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The unveiling of Ten Indian Classics celebrated 2,500 years of South Asia’s literary heritage with a harmonious blend of intellectual discourse, cultural revival, and Shubha Mudgal’s spellbinding musical renditions.
The grand unveiling of Ten Indian Classics brought together luminaries from the literary and musical worlds at New Delhi’s India Habitat Centre
The grand unveiling of Ten Indian Classics, the latest addition to the Murty Classical Library of India, was more than just a book launch—it celebrated South Asia’s rich cultural and literary history. Held on November 8, 2024, at New Delhi’s India Habitat Centre, the event brought together luminaries from the literary and musical worlds. The highlight? A spellbinding performance by Shubha Mudgal, who set the stage ablaze with her renditions of verses from the anthology.
This was no ordinary book launch; it was a deep dive into the soul of India’s literary traditions, which span 2,500 years and include languages as diverse as Sanskrit, Kannada, Persian, and Punjabi.
What Makes a Classic?
The evening kicked off with an enlightening address by poet and translator Ranjit Hoskote, who also penned the foreword for the anthology. He posed the thought-provoking question: What defines a classic? Is it time-tested relevance, universal themes or something more elusive?
For Ten Indian Classics, the answer lies in its ability to bridge eras, offering stories and verses that continue to resonate till today. From the mystical poems of Surdas to the philosophical musings of Buddhist women, the anthology captures the essence of timeless literature.
The Anthology: A Navratna of Literary Gems
During the panel discussion, Ranjit Hoskote, Navtej Sarna and Vanamala Viswanatha likened the anthology to a ‘navratna’ necklace. Each text is a gem, unique in its brilliance, yet collectively forming a harmonious whole. This metaphor perfectly encapsulates the anthology’s diverse offerings:
Battling Cultural Amnesia
One of the most poignant themes of the discussion was cultural amnesia—the tendency to forget or overlook the rich tapestry of traditions that shaped our history. Hoskote emphasized that this anthology is not just a collection but a revival of stories that risk being lost in time.
By juxtaposing original scripts with English translations, Ten Indian Classics combats this amnesia, ensuring these works remain accessible to a global audience.
South Asian Connections: A Linguistic Tapestry
The anthology highlights the interconnectedness of South Asia’s languages and cultures. For instance, the inclusion of Persian texts underscores centuries of exchange between regions. The panelists discussed how the anthology serves as a cultural bridge, mapping the complex relationships between languages and their shared histories.
Shubha Mudgal’s Musical Magic
The evening reached its crescendo with a musical performance by Shubha Mudgal. Known for her versatility in Hindustani classical music and Indian pop, Mudgal’s renditions brought the texts alive.
She performed hymns by Surdas and romantic ghazals by Mir Taqi Mir, weaving melodies that left the audience spellbound. Her voice, paired with the depth of the anthology’s verses, was a perfect tribute to the literary greats featured in the book.
Why Ten Indian Classics Is Relevant Today
In a world of fleeting trends, Ten Indian Classics serves as a reminder of enduring values. The anthology isn’t just about preserving the past; it’s about finding relevance in it for the present and future.
Each text in the anthology reflects universal themes—love, devotion, philosophy and resilience. Whether it’s the medieval battles in Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas or the separation of lovers in Bullhe Shah’s poetry, these stories speak to emotions and dilemmas that are as relevant today as they were centuries ago.
A Decade of the Murty Classical Library of India
This anthology also marks the tenth anniversary of the Murty Classical Library of India, which has been instrumental in reviving South Asia’s literary heritage. Over the past decade, the series has published translations of classical works from languages like Bangla, Sindhi, and Telugu, making them accessible to global audiences.
The series is a testament to the dedication of scholars and translators who ensure these works are not just preserved but celebrated.
As the evening drew to a close, one thing was clear: Ten Indian Classics is not just a book; it’s a journey through time. From its scholarly translations to its artistic presentation, the anthology is a treasure trove for anyone interested in South Asia’s literary heritage.
The event itself was a microcosm of what the book represents—a blend of intellectual depth and artistic brilliance. Whether you’re a seasoned scholar or a curious reader, this anthology invites you to explore the depth and diversity of South Asian literature.
An illustration from the ‘Akbarnama’ depicting an attempt to assassinate Akbar in Delhi in 1564. | Photo Credit: Wiki Commons
