Author: Akhil Bakshi
Publisher: Odyssey/Timeless
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 561
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8190086211
Description
Soon after the nuclear tests conducted by India and Pakistan, Akhil Bakshi led an 18, 000 km motoring expedition-Hands Across The Borders-to promote peace and development in South Asia. The journey, with activists from the region, was envisaged as a massive mass contact programme through the interiors of Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan. Between Heaven and hell is an account of that momentous journey.
Though the prism of observant, trenchant humour, the book refracts issues of development, religion, politics and culture. Despite the mockery and jokes, the author confronts broad and challenging themes raging from caste wars to widow burning. Compelling descriptions of people and places, bold and entertaining accounts of events, and cracking yarns on gods and saints, priests and politicians, makes for a fascinating exploration of South Asia.
Much distance has been travelled in the book, encompassing a region rarely glimpsed as a whole. The author’s enthusiasm for South Asia enlivens every page. Wit, clarity and elegance of style make the book gripping and hugely enjoyable.
The text is enriched with 16 pages of colour and over 200 black and white photographs.
Contents
PART I: SRI LANKA
CHAPTER 1
Colombo
CHAPTER 2
Dambulla
CHAPTER 3
Anuradhapura
CHAPTER 4
Mihintale, Sigriya and Matale
CHAPTER 5
Kandy
CHAPTER 6
Nuwara Eliya
CHAPTER 7
Ratanapura
CHAPTER 8
Galle
PART II: COROMANDEL COAST
CHAPTER 9
Chennai
CHAPTER 10
Mamallapuram and Kanchipuram
CHAPTER 11
Tirumala
CHAPTER 12
Pondicherry
CHAPTER 13
Deltas of Krishna and Godavari
CHAPTER 14
Eastern Ghats
CHAPTER 15
Orissa
CHAPTER 16
Calcutta
CHAPTER 17
Jessore
CHAPTER 18
Dhaka
CHAPTER 19
Chittagong
CHAPTER 20
Cox’s Bazaar
CHAPTER 21
Chittagong Hill Tracts
CHAPTER 22
Comilla and Sylhet
PART IV: BHUTAN
CHAPTER 23
Sandrup Jonkhar
CHAPTER 24
Trashigang
CHAPTER 25
Bumthang
CHAPTER 26
Wangdue and Punakha
CHAPTER 27
Thimpu
PART V: NEPAL
CHAPTER 28
East and Central Nepal
CHAPTER 29
Kathmandu
CHAPTER 30
Pokhara
PART VI: INDO-GANGETIC PLAIN
CHAPTER 31
Bihar
CHAPTER 32
Uttar Pradesh
CHAPTER 33
Himachal, The Abode of Snow
CHAPTER 34
Punjab, The Land of the Five Rivers
PART VII: WESTERN INDIA
CHAPTER 35
Rajasthan
CHAPTER 36
Gujarat
CHAPTER 37
Maharashtra
CHAPTER 38
Madhya Pradesh
APPENDIX I, II, III