Product Description

India’s Westernized elite, cut off from local traditions, ‘want to write a full stop in a land where there are no full stops’. From that striking insight Mark Tully has woven a superb series of ‘stories’ which explore Calcutta, from the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad (probably the biggest religious festival in the world) to the televising of a Hindu epic. Throughout, he combines analysis of major issues with a feel for the fine texture and human realities of Indian life. The result is a revelation. 'The ten essays, written with clarity, warmth of feeling and critical balance and understanding, provide as lively a view as one can hope for of the panorama of India.’ K. Natwar-Singh in the Financial Times

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #116687 in Books
• Published on: 1992-09-14
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

Customer Reviews

No one like Mark Tully
There is a little anecdote about Mark Tully from the days before television. If you went to an Indian village and said you were from BBC, they would ask if you were Mark Tully. If the answer was No, the villagers were disappointed. Such is the charm of Mark Tully and the place he enjoys in hearts and minds of many Indians, who grew up listening to BBC on AM radio.

This book is most interesting in that it is a truthful depiction of the diversity and the finer nuances of India, normally visible or intelligible only to the most sensitive and intelligent of Indian minds and blocked out by most of the middle class, obscured by the daily struggle of living. He touches upon various themes including the continued stigma of untouchability in India, our colonial baggage and how it impacts our love of our own languages (compared to English and by the way the Indian constitution recognises 26 major languages, give and take a few), the Sati, the Kumbh Mela (widely televised in the UK last year).

What is intriguing to most outsiders is how these ancient practices co-exist with the visions of modern India. That is where Mark Tully is different from others. Having spent many years in India, and living now in Delhi, he has not just seen it as tourist interest but as an introspective journalist analysed it all. One of the fascinating results is this book.

Highly recommended if you want to understand the enigma of India (and Indians). If you are the Palace-on-wheels tourist, with all respect (since you bring dollars to the Indian economy), skip it. It might give you an upset stomach.

Beautiful portrayal of some aspects of India
I am a typical modern Indian youth who knows his science and math well but doesn't have a clue about his culture or way of life. This book sparked my interest in learning about my own culture and appreciating it.

Extraordinary insight in to the life in india
This book is an eye openenr for every indian. It throws open new ways of looking at things happening in India. The life , culture and socail fabric have been picturised with a deep insight into the subject. Mark Tully makes the reader think and arrive at his conclusion leaving a deep impression of his thoughts.