The ANU South Asia Research Institute Book Adda is a recurring seminar series that showcases the work of the SARI members within the ANU working on political, social, historical, and cultural issues in South Asia, with the goal of encouraging greater exchange, collaboration, and networking amongst the research community.

Agenda:

4.30-5.30pm - Book Adda
5.30-6.30pm - Reception

Abstract:

As a young girl in Bombay, Kirin Narayan was enthralled by her father’s stories about how their ancestors had made the ancient rock-cut cave temples at Ellora. Recalling those stories as an adult, she was inspired to learn more about the caves, especially the Buddhist worship hall known as the 'Vishwakarma cave.' Immersing herself in family history, oral traditions, and works by archaeologists, art historians, scholars of Buddhism, Indologists, and Sanskritists, Narayan set out to answer the question of how this cave came to be venerated as the home of Vishwakarma, the god of making in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

Cave of My Ancestors represents the perfect blend of Narayan’s skills as a researcher and writer. Her quest to trace her family’s stories took her to Ellora; through libraries, archives, and museums around the world; and across disciplinary borders. Equal parts scholarship, detective story, and memoir, Narayan’s book ably leads readers through centuries of history, offering a sensitive meditation on devotion, wonder, and all that connects us to place, family, the past, and the divine.

Praise: “In Cave of my Ancestors, Narayan tells a fascinating story about one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites. This is an outstanding example of how sound scholarship and superb storytelling can be combined.” Amitav Ghosh, author of The Nutmeg’s Curse.

About the book author:

Kirin Narayan is emerita professor in the College of Asia and the Pacific at the Australian National University. She is the author of several books, including My Family and Other Saints, Everyday Creativity, and Alive in the Writing, all published by the University of Chicago Press.

To read:

The book is available to read online via ANU library's website and can be purchased here.

Participants are encouraged to read and prepare their questions in advance.

For general enquiries, please contact SARI Research and Advisory Committee member, Ranu Kunwar at ranu.kunwar@anu.edu.au

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