Anuradha Kumar – författare

Mahatma Gandhi never said, “What can I do, I’m only one person.” Instead he said, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world”. And he did. The Mahatma and the Monkeys brings together the most interesting incidents that shaped Gandhiji’s life and his most important sayings. From his quest for truth, non-violence, equality and freedom, from the lessons he learned, and from his powerful words, every young reader can learn to be a little bit like Gandhiji.Through what he did and what he said Gandhiji inspired millions of Indians and made one of the mightiest empires in the world bow down to his dream: freedom for India. That’s what made him an uncommon man and the greatest leader of the millennium. And that’s why, even decades after his death, his work and his words matter in today’s world. This book introduces Mahatma Gandhi to the young reader and, through anecdotes from the leader’s life, helps him or her understand the guiding principles of Gandhiji’s life and what he stood for. It also offers a carefully selected collection of Gandhiji’s quotable quotes for personal inspiration, or use in essays and speeches at school.

‘The battle raged in the skies … Jatayu refused to give up, taking on Ravana with his giant claws and mighty wings…’ He was majestic, he was strong, he was the wise king of birds. Blessed by the gods and armed with celestial powers, Jatayu races to the sun, saves Dasharatha from Shani’s deadly glance and, in the end, fights the powerful Ravana, sacrificing all he had in the name of justice and loyalty. Read his inspiring story…

‘Nandi was fearless…he gored all the powerful asuras to death in a fierce and swift motion…’ He was ever obedient, he was brave and he was the most favoured of Shiva’s followers. Nandi, the great bull and gatekeeper of Shiva’s abode, carried the Three-Eyed One across the universe. Always at Shiva’s side, he danced the mystical tandava with him, fought great battles and even drank a deadly poison to prove his complete devotion to his lord. Read his amazing story. . .

‘Jambavan came face to face with Ravana. He moved with a speed and fought with a ferocity that was unbelievable…’ He was endowed with incredible strength, he had the wisdom of the sages and he was a born leader. Jambavan, the great bear king, led the army of vanaras in their search for Sita. He helped Rama fight Ravana and even helped restore the Syamanatakmani gem to clear Krishna’s name. Read his spectacular story...

‘The vanara army looked on awestruck as Garuda approached the battlefield, flapping his immense red wings…’ He was as magnificent as a beacon of fire in the sky and as splendid as the gods. Garuda, the devourer of snakes, carried Lord Vishnu as he fought great battles against powerful enemies. Garuda appeared on earth whenever it was threatened by the evil serpents. Read about his wondrous adventures…

‘The mighty Airavata would stretch his trunks into water reservoirs, suck up the water and then spray it into the clouds…’ He was the mighty white elephant, who could weave clouds and create rain. He was Lord Indra’s magnificent mount, who could make any demon quake in fear. First among all elephants, Airavata could cross the universe in a few strides and was gentle, loyal and brave. Read about his marvellous feats…

‘Shesha appeared in his true form as the magnificent many-hooded snake and reared up his heads above Vasudeva, forming a protective umbrella over the child who was no other than Lord Krishna…’ He was all-powerful, he was as old as the universe, he was the wise serpent-king. Sheshanaga, the endless snake, was a celestial being with the power of a deva. He carried the underworld on his many hoods and Lord Vishnu himself rested on his immense coils. Read about his multiple avatars and magical transformations…

A lot has been written about people who came to India at various times in history, but not enough about those who went from here to strange and surprising foreign lands.Way before trains and planes, speed and luxury, these intrepid globetrotters from India braved stormy seas and traversed hostile territories, documenting their travels and travails in detailed and often amusing accounts.Anuradha Kumar’s Across the Seven Seas brings together 14 dramatic accounts of Indian travellers from the 18th and 19th centuries, giving a vivid view of the world as it was then. These are stories of exploration and adventure, wonderment and acceptance. These are tales of great opportunities and tragic failures. These are chronicles of daring and discovery.You will marvel at the Mughal emperor’s emissary to the British king; the scientific genius who studied the power of steam; the army camp follower who became the master of ‘shampooing’; the legal eagle who was the first Indian woman to study law abroad; and the yogi who took the crowds by storm… These are the stories of travellers who traced pioneering routes to England, Italy, Turkey, Russia, America, China and more, all at a time of revolutionary technological advances, pervasive colonialism and amazing journeys...