Iran – Navigating the labyrinth
In the West, experts on Iran can be divided into two broad categories: academics/scholars and journalists. Nikki Keddie (academic) and Robin Wright (journalist) in…
On the bank of the river
On the bank of the river, water is grudged by that one alone who is blind to the flowing stream. ~~~~~~~~~~ Bar lab-e ju…
No bar to love
Christian Spurrier on the tragedy of Gramsci’s prison years as revealed in letters to his wife and sons (Guardian) “When I see the actions…
The sea, the sea – a holiday at the beach
I wasn’t sure if I had posted this old piece here. Just found it in my records and thought I should share it…. The…
Citizen of the world
He wanted variety and could not confine himself to a uni-dimensional career or vocation. Other than being a rare blend of East and West,…
The Destruction of Holy Sites in Mecca & Medina – Destroying Islamic Heritage
The Asian Age: The Arabian Peninsula, the cradle of Islam, is being demolished by hardliners. In countries such as Saudi Arabia almost all of…
Opium City:The Making of Early Victorian Bombay
Courtesy Three Essays Collective, I found this book review on an important yet less known facet of South Asian History: Opium City The Making…
that overgrown suitcase of memories
This poem (or an excuse of a poem) was written in a flash for a friend who asked for advice whether to meet an…
What The Ancients Did For Us – the Islamic World
Islamic inventions and contributions are narrated in a documentary entitled” What The Ancients Did For Us”. This production investigates the social and scientific advances…
2005 Earthquake: What lies ahead
Ever three weeks have passed and Pakistan is still weighted down by the debris of the October 8 earthquake. The human tragedy has been…
Sufi Cuisine
Sufi Cuisine, a book combining culinary history with over one hundred sumptuous recipes inspired by the teachings of Sufism. Sufi Cuisine takes the reader…
Mustafa Zaidi – A poet remembered
Why would a poet of Mustafa Zaidi’s stature decide to end his life? Thirty five years ago, Mustafa Zaidi, a poet of notable standing…
End of the Enlightenment
This is a 2005 piece published by NewScientist.com and authored by Debora Mackenzie is an interesting read. I have often wondered where the world…
FALL OF ADAM – THE EASE OF SPIRITS IN EXPLAINING THE NAMES OF THE ALL-CONQUERING KING
THIS IS FROM A RECORDING MADE AT A PUBLIC LECTURE GIVEN BY WILLIAM CHITTICK AT CARLETON UNIVERSITY.[1] Several years ago William Chittick gave a lecture at our local…
Qurratulain Hyder – Writer’s muse
Conversations with renowned author Qurratulain Hyder In my otherwise uneventful life, something significant has happened. It may seem unimportant to some people but it’s…
Girija Devi’s rendition of a timeless thumri
A friend sent me this beautiful piece rendered by Girija Devi of the Benaras school of music. She has been described as the last…
Ode to Mirza Ghalib’s Haveli
This excellent post brought found here back so many memories – of my two memorable visits to the famed but neglected Haveli From My…
More on the Urdu poet Mustafa Zaidi
I wrote a piece on Urdu poet Mustafa Zaidi six years ago. Since then I have received immense feedback. Zaidi’s relatives, friends and admirers…
More on Ainee
It was the first beerbahuti of the season that Gautam had seen. The prettiest of rain-insects, clothed in god’s own red velvet, the beerbahuti…
The other side of Emperor Babar
Babar, the founder of Mughal dynasty in India was an unusual character of his times. A poet, writer and a free soul, he was…