Kirin Narayan Books

Kirin Narayan is an author who delves into the power of storytelling and its profound impact on religious teaching, as evidenced by her anthropological work on Hindu holy men in India. Her writing often draws from folklore and oral traditions, weaving ethnographic insights with literary forms such as novels and memoirs. Narayan's focus extends to family narratives and diasporic experiences, enriching her work with themes of spiritual quests and cultural understanding. Her distinctive approach lies in bridging academic research with compelling narrative, offering readers a rich and multilayered exploration of human experiences.

Cave of My Ancestors
Vishwakarma and the Artisans of Ellora
272 pages
10 hours of reading
Kirin Narayan's exploration of the Vishwakarma cave temple in Bombay intertwines personal history with scholarly research. Inspired by her father's stories, she delves into the temple's significance, blending insights from various disciplines such as archaeology and art history. The book is a captivating mix of memoir and detective narrative, revealing centuries of history while contemplating themes of devotion and connection to heritage. Narayan's writing illuminates the relationship between place, family, and the divine, making it a profound journey of discovery.

Cave of My Ancestors