Good India Reads

The Small Hands of Slavery; Bonded Child Labor in India
Human Rights Watch Children's Rights Watch Project
Based on interviews with over one hundred children during a two-month investigation in India, this report details their plight in the silk, beedi (hand-rolled cigarettes), synthetic gems, silver, leather, agricultural, and carpet industries. Bonded child labor is outlawed by international and Indian law, but the Indian government has failed utterly to end it.

Neither Man nor Woman; The Hijras of India
Nanda, Serena
This ethnography is about a unique and extraordinarily interesting group, the hijras of India. The hijras are a religious community of men who dress and act like women and whose culture centers on the worship of Bachuchara Mata, one of the many versions of the Mother Goddess worshiped throughout India.

The Bhagavad-Gita; Krishna's Counsel in a Time of War
Miller, Barbara Stoler trans.
An essential text of Hindu culture in India since the time of its composition in the first century A.D. Set on an ancient battlefield where the armies of rival cousins stand ready to do battle, the GITA recounts the epic tale of the warrior-prince Arjuna, as he confronts a life-or-death moral delemma. What is the purpose or justice of war?

Teach Yourself Hindi
Snell, Rupert and Simon Weightman.
A complete course in reading, writing, and speaking Hindi. Its clear and logical approach makes the ideal way to learn Hindi, whether you are a complete beginner or you have learned some Hindi before.

Myths and Gods of India
Danielou, Alain
This study of Hindu mythology explores the significance of the most porminent Hindy deities as they are envisioned by the Hindus themselves.

Within the information spa, also known as the Hall of Mental Cultivation, there are many other books, travel phrasebooks, and maps of India. Stop by!