There are no two ways to this interesting facet of life. Either you love travelling or you don't. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or someone familiar with only the boundaries of your home, Sivasankari's Knit India Through Literature series will be a revelation. The author's aim in producing a book of this magnitude is reflected in its title. After decades of fiction writing, Sivasankari's venture is commendable for the book is sure to inspire readers. What better way for a student, teacher, research scholar, book lover or just a random reader to buoyantly go on the many soul-searching thought-provoking journeys that assuredly lead to one beautiful destination – India.
Like the earlier three volumes – South, East and West – that focussed on the literature and languages of particular regions, Volume IV – The North dwells on Hindi, Kashmiri, Punjabi, Urdu and Sanskrit literature. The author calls the Knit India Through Literature project of 16 years a literary yagna , during which time she had immersed herself in a sea of literature – “a sea comprising the works of eminent writers from 18 Indian languages.”
Each volume, designed to a pattern of travelogue, interview, history, myth and opinions in a logical format, encourages easy reading.
From Kashmir
Volume IV begins with Kashmir, an introduction to the dynasties and kings, their religious fervour that kept altering the nature of the place, allowing Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Islam to thrive, and how literature gained ground amid all this. In the introduction that appears in each section, the author presents situations that had to be braved prior to meeting with the stalwarts and spending days interviewing them in their home-ground. Kashmiri poet Naseem Shafai recounts poignantly the aftermath of a terrorist attack, while nurturing hope for the restoration of a violence-free “paradise on earth”. Her poems and interview in addition to those of Rahman Rahi, prolific writer of literary criticism, Prof. Neeraja Mattoo and Kashmiri pandit R.L. Shant's work are quite pertinent to the Kashmir of today, but better still to be viewed in context – as way back as 2003 – when the interviews took place.
The elaborate chapter on Modern Kashmiri Literature by P.N. Pushp talks of the reluctant steps of modernity to touch the Kashmiri language in the 19th century.
Then comes the Punjab with a significant number of litterateurs. Dr. K.S. Duggal, Prof. Gurdial Singh, Dr. S.S. Noorn and Balbir Madhopuri have been featured, their interviews starkly sincere and their works just as brilliant. The courageous and outspoken Ajeet Cour's interview keeps churning powerful emotion in the hidden recesses of the mind for a long time. Modern Punjabi literature is discussed at length in a chapter by itself – from the early British period, moving on to how it became traditional in theme and style.
When the landscape shifts to Urdu, one senses the need to adapt to something uniquely different. One of the most famous literary personalities in the Urdu language, the late Qurratulain Hyder's “Memories of an Indian Childhood” appears as a complement to the rest of the contributors. Prof. Gopi Chand Narang and Joginder Paul have spoken forcefully. Eight poems by Balraj Komal, hailed in Urdu literary circles as “poet of intimate experiences of life” is an indulgence. It is to be noted that select translated pieces have secured a place in the book. Gulzar, who the author refers to as “an outstanding writer and a true connoisseur of literature”, talks of Amir Khusru and other poets who have influenced him, his mother's face he cannot recall as she died when he was very young, and the nightmares that haunted him for over 25 years from which he finally recovered because of writing. The historical backdrop, conflict, transition and hesitant resolution of modern Urdu literature occupy the last few pages to wrap up a fulfilling reading experience.
Hindi landscape
“Travelling through the Hindi belt” covers Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. The late Nirmal Verma, writer from Shimla and recipient of the Jnanpith, Sahitya Akademi and Padma Bhushan awards as also the title of Chevalier from the French government, has had his interview recorded in sick-bed, while versatile Mridula Garg confides how she found solace in writing from a personal tragedy that stunted her for years.
Krishna Sobti, hailed as an outstanding creator by writers, recalls that at the time of writing her first short story, she had no idea that a writer had to deal with the complexities of the human mind. This, and many such insights into the lives of writers who've carved a niche for themselves in the literary world, make for an interesting read.
Renowned poet Ashok Vajpayee's remarks on his mother as the subject of his inspiration come across as a fine piece of poetry. The late Kamleshwar who tried his hand at all genres of literature including short story, novel, essay, travelogue and translation, talks of his childhood poverty and his desire to avenge it as reason for major decisions later in life.
“A Dalit by birth and Buddhist by religion” Mohan Dass Nemishray's work “The Shrunken Man” decisively winds up this section.
Sanskrit scholars Prof. Rajendra Mishra and Dr. R. Thiagarajan, defend the cause of the language in their respective interviews, their prose and poetry subsequently filling up the rest of the chapter. Some pages have been devoted for Modern Sanskrit Literature, which includes the pioneers of modernism as well.
The addresses of all the writers featured in the book, given in the last few pages, is a bonus.
The book is undoubtedly a personal journey. This work by a widely travelled well-versed author couldn't have come from anyone better.
