The Himalayan Arc: Journeys East of South-east

by Namita Gokhale

The Himalayas, the tallest and the youngest mountains in the world, spread from Afghanistan and Pakistan through India, Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar with their northern extrusions the Ximalaya Shanmai across the Tibetan plateau in China. Despite border restrictions, the inhabitants of this region continue to share a trans-Himalayan identity, fragile yet enduring.

The Himalayan Arc focuses on a crucial, enthralling, politically turbulent, yet often underreported part of this Himalayan belt the East of South-east . With over thirty contributors such as Sanjoy Hazarika, Janice Pariat, Prajwal Parajuly, Thomas Bell, Ma Thida, Salil Tripathi, Catherine Anderson, and Indira Goswami, it attempts to describe the sense of shared lives and cultural connectivity between the denizens of this area. Poetry, fiction, and mysticism are juxtaposed with essays on strategy and diplomacy, espionage and the deep state, photographs, folk tales, and fables. From the unique identity of a Himalayan citizen to the geopolitical jigsaw that is the region; from the hidden spy network in Kathmandu to intimate portraits of Shillong, Gangtok, Darjeeling, and other cities; from the insurgency in Assam to a portrait of Myanmar under military rule, the essays, stories, and poems in this anthology highlight the similarities within the differences of the Himalayan belt.

Providing insider and outsider perspectives on this intriguing part of the world, The Himalayan Arc is a travel book with a difference

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Travel

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2018

Reviews

[Gasho · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew I wanted to read this book when I saw it in the Oxford library. Having a great affinity for mountains and spending a beautiful time in the Dhauladhar Range, this books appeared to bring me great appeasement at first sight. I won't say that I enjoyed the book throughout. I was disappointed when I had to read a couple of funny short stories when I was halfway through it. Why would one put unbearably romantic short stories in the middle of an anthology that praises the culture, topography, politics and magnificence of the mountains? However, I kept going on. To be honest, I skipped 2-3 certain short stories which served no purpose to me.
The book, otherwise, gives a grand impression of the Himalayas with its enchanting tales about people, their struggle and the pride they carry.

[Nishant · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a collection of over 25 narrations revolving around the Himalayas by more than 30 writers. It contains stories from Afghanistan to Bhutan covering not only the Himalayan life but also the Hindakush geopolity. The poetry, folk tales, lifestyle and politics this books brings out many aspects of the Himalayan arc in the global South.

[Arti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book on a trip to Sikkim, and was curious to understand the region more since I have been reading books of North-eastern India. It is an interesting read since it provides a link between the borders that have been built over a period of time. It helps us connect people and cultures we view in silos.

[Alex Berryman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cool read! If you want some insight on geopolitics in South Asia (because you are intellectual bada** like me), I would thoroughly suggest this book.

Its an anthology comprised of different voices from all across Nepal, North India, Sikkim, and Myanmar. Each brings their own perspective, voice, and style - describing the history and relationship of this very interconnected area.

I wish there were more stories about Pakistan and North East India, but all in all, I really enjoyed it.

[Anindya Biswas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read more on literature from and about the Himalayas and this book is the perfect starting point. From the rise of the Gorkha rulers by Amish Mulmi to the situation of Myanmar by Salil Tripathi, each author is a treat in itself. There is some great poetry and folk tales well retold as well and to read about this diversity of the Himalayas is a treat.

[Divya Pal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some wonderful yarns, myths, cultural menes and insightful geopolitical discourses.