RELIANCE - THE REAL NATWAR

RELIANCE - THE REAL NATWAR

by ARUN K. AGRAWAL

2008, 23 cm., pp. 282, US$12.69 or Rs. 495

About the book from Jacket Cover

The nexus between big business and politicians in the loot of public money in India is too well known to require elaboration. Take the case of Reliance. It is a business house which, when compared to its peers, has been the focus of the maximum number of controversies, court cases, investigations etc. It has the additional dubious distinction of being featured the maximum number of times in the questions asked in Parliament.

Of course, Reliance has come, one way or the other, to own three percent of the GDP within a short period of thirty years. The questions is: How?

And this question has been answered in this book. A perusal of the text of the parliamentary debates makes it very hard to come to any conclusion other than that the brightest of our parliamentarians were involved in a cover up for Reliance Industries in a clear cut case of corruption.

Corruption is easily buried in India: files vanish, honest officers are transferred, some nominal fining takes place and criminal offences are compounded. However, concealment is not achieved quite so effortlessly at the international level.

And then again, being caught once - even one single time - would have been fatal to Reliance. It would have been blacklisted by the government and treated as an economic pariah.

The universally admired and very sharp and articulate parliamentarians Mr.P.C. Chidambaram and Mr. Kapil Sibal, both seemed quite blind to the fact of the bribe paid by Reliance. Or did these two illustrious and famaously intelligent gentlemen cover up for Reliance?

And yet, there was a time when Mr. Chidambaram was honourable enough to resign where he had done no wrong over his controversial investment in Fairgrowth Financial Services. One wonders whether he will act honourable once again, and resign - for the omission of the commissions. One wonders if any of his honourable colleagues - the Members of Parliament - will ask for his resignation? If the common man has lost faith in all politicians, if it because the best and the brightest have often flattered to deceive.

The book is also about the loot of the oil wealth - more precious than gold - of the country and about the other kinds of loot and tainted questions over which the name of Reliance seems to mysteriously loom.

The book has been written in the hope that those in power and the media will be at least a little embarrassed and will not let facts of extremely ugly bribery tiptoe past them so very easily in the future. After all, there's no harm in hoping.

Contents : 1. The Scam / 2. The Cookie Crumbles / 3. The Commission of Omissions / 4. The Law and the Law-Makers / 5. The Minions of Law / 6. And the Fourth Estate / 7. The Reliance Saga / 8. The Lok Sabha Debate / 9. The Rajya Sabha Debate / 10. Pathak Report Extracts

To buy Online Click - INDIA BOOKSHOP

Invading the Sacred : An Analysis of Hinduism Studies in America

Invading The Sacred : An Analysis of Hinduism Studies in America

by Krishnan Ramaswamy, Antonio de Nicolas & Aditi Banerjee

2007, pp. 558, ISBN : 978-8129111821, Price Rs. 595 or US$ 14.88 (Postage extra)

India, once a major civilizational and economic power that suffered centuries of decline, is now newly resurgent in business, geopolitics and culture. However, a powerful counterforce within the American Academy is systematically undermining core icons and ideals of Indic Culture and thought. For instance, scholars of this counterforce have disparaged the Bhagavad Gita as “a dishonest book”; declared Ganesha's trunk a “limp phallus”; classified Devi as the “mother with a penis” and Shiva as “a notorious womanizer” who incites violence in India; pronounced Sri Ramakrishna a pedophile who sexually molested the young Swami Vivekananda; condemned Indian mothers as being less loving of their children than white women; and interpreted the bindi as a drop of menstrual fluid and the “ha” in sacred mantras as a woman's sound during orgasm. Are these isolated instances of ignorance or links in an institutionalized pattern of bias driven by certain civilizational worldviews? Are these academic pronouncements based on evidence, and how carefully is this evidence cross-examined? How do these images of India and Indians created in the American Academy influence public perceptions through the media, the education system, policymakers and popular culture? Adopting a politically impartial stance, this book, the product of an intensive multi-year research project, uncovers the invisible networks behind this Hinduphobia, narrates the Indian Diaspora's challenges to such scholarship, and documents how those who dared to speak up have been branded as “dangerous”. The book hopes to provoke serious debate.

