What book could you read over and over again?
The concept of reading is a powerful tool for understanding a thought. It is beyond mere symbol comprehension. Reading and writing are two sides of a coin. They helped humans in communication and cultural development. Notable Indian literary figures, like Kālidāsa and Vedvyāsa, significantly contributed to literature, philosophy, and societal insights through their works. Similarly, in modern times, “Spartacus”, a book by Howard Fast, and “Godan” by Munshi Premchand resonate with readers. Reading enriches knowledge and perspective while serving as a profound companion in solitude. Indeed, books serve as timeless companions for those seeking wisdom and solace.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Reading is a crucial tool for understanding thoughts and expresses communication and cultural development.
- Notable Indian literary figures like Kālidāsa and Vedvyāsa greatly influenced literature and philosophy.
- Modern works, such as Howard Fast’s ‘Spartacus’ and Munshi Premchand’s ‘Godān’, highlight important social themes.
- Books serve as timeless companions, evoking nostalgia and joy, making them invaluable in solitude.
- Literature transcends time, and classics remain relevant by enriching knowledge and perspectives.
Introduction
Reading is an activity which involves soaking and imbibing. As languages evolved, reading also matured with time, along with writing. It, nevertheless, is not limited to understanding symbols written anywhere, like engraved on stone slabs, obelisks, parchment, palm-leaf, or anything. Reading is something more. It also allows us to comprehend the unspoken thoughts. and allows spreading the thoughts years after it was written. A book is a companion in solitude, and conversing with nature is another way of expression akin to reading.
Language evolved
As humans grew, their thought processes grew parallel, getting refined and organised. They did not know how to spread their thoughts, experiences and knowledge. The urge to record them for the future was direly felt.
(a) Listening and remembering
Antediluvian people used techniques of transferring knowledge by hearing and remembering. During the Vedic period of ancient India, the Gurukul system of education was operational. Disciples would carefully listen to their teachers (Āchārya) and cram the spoken contents by heart. It was known as “Shruti”. The word, derived from the Sanskrit root “Shru” means to hear.
(b) An interesting story
Human evolution is a fascinating saga of multifaceted development. Among several things that they learned was the power of writing and reading. It all started denoting something with figures of that object, substance or occasion. It led to the development of letters with phonetic sounds, giving expression to any natural, individual, or collective happening.
(b) Scripts born
Scripts evolved and refined based on their place of origin. They changed according to usage and environment. The mutual behaviour of individual community members also influenced scripts. The evolution of language was an important breakthrough in shaping a society, culture and civilisation. (World history encyclopedia)
(c) Scripts gave wings
The evolution of script gave wings to human imagination. The creative mind started creating imagery using words. Writing became an effective tool to express their emotions and feelings for future use and to keep them as records. Writers, philosophers, thinkers, and poets created magnum opus writings. They sculpted ideas into masterpieces of literary, political, and philosophical works.
Rich litrary heritage
India is a land of many illustrious writers. They have enriched it with their outstanding works of literature, philosophy, economy, and politics. Vālmiki, Vēdvyāsa, Kautilya, Patanjali, Bāņbhatta, and Jaidev are but a few to name. They contributed to and enriched every field, from medicine to Yoga and from literature to philosophy.
(a) Panchtantra
Ancient Indian classics give a deep insight and philosophical perspective. Written in lucid language with animal characters on centre stage, books like “Panchtantra” convey strong positive messages. These books became a companion in every situation.
On the same lines, stories in the Arabian Nights evoke a sense of thrill and inquisitiveness. They engage the reader who indulges in reading them without feeling monotonous.
(b) Kalidas and Vikramaditya
Kālidāsa, an accomplished literary creator and court poet of legendary Vikramāditya, wrote classics in the Sanskrit language. Scholars are almost unanimous that Kālidās belonged to the period of Chandragupta II (4th to 5th century CE). His literary creations of high order are viewed with great respect. Some “Progressives” call him “Shakespeare of India”!
(c) Vedavyasa
The epic Mahābhārata is one of the many remarkable works created by the sage Vedavyāsa. It vividly describes the intricacies of diplomacy, the political system, family relationships, teacher-student relationships, virtues, and deceit.
