and association with Puri Jagannath temple beginning with Ananagabhimadeva III and  'Langula' Narasingha Deba I proclaiming himself as 'Gajapati' as per Simhachalam Inscription), Kapilendra Deba Routraya established the Suryavamshi Gajapati Kingdom in c.1434 CE. After a century of withstanding Bengal Sultanate's and Deccan Kingdoms' assaults and emerging as the strongest political force of the era, the Gajapati emperor was reduced as the nominal Raja of Khurda and then as the titular King of Puri, a King without a Kingdom under Afghan (later Mughal), Maratha and British domination. 

Happenings dealing with the lesser-known infamous episodes of the Gajapatis are presented. The cultural milieu associated with Puri Jagannath temple are detailed in a simple and understandable fashion (viz Rajbesa, Cheerapanhara ritual etc). The identification of the Gajapati as Chalanti Vishnu remains a stark contrast with ground reality, but therein lies the rub. Perhaps, as the author rightly points, such veneration stems from the Gajapati being a King without a Kingdom, deriving his identity not from Political/Material benefits, but rather from the mere fact of being the Adya Sebak (Chief Servitor) of the Lord of the Universe. It is fascinating that this unique association continues to this day and will continue to go on in the future.... 

"Gajapati : A King without a Kingdom" by Ashok Kumar Bal, Konark Publishers

16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu

Sunday, 28th of July, 2024
Maheeth Veluvali (Sonu)

But, tomorrow's another day...

Cricket, or for that matter, any sport is an unpredictable event is an oft repeated cliche that never satisfies the raging frustration felt by a devout fan when his / her favorite team / player collapses at the last hurdle. And that was the case with the Indian cricket team, that won all league matches of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and was soundly beaten by a better team in the final. Australia winning it's 6th ODI World Cup title, however commendable is not good for the game of cricket in general, whose administrators dearly want it to compete with the craze of football on a global scale. But this is not just about the victors. 

The game of cricket created Gods and Demons on an equal scale in the world's most populous country. With the bogey of match fixing, so called great players were defamed in the eyes of the public. And players who were treated harshly turned into favorites of the crowd, overnight sensations, with new titles and nicknames attached to their names. The pitfalls of early success and intense public scrutiny on the players, egged on by the record loving fans of this cricket crazy nation are too numerous. For the past decade, India never won a major ICC trophy (ODI World Cup / T20 World Cup / Test Championship / Champions Trophy), failing agonizingly short in the semifinals / finals. 

And so, on a pitch that offered nothing to the bowling side, we all watched helplessly, as the match slowly slipped away from our hands, that collective feeling of eerie Deja vu - jam packed stadium in complete silence, a familiar anti-climax - the blinding sense of fandom brought to a slow and painful stop by reality. Alas, it was simply not our day. "Football is a game of eleven players on two sides with a ball, and in the end, the Germans always win" - some football pundit quipped in an entirely different context few decades back. And perhaps, now it would be prudent to say that in the game of cricket, the Australians always win. For now...

And yet, nothing should be belittled about the performance of the Indian cricket team in this edition. Over a period of one and half month, we have witnessed some stellar performances, thanks to the exploits of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Mohammad Shami, amongst others. When we batted first, it seemed as if the matches finished very rapidly, even before the time I got home from office. India was the better team throughout the tournament, and that is a fact even the most cynical of people would agree. It was great as long as it lasted, a much-needed relaxing boost, that made us all forget our daily troubles. 

Where do we go from here? Let the dust settle. Let us not get overwhelmed with sadness. Cricket may not be just a game, but tomorrow's another day, another sweet chance to win a new world cup and be crowned. For the fruit of patience is sweet.... 

Maheeth V (Sonu)                                                                              Wednesday, 23rd of November, 2023
16 Saladi Jamindar Street, 
Palakollu