ஆங்கிலேயர்கள் இல்லாத இந்தியா - பியர் லோட்டி (Pierre Loti)

I never heard about this book. Just before boarding the flight back to Singapore I bought this book in chennai airport.  I had only 200 rupees in my hand, did not know what to with that. I just told the shopkeeper give me a book for 200 rupees or less. The shopkeeper gave me this book and gave me the remaining amount. I asked him about the book. He told me that he did not read it yet.

I started reading while waiting for boarding, hardly 15 minutes, I randomly chose the page and read. It was page number 82 "ரத ஊர்வலத்திற்கு தயாராகுதல்" in that page the author explains the festivities in Srirangam. A foreigners view on our festival, interesting ! After reaching home I started to read from the first.

The author started his journey from Srilanka (Anurathapuram) and he was in a state of wonder about the beauty of the ruined city. His first stop in India was Tirnelveli from there he went to Trivancore. He was a guest of the Trivancore king. The author writes highly of the kingdom. He also visited Jew settlement in Mattancheri. The author beautifully explains the 'situation' in Hyderabad when people were waiting for the Nizam Prince's visit.In Madurai he met the great dancer Balamani and was intrigued by the respect the dancer got from the public.

The author was appalled by the contradiction of the great celebration and the poor people begging for food outside the fort. He visits Golconda fort and was amazed by the nearby caves.He was really sad to know the bad conditions of these historic places.

The Great Famine:

 The author vividly describes the condition of the people of the areas affected by famine. Throughout his journey towards Udaipur he saw malnourished children begging for food in different stations.

இந்தப் பகுதியில் காடுகளும் இறந்து விட்டுள்ளன ; எங்கும்  வறட்சியும் வறுமையும் தாண்டவமாடுகிறது .

ஐரோப்பிய இனத்தின் தாய் மற்றும் தொட்டிலகக் கருதப்படும் இந்தியா இப்போது அழிவுகள் நிறைந்த பூமியாக உள்ளது .

 The author was disappointed with two Brahman brothers whom he thought would help him to understand the Hindu spirituality and philosophy but they were following just what they were taught not knowing anything deeply.He met three fakirs and was fascinated by their way of living.

The last stop of his Indian journey was Benares where he learnt his life lesson.He asked what Benaras great souls thinks of Christianity and he was satisfied by their answers.

"நீங்கள் ஒரு கிறிஸ்துவராக இருப்பின் அதனை முழுமையாகப் பின்பற்றுங்கள் ."

 He believed that Vedic scriptures have answers for everything and it will give happiness and peace. And they were not made by one man but by whole ethnic group and no one can take ownership of it.Throughout the journey the author was fascinated by the Hindu practices and architecture. And writes highly of those things. But as his journey proceeds towards north India the plight of famine was too much , everywhere people lining up for food and he was saddened . On the other hand the richness of kings and princes made him to wonder about the vast inequality.

Definitely worth a read!