Rohini Chowdhury - Free Library Land Online - Writing

Banarasidas ARDHAKATHANAK (A Half Story)

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:46:31 +0300

Poet; philosopher and merchant; Banarasidas had no precedent in literature or tradition that might have inspired him to write his life's story or guided him in his task. His motivation to write his story was simple: 'Let me tell my story to all.' Completed in the winter of 1641; in Agra; Ardhakathanak is the first autobiography in an Indian language. Banarsidas charms us with his transparency and frankness; revealing as much of himself as possible. And he punctuates the fast-flowing narrative of his life every now and then to muse on the nature of human existence. The result is an astonishing account that is more modern than medieval in tone; and free of formulaic conventions and stylized ornamentation. At the end of his 'half story'; Banarasi becomes as intimate to us as an old friend. We know the ups and downs of his life almost as well as we know our own and we come to identify with his intellectual and spiritual struggles; and perhaps even share them.

Gautama Buddha

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:13:36 +0200

Gautama's ideas went against the established beliefs of centuries. His teachings did not rely on the idea of a Supreme God or gods who could rescue humanity from its sorrows; instead he believed that nirvana lay within each person; and could be achieved by following the right path. Even though he was one of the most influential men who ever walked the earth; very little is known about the life of Siddhartha Gautama; the man we call the Buddha. His teachings were followed for 1;500 years in India; and became the guiding principles of life for both rich and poor; high born and lower caste. Today; the religion he founded is followed all over the world.Here is the fascinating story of his life—from his youth as a privileged prince to his renunciation and attainment of nirvana; how his teachings changed all those who came in contact with him; and the story of the tumultuous lives of people and kingdoms in ancient India

Mathemagic

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 06:56:20 +0200

Sir Tzyphyr is no ordinary Wizard—he knows mathemagic, the spell of numbers. It gives him a power greater than ordinary magic ever could.With him, the twins Megha and Mehul set off on a series of adventures to explore the fascinating world of numbers. They learn how numbers are used to measure, count and set things in order.