Contents :
SECTION I : Exposing Academic Hinduphobia - Pandita Indrani Rampersad
1. Why this Book is Important
2. Religious Studies : Projecting One's Shadow on the Other
3. Targeting Sri Ramakrishna
4. The Hindu Goddess Reinterpreted as a Symbol of Sex and Violence
5. Abusing Ganesha and Shiva
6. Targeting Hindu Mothers and 'Hijackers"
7. Challenges to Wendy Doniger's Sanskrit
8. De-Spiritualizing Tantra
9. Chakra Hermeneutics
10. It's All About Power
SECTION II : Storming the Fortress
11. The Floodgates of Criticism are Opened
12. Balagangadhara on the Biblical Underpinnings of 'Secular' Social Sciences
13. The Children of Colonial Psychoanalysis - Yvette C. Rosser
14. Is the Fight Between Siva and Ganesa an Episode of Oedipal Conflict - Yvette C. Rosser
15. Kripal on the Couch in Calcutta - Yvette C. Rosser
16. Is there Prejudice in Hinduism Studies? A Look at Encarta - Sankrant Sanu
17. Paul Courtright's 'Ganesa, Lord of Obstacles, Lord of Beginnings': An Independent Review - Vishal Agarwal & Kalavai Venkat

To buy this book click here Invading The Sacred

For more books from India visit - Online Indian Bookshop

Click For more books on Hinduism

Caraka Samhita by R.K. Sharma & Vidya Bhawan Dash

Agnivesa’s Caraka Samhita, 7 Vols.

(Text with English Translation & Critical Exposition)

Ram Karan Sharma and Vaidya Bhagwan Dash

2004, 26 cm., pp. 3304, Rep., Set Price US$ 68.75 (Airmail Postage US$ 46.00)

The Caraka Samhita occupies a very important place in the history of world’s medical science. But this work is quit difficult to understand to those who are not well accustomed with the particular style of Sanskrit in which it is written. Hence, an authentic translation was a desideratum. The present translation is not only the result of painful labour of two renowned scholars, but it comprises valuable extracts from the famous commentary of Cakrapanidatta, rendered into English.

Contents: Vol. I : Sutra Sthana: Introduction/Alex Wayman. Foreword/Pandit Shiv Sharma. Preface / 1. Quest for longevity (Dirghanjivitiya)/ 2. Dehusked seeds of Achyranthes Aspera Linn. (Apamargatanduliya)/ 3. Cassia Fistula Linn. (Aragvadhiya)/ 4. Six hundred purgatives (Sadvirecanasatasritiya)/ 5. Quantitative dietetics (Matrasitiya)/ 6. Qualitative dietetics (Tasyasitiya)/ 7. Non-suppression of natural urges (Navegandharaniya)/ 8. Description of sense organs (Indriyopakramaniya)/ 9. Brief chapter on the quadruple of therapeutics (Khuddakacatuspada)/ 10. Det ailed chapter on the quadruple of therapeutics (Mahacatuspada)/ 11. Three basic desires of life (Tisraisaniya)/ 12. Merits and demerits of Vata (Vatakalakaliya)/ 13. Oleation therapy (Sneha)/ 14. Fomentation therapy (Sveda)/ 15. Requirements of a physician (Upakalpaniya)/ 16. Duties of a qualified physician (Cikitsaprabhrtiya)/ 17. Enumeration of diseases relating to head (Kiyantah sirasiya)/ 18. Three types of swelling (Trisothiya)/ 19. Eight abdominal diseases (Astodariya)/ 20. Major chapter on diseases (Maharogadhyaya)/ 21. Eight types of undesirable constitution (Astauninditiya)/ 22. Reducing and nourishing therapies (Langhanabrmhaniya)/ 23. Refreshing regimen (Santarpaniya)/ 24. Blood formation and the regimen therefor (Vidhisonitiya)/ 25. Origin of man and his diseases (Jajjahpurusiya)/ 26. Discourse among Atreya, Bhadrakapya etc., (Atreyabhadrakapiya)/ 27. Properties of diet and drinks (Annapanavidhi)/ 28. Various types of food and drinks (Vividhasitapitiya)/ 29. Ten resorts of life (Dasapranayataniya)/ 30. Ten vessels having their roots in the heart (Arthedasamahamuliya).

