Shared Roots: Tales from the Indosphere

by Ratul Chakraborty (Curator), Srivalli Rekha (Semi-Hiatus), Kavita Krishna Meegama

The Indosphere is a broad, expansive cultural and geographical category under the influence of ancient India. While India’s cultural reach beyond the subcontinent has a storied past, its relationship with Cambodia is all but forgotten. Shared Roots tries to plug that gap. Embark on a captivating odyssey through the vibrant currents that once flowed freely between India and Cambodia. Woven together by the threads of dharma, the Indosphere is a fascinating realm where kings exchanged not just spices but also ideas, where artists found inspiration in shared mythology and where spirituality transcended borders.

In this collection, seven authors from diverse fields meticulously plot the textures of this bilateral history, revealing the profound connection that shaped both nations. From the echoing verses of the Reamker to the breathtaking grandeur of Angkor Wat, each page unveils the enduring legacy of this ancient bond.

But Shared Roots is more than just a historical journey. It is an invitation to rediscover the power and beauty of cultural exchange untainted by colonialism, a potent reminder that diversity is not just a feature but also an essential building block of a just society. Drawing upon meticulous research and captivating storytelling, this book ignites a conversation about civilizational revival, urging us to celebrate the past while embracing a future enriched by shared understanding.

The book is a stunning exploration of cultural fusion, a testament to the enduring power of enlightened values, and a call to action for a more vibrant world.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2024

Reviews

[Neelabh Pratap Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shared Roots: Tales from the Indosphere explores the deep-rooted connection between India and Cambodia. It's an anthology of 7 stories written by 7 different authors. The themes vary from historical fiction, fantasy, and travelogue.
The stories transport readers to an era when Bharatvarsha and Cambodia flourished as interconnected civilizations. The grandeur of Angkor Wat and the intricate details of the carvings of Hindu devi devatas are brought to life through vivid description.
Whether you're captivated by historical fiction, drawn to the magic of fantasy, or simply curious about the two nations' intertwined past, this book offers a rich and fulfilling reading experience. Perfect for a leisurely weekend.

[Achyuth Murlei · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a literary market saturated with retellings of Indian epics and cultural histories, Shared Roots distinguishes itself through a unique and organic approach to fictionalising these themes. The book is a collection of fiction and non-fiction entries, offering readers a captivating exploration of Indian epics, history, and cultural influences.

Vaishali’s story is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. It gently guides the reader, only to deliver a heart-wrenching conclusion—a truly unforgettable emotional journey. Srivalli’s tale of heartbreak, on the other hand, stirs the soul profoundly, prompting deep reflections on love, death, and sheer will. Her strong female protagonist embodies both grit and sensitivity, with the latter portrayed as a source of strength rather than weakness—a refreshing and empowering perspective.

The non-fiction entries are equally enthralling and educational, unveiling the intricate beauty of historical connections and ancient civilisations. The emphasis on modern-day Cambodia highlights enduring cultural ties between the Indosphere and Southeast Asia. Not only is this knowledge inspiring, but also fuels anticipation for future works exploring India’s interactions with other ancient civilisations. I spent an equal amount of time looking into the history presented in the book as much as I did reading it.

With its rich themes and insightful narratives, Shared Roots would make an excellent diplomatic gift for Cambodia, fostering mutual appreciation of historical connection.

I am looking forward to future projects in this theme where authors, historians and poets from both nations contribute to the chronicling of ancient links, enriching this dialogue and promoting a shared awareness of their intertwined pasts.

Shared Roots serves as a bridge between the past and present, culture and identity, making it essential reading for anyone curious about the Indosphere's enduring impact. It stands as a testament to the timeless power of stories to connect, inspire, and transcend borders.

[Ashish Iyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, the cover of this book is so aesthetic. Srivalli ma'am and Kavita ma'am were kind enough to send me this signed copy. I was always intrigued by the mighty Cambodia (Kambuja Desa) but never did try to find any books written on it. Cambodia is one of the countries, I definitely want to visit. I dived into reading this book the minute it reached me. There are 6 stories and 1 travelogue. Usually I am not a fan of short stories but this one went a different way for me. I was hooked by the very first story written by Srivalli Rekha. Not only did she write the historical fiction story about Cambodia history with the Pallava empire, she also reveals the reality of Idol thief ( Read The idol thief by S. Vijay Kumar). It has become a major issue for us Hindus. Kavita Krishna wrote a beautiful travelogue on Cambodia. I loved her bonding with her mother. I loved that she wrote her travelogue without any pre conceived notion. She was respectful enough for locals and had beautiful darshan of our devtas. So much information is given which will help me to explore the beautiful country. The story by Srinidhi brings out the relationship between Chola and Kambuja rulers. They were patrons of art, literature and their contribution to architecture. The story by Swetha Prakash was enchanting one while the story by Vaishali was looking for that bond and yearning for that connection we have been missing. Sunil's story had the suspense element. It was a page turner.

Very well written stories. Shared Roots is an appropriate title for this book. As Rajiv Malhotra rightly said, "The history of India is not others coming in and invading, giving us things and changing us, but also how Indian knowledge has been exported, how the history of India is present also in the history of Europe and China and so on". Both countries exchanged ideas, exchange of cultural, diversity, lifestyle. Artists found inspiration in Hindu itihasa. India and Cambodia need to realised that they have deep ties. That goes beyond 1000 years. They sort of need to reconnect. After invasion in India that ties were broken. We had a vibrant history.

Very well researched and intriguing storytelling, this book ignites a conversation about civilizational revival, urging us to celebrate the past while embracing a future. All 7 authors wrote stories without any pre conceived notion and free from colonial taint.

After reading this book. I so want to read The history of Kambuja Desa: Modern Cambodia by RC Majumdar.

[Ajit Vadapalli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting mix of fiction and travelogue. While the fiction part takes us to Cambodia and India in the medieval periods, the travelogue takes us to the ruins of Angkor Wat and Siem Reap. The collective efforts of Srivalli Rekha, Kavita Krishna Meegama, Srinidhi Balasubramanian,Swetha Prakash, Vaishali S, Sunil Kumar, and Pranshu B. Saxena give us an enchanting reading experience of the rich shared heritage of India and Cambodia.

[Soumya Sehgal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only three stories are worth reading but the book encourages and helps you dwell deeper in the cultural exchange between Cambodia and India.