 Battles for Delhi: Dilli Kareeb Ast (Hardcover); Rajeev Katyal; Indus Source Books; Pp 232; Rs 595 |
The many battles, from Tarain to the first Independence Battle of 1857, for control of Delhi, are well described in a lucid manner
Neera Mishra
Battles for Delhi, from chapter three onwards, come across as an experienced batsman’s fifth century and not a Ranji player’s first Test Match. Rajeev Katyal’s experience has empowered him with a solid understanding of human mind, and its strengths and weaknesses, which he aptly uses in analysis of the rulers and the battles they fought. The book’s simple structural layout seems to be targeted for newcomers to history, though the references at the end are useful for research scholars too.
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Science and Philosophy (Paperback); Editors: B Sathyanarayanan; Holistic Philosophy Society; Pp 160; Rs 160 The book answers complicated philosophical questions in a simple scientific way. It contains 23 articles of varied interests. First 13 articles discuss about science on the basis of philosophy and vice versa. There are 10 articles on general topics and some book reviews also, including that of ‘Wings of Fire’. How a Good Person Become A Successful Winner (Paperback); Shashikant Sadaiv; Diamond Books; Pp 216; Rs 150 This book analyses and explains the reasons behind this contradiction in great detail. This book introduces the readers to new possibilities and novel strategies for guiding their positive effort towards success. In order to achieve results, it is important to channelize our energy Human Rights Regime Dialogic And Debates (Hardcover); The book analyses different aspects of Human Rights Regime which has expanded its universe to new horizons and new paradigms overshadowing the existing world order and international politics. We hope that the book would contribute to further expansion of Human Rights Regime through dialogue and healthy debates Social Entrepreneurship (Hardcover); Rama Krishna Reddy Kummitha; Sage Publications; Pp 256; Rs 795 Based on in-depth case studies that highlight the efforts of selected third sector organisations, this book brings to light the emergence of social entrepreneurship in India. The cases focus on the roles of locally established methods and |
The author stresses that the objective of his book is to highlight how a strong administrative and
military central authority is essential for a united progressive state, and a weak ruler opens the gates for
invasions. Reading through the first two chapters one wonders why this continuous stream, and obvious fact regarding weak rulers exposing a state to invaders and a well
administered united federation as a strong safeguard against it, is repeatedly enumerated.
The author weighs the current turmoils, within and around the borders of India, and understands the human mind’s weakness to forget lessons from history. Having wide experience of handling human resource, Rajeev hammers the point at every opportunity, thereby
sending the message to public at large to facilitate decisive central authority to ensure peace and unity for personal and national growth. Sometimes it is important to state the obvious, not once or twice but most often. A nation which has suffered irreparable damage to its history, heritage and identity, that shook its cultural roots, may rather be told in so many words to heed the deeper lessons from its tumultuous past.
The many Battles, from Tarain to the first Independence Battle of 1857, for control of Delhi, are well described in a lucid free flow style, revealing also a solid researched approach. The narrative is
engrossing and detailing of the army strategies and number of soldiers or armory in general vividly transports one to the scene of the battles. Though each battle is significant, but the rather interesting one is the brave attempt of the last Hindu King sworn at Indrapath Quila- Hemu Vikramaditya. It well portrayed the patriotism of a son of the soil to save his motherland from invaders’ rule and the unity of Akbar’s men to retain a territory conquered by his father. Rajeev stops short of telling the inhuman treatment meted out to the chivalrous Hemu by the Mughals.
Taimur Lang’s plundering and massacre is vividly described and here the author traces the width and length of the devious damage caused to humanity and national resources. Through graphic details of each of the conquests and defeats one is constantly reminded of the pitfalls of a vulnerable nation under a weak ruler. Emphasising ‘Highs and Lows of Indian Unity’ is a worthwhile effort to consolidate the journey of India’s failings or successful rulers. Tracing unifying forces and causes of significant invasions once again, Rajeev creates a haunting thought process to linger in our minds. The overall perspective impacts the
reader with imprints of events that marred the cultural landscape and diluted the wealth of a rich country, intensifying the ‘take home lessons’.
Maps, diagrams of battles and good images enhance the quality of the book. Although substantial research shows description of events at battles, yet the author is obviously a product of the ‘colonial history’ trend, which reflects in various ways in the narration. Missing is some
crucial evidence of survival, against all odds, of the symbol of strong ancient culture of spiritual strength of Bharat, which never could be conquered. Images of indigenous Temple Pillars at Qutub Minar could have been added, with Yogmaya Temple at Yoginipura (Mehrauli), which is the lone surviving temple that withstood the carnage of Delhi, symbolising antiquity and strength of the indestructible spiritual power of an ancient civilisation.
However, summarising in ‘Lessons from History’ he does
mention the importance of tracing the antiquity of our Nation, currently on ‘slow motion’. Deriding India’s laid back attitude to ‘seizing the moment’ of ‘rediscovery’ of Saraswati river, he rightly advocates intensive attention to research for Ancient Archaeology and Culture. The best said lines are : “A nation that does not move vigorously to establish its historical credentials, its ancient lineage, its civilisations, its empires, customs and cultures would always doubt its existence as perennially existing ancient nation and its contribution to the world. And therefore, it would always have a defensive mindset. It would at times weaken and fail to defend its freedom and integrity”
The reasonable price makes it an affordable, worthwhile spending. A ‘must read’ recommended to all who want growth, prosperity and peace, to which they can themselves
contribute by electing capable well meaning ‘nationalistic’ leaders at the helm.
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