Vol. II. Nidanasthana-Indriyasthan : I. Nidanasthana : 1. Diagnosis of fever (Jvara Nidana)/ 2. Diagnosis of Raktapitta—a condition characterised by bleeding from various parts of the body (Raktapitta Nidana)/ 3. Diagnosis of Gulma or phantom tumour (Gulma Nidana)/ 4. Diagnosis of Prameha or obstinate urinary disorders including diabetes mellitus (Prameha Nidana)/ 5. Diagnosis of Kustha or obstinate skin diseases including leprosy (Kustha-Nidana)/ 6. Diagnosis of consumption (Sosa Nidana)/ 7. Diagnosis of insanity (Unmada Nidana)/ 8. Diagnosis of epilepsy (Apasmara Nidana)/ II. Vimanasthana : 1. Specific attributes of Rasa or tastes (Rasa Vimana)/ 2. Specific characteristics of stomach capacity (Trividhakuksiya Vimana)/ 3. Epidemics (Janapadodhvamsaniya Vimana)/ 4. Determination of factors for understanding diseases (Trividha roga visesavijnaniya Vimana)/ 5. Channels of circulation (Sroto Vimana)/ 6. Specific characteristics of diseases (Roganika Vimana)/ 7. Specific characteristics of patients (Vyadhitarupiya Vimana)/ 8. Specific requirements of treatment (Rogabhisagjitiya Vimana)/ III. Sarira Sthana : 1. Empirical soul (Katidhapurusiya Sarira)/ 2. Embryological development (Atulyagotriya Sarira)/ 3. Formation of embryo (Khuddika Garbhavakranti Sarira). 4. Formation of embryo (Mahati Garbhavakranti Sarira)/ 5. Individual and universe (Purusavicaya Sarira)/ 6. Constitution of physique (Sariravicaya Sarira)/ 7. Enumeration of organs (Sarirasamkhya Sarira)/ 8. Method of procreation (Jatisutriya Sarira)/ IV. Indriyasthana : 1. Changes in complexion and voice indicating imminent death (Varna svariya Indriya)/ 2. Changes in odour indicating imminent death (Puspitaka Indriya)/ 3. Tacticle changes indicating imminent death (Parimarsaniya Indriya)/ 4. Characteristic features of sense organs indicating imminent death (Indriyanika Indriya)/ 5. Premonitory symptoms of diseases indicating imminent death (Purvarupiya Indriya)/ 6. Physical features of patients indicating imminent death (Katamani Saririya Indriya)/ 7. Conditions of pupil indicating imminent death (Pannarupiya Indriya)/ 8. Inverted shadow indicating imminent death (Avak Sirasiya Indriya)/ 9. Coloration of eyes indicating imminent death (Yasya Syava Nimittiya Indriya)/ 10. Signs indicative of impending sudden death (Sadyo Maraniya Indriya)/ 11. Diminution of bodily heat indicating imminent death (Anu Jyotiya Indriya)/ 12. Appearance of a substance resembling cowdung powder indicating imminent death (Gomaya Curniya Indriya).

Vol. III. Cikitsa Sthana Chap. I-XIV : I. Cikitsasthanam: 1 : A. Rejuvenation therapy Rasayanadhyaya first Pada: dealing with Terminalia Chebula and Emblica officinalis / B. Rejuvenation therapy beginning with the term Pranakama (Rasayanadhyaya second Pada) / C. Rejuvenation therapy dealing with by the administration of Amalaki (Rasayanadhyaya third Pada) / D. Rejuvenation therapy dealing with original propagation of Ayurveda (Rasayanadhyaya 4 chapter) / 2: A. Aphrodisiacs dealing with Samyoga Saramula (Vajikaranadhyaya first Pada)/ B. Aphrodisiacs dealing with Asikta Ksirika (Vajikaranadhyaya second Pada)/ C. Aphrodisiacs Vajikaranadhyaya third Pada dealing with Masaparnabhrtiya. D. Aphrodisiacs Vajikaranadhyaya fourth Pada dealing with Pumanjatabaladika / 3. Section of the treatment of disease (treatment of Jvara)/ 4. Treatment of Rakta Pitta / 5. Treatment of Phatom tumour (Gulma)/ 6. Treatment of obstinate urinary disorders including diabetes (Prameha)/ 7. Treatment of Kustha / 8. Treatment of Rajayaksma or tuberculosis / 9. Treatment of Unmada (insanity). 10. Treatment of epilepsy (Apasmar) / 11. Treatment of Phthisis (Ksaya) / 12. Treatment of Svayathu (Oedema) / 13. Treatment of Udararoga / 14. Treatment of piles (Arsas).

Vol. IV. Cikitsa Sthan Chap. XV-XXVI: I. Cikitsasthana : 15. Treatment of Grahani Dosa (Sprue-syndrome) / 16. Treatment of Pandu (Anemia) / 17. Treatment of Hikka and Svasa (Hiccup and Asthma)/ 18. Treatment of Kasa (Bronchitis)/ 19. Treatment of Atisara (Diarrhoea)/ 20. Treatment of Chardi (vomiting)/ 21. Treatment of Visarpa (Erysipelas and Herpes)/ 22. Treatment of Trsna (morbid thirst)/ 23. Treatment of visa (poisoning)/ 24. Treatment of Madatyaya (alcoholism)/ 25. Treatment of Dvivraniya (ulcers)/ 26. Treatment of Trimarmiya (afflictions of three vital organs).