(i) The epic
The epic Mahabharata tells that war is evil. Occasionally, it becomes unavoidable to set up order and lawful rule. The Mahabharata is a treasure house of knowledge. The Geeta contained in it is a lifeline of humanity. It shows the way. It is not only a book but a companion which teaches us to live amicably in every condition. Great literary works give profound insights. Besides imparting so much, they are a pleasure to read and reread.
Modern works
There are several modern authors who are creating excellent literature. They are being recognised and felicitated every year. With deep respect to them all, here are but a few writers. It is not comprehensive but a cursory account to buttress the point of discussion.
(a) Howard Fast
Recent times have seen many writers who shone on the horizon of literary fame. They revolutionised the world with their challenging works. Some of them were created in strenuous conditions. Howard Fast wrote an iconic “Spartacus”, which underlined many things. It created vivid imagery of the Roman people, their way of life, and fierce gladiatorial fights. It also describes the slave-revolt and its after-effects.
(i) “Spartacus”
Written and self-published by the author Howard Fast in 1951, the book “Spartacus” Instigates the thought process. It tells about the freedom, liberty and human rights. The theme of the book is the slave uprising. Paradoxically, during that time, these words were reserved for elites and not for the oppressed. Slavery was a menace, but it prevailed because of the hypocritical approach of the society of the time. Slaves were a commodity. They worked under strenuous conditions like beasts would do. The book tempts multiple readings. Its varied and graphic description of the Roman way of life is interesting.
(b) Maxim Gorkey
Works of Russian writers are compelling. Works of Maxim Gorky are especially notable. It beautifully describes the social condition of Russian society at the time. The visual effect of using words is impressive. In one of his autobiographical books, he distinctively described a morning with his maternal grandmother. They went to the jungle, and he noted how she used to converse.
(c) Munshi Premchand
The books are intense and convey a strong message. An author draws a picture with ink. The ink is mixed with various hues of intense feelings and emotions. The work describes the condition of an average person and resonates with with people. An iconic work of Hindi fiction, “Godān” by Munshi Premchand, highlights the condition of the protagonist. He is a poor, god-fearing simple peasant. Hori struggles against odds. His wife, “Dhaniya“, symbolizes a fighter figure irritated by injustice and discrimination. It is a heart-touching saga. The story portrays the struggle for a better future by an honest, poor, dying man. He is incapable of arranging “Godān” (donating a cow) for eternal peace of soul after his departure. This is a book which tempts to read many times.
(d) English literarture
The discussion would stay incomplete without conversing on the literary works in the English language. Literary works in the English language are rich. Works of Charles Dickens, like The Tale of Two Cities, are intense and descriptive. Similarly, speaking about the works of William Shakespeare is like carrying coals to Newcastle.
Suspense and thrillers
(a) “She”
Apart from serious literary works, history-based fiction or suspense and thrillers are also a good read. They give an insight and add a dimension to the readers’ view. One such novel is by H. Rider Haggard titled “She”. Written in the first person, the narrator and protagonist, Horace Holly, leads the reader through various twists and turns. He meets unexpected but horrifying rituals. An unnamed lady, “She”, possesses tremendous paranormal powers. The reader feels a chill across their spine. They travel with the protagonist to various treacherous areas. The journey includes meeting various tribal people. They face squalls and dangerous journeys through aqueduct-like structures. Reading it gives a unique, thrilling pleasure.
(b) “Alice in Wonderland”
Among the plethora of books, a few are really good. Reading English writers or translated versions is a pleasure. They give a different perspective. Literary works in any language are a pleasure to read. They take us to a different world. “Alice in Wonderland”, for example, written for children, enthuses a grown-up person equally well.
Books are companions
Reading gives pleasure. A good book is more than a friend. It is multifaceted, which takes the readers to places. A book tells stories, speaks about the complexities of life and its solutions. Our best companions of solitude, books allow us to look back, evoking nostalgia and joy from a new perspective.
Reading can’t be fashionable. It’s a learning process. It is why books have been considered pious since ancient times.
Further readings:
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