R. K. Laxman Books

The Mahabharata is a narrative of profound violence and tragedy, so much so that many in India avoid keeping the full text at home, fearing misfortune. Spanning creation to destruction, this ancient poem is integral to Hindu culture and a significant work in ancient literature. Originating from various oral ballads, it evolved into a vast epic. The modern version is notably lengthy, exceeding 1.8 million words—seven times the combined lengths of the Iliad and Odyssey—making it daunting for many. However, R. K. Narayan’s skilled translation and abridgment offer a more accessible entry point for contemporary readers. This edition includes a new foreword by Wendy Doniger, along with a concise character and place guide and a family tree, making it suitable for a new generation. Doniger notes that Narayan’s storytelling resonates deeply because he grew up with these tales, allowing him to select the most fitting passages and translations. His elegant rendition distills a narrative that is both traditional and evolving, blending scholarly analysis with creative interpretation. The result is a translation that is clear and graceful, standing as a compelling story in its own right while serving as an adaptation of a larger work.

R.K. Laxman’s Brushing Up The Years: A Cartoonist's History Of India: 1947 To The Present deals with the author’s cartoons that were regularly published in the Times of India. His cartoons were not just humorous but provided satirical comments on the political scenario of India during his time.Summary Of The BookBrushing Up The Years: A Cartoonist’s History Of India 1947 To The Present by R.K. Laxman is a compilation of cartoons by the author published over sixty years. These cartoons provide Laxman’s own satirical and comical perspective of the Indian common man, the politicians, and the state of the country.These cartoons were part of every Indian man’s morning ritual with the newspaper. The subjects of his cartoons ranged from common marital problems to complex issues like social injustice, corruption, financial crisis, and political power plays. Brushing Up The Years: A Cartoonist’s History Of India 1947 To The Present display cartoons that refer to specific events such as the wars between Pakistan and China, Indira Gandhi and the state of Emergency, Nehru’s Five Year Plan, and more. He even provides comments, through his cartoons, about the rise and fall of the Congress and the BJP.Laxman’s cartoons were philosophical and mischievous at the same time.

A collection of gems from India's best loved cartoonist. From financial crises to the woes of householders, from political instability to rampant corruption, Laxman's cartoons capture the entire gamut of contemporary Indian experience. Hilarious and thought-provoking at the same time, this is a treasure house of humour from one of the most striking voices commenting on Indian socio-political life today. This is a revised edition of the 1996 original.