Vol. V. Cikitsa Sthana Chp. XXVII-XXX : I. Cikitsa-Sthana : 27. Treatment of Urustambha (spasticity of the thighs)/ 28. Treatment of diseases caused by Vayu (Vata-Vyadhi)/ 29. Treatment of Vata-Rakta or gout and arthritis/ 30. Treatment of gynecic, seminal and lacteal morbidities.

Vol. VI. Kalpa and Siddhi Sthana : I. Kalpasthana : 1. Pharmaceutics of Madana / 2. Pharmaceutics of Jimutaka / 3. Pharmaceutics of Iksvaku / 4. Pharmaceutics of Dhamargava / 5. Pharmaceutics of Vatsaka / 6. Pharmaceutics of Krtavedhana / 7. Pharmaceutics of Syama-Trivrt / 8. Pharmaceutics of Caturangula / 9. Pharmaceutics of Tilvaka / 10. Pharmaceutics of Sudha / 11. Pharmaceutics of Saptala-Sankhini / 12. Pharmaceutics of Danti and Dravanti / II. Siddhi Sthana (section on successful administration of therapeutic measures): 1. Procedure for successful administration of Panca-Karma / 2. Description of indications and contra-indications for successful administration of Panca-Karma therapy / 3. Perfection in treatment through knowledge of Basti-principles / 4. Complications of unctuous enema and their successful management. 5. Complications of defective nozzle, etc., and their treatment / 6. Complications of wrongly administered emetic and purgation therapies and their successful treatment / 7. Complications of enema therapy and their treatment / 8. Recipes for Niruha / 9. Diseases of vital organs and their treatment / 10. Effective recipes of medicated enema / 11. Determination of appropriate drugs for enema and its veterinary dosage / 12. Excellent enema recipes.Vol.

VII : Sloka-Index

To buy this book online - online books from india

Click for more books on Ayurveda

Eighty-four Asanas in Yoga : A Survey of Traditions

Eighty-four Asanas in Yoga : A Survey of Traditions

by Gudrun Buhnemann

2007, 25 cm., pp. xii+196, col. ills. 100, b/w ills. 104, line drgs., D. K. Printworld , 8124604177

US$ 20.00 (Plus Postage)

Physical postures (asanas)are the most important and often the only constituent of modern Yoga. Many practitioners believe that the postures derive from an ancient original set of eighty-four asanas. This book, for the first time, traces traditions of eighty-four postures by examining original materials, including drawings, descriptions in older Indic texts and modern publications which reflect contemporary traditions. It also takes up a number of broad issues related to the topic of Yoga postures so as to provide the reader with a larger context.

Contents : 1. Introduction 2.A Brief Survey of Relevant Texts 3.On the Terms hathayoga and rajayoga 4. The Place and Function of Asanas in Yoga Systems 4.1 TheTerm Asana 4.2 Asana as an Ancillary Part (anga) of Yoga Systems 4.3 The Function of Asanas inYoga Systems 5. Eighty-four Asanas in Yoga 5.1 The Number of Asanas in Yoga Systems 5.2 The Number Eighty-four 5.3 Eighty-four Asanas in Older Texts 5.3.1 Hatharatnavali 5.3.2 Jogapradipaka 5.4 Eighty-four Asanas in Contemporary Sources 5.4.1Hanuman Sharma 5.4.2 Gangadharan Nair 5.4.3 Svami Svayamananda 5.4.4 The Yoga Challenge System 6. Sets of Illustrations of Eighty-four Asanas 6.1 Preliminary Remarks 6.2 The Coloured Drawings of the Asanas according to the Jogapradipaka 6.2.1 A Description of the Drawings according to the Jogapradipaka 6.2.2 A Reproduction of the Drawings according to the Jogapradipaka 6.3 The Line drawings from Nepal 6.3.1 A Description of the Line Drawings from Nepal 6.3.2 A Reproduction of the Line Drawings from Nepal 6.4 The Sources in the Jodhpur Tradition 6.4.1 A Description of the Line Drawings 6.4.2 A Reproduction of the Line Drawings 6.4.3 The Murals in Mahamandir 6.4.4 A Reproduction of Selected Murals 6.5 The Line Drawings in Svami Svayamananda1992

To buy this book online click here

For more books on yoga

For more book from India visit us at - Online books from India