The Age of Kali

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The Age of Kali: Indian Travels and Encounters Dealing with the idea of 'Kal Yug' or 'Kali Yug', a time of social and political turmoil, Dalrymple's fourth book The Age of Kali is an impressive look at the forces that drive India. The book emphasizes the author's fear that the country he loves is slipping into a cycle of corruption, strife and volatile temperament. It is a tale of corrupt politicians, fanatical religious followers, ethic violence and social disintegration-all of which are the harbinger of the 'Kali Yug'. Dalrymple, who has lived in India for many years, writes about turbulent times and the ascent of the age of Kali or the 'kaliyug'. According to Hindu cosmetology, 'Kali Yug' is something akinto the end of times, when the world is filled with turmoil andgreed, and morals see a sharp dive. The author has written a set of vivid, in-depth essays that chronicle particular places, people and events set mostly in India during the early to mid-nineties-like Baba Sehgal, Imran Khan and Benazir Bhutto. In his poignant writing style, Dalrymple writes about a diverse range of topics including the violence in Bihar, the Bhutto family, Lucknow, Hyderabad, SatiMata and the city of widows. Darymple's love for the country where he has travelled, lived and made friends in is obvious. The Age of Kali is an eye-opening collection of essays, often dark and disturbing but nonetheless fascinating.