The seed of Daiva may have been planted just a year ago, but the inspiration for this exploration of Tulunadu’s mighty deities stretches much further back. Interestingly, the wellsprings of creativity that fuelled Daiva may surprise you – they don’t directly involve the Daivas themselves. In fact, they involve some vivid memories of Amar Chitra Katha, Chandamama, Baalarama and Rashtra Deepika’s Children’s Digest. Let me take you on a journey through time as I unveil the literary gems that ignited the spark that became Daiva.
The Alchemist
My journey into the captivating world of Tulunadu’s Daivas began not in the lush landscapes of South India, but amidst the bustling book market of Delhi in 2006. As a confused eleventh grader navigating the pre-college year, I found solace in the endless aisles of Daryaganj. It was my first pilgrimage to the legendary Sunday Book Market, a haven for bibliophiles. The sheer volume of books, surpassing even the famed Appa Balwant Chowk in Pune or Mumbai’s Flora Market, was a sight to behold.
Amongst the dusty stalls and rusty carts, my eyes landed on a worn copy of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Picked it up. The story of Santiago’s quest for his treasure resonated deeply within me, igniting a lifelong passion for pursuing dreams. Just like Santiago, I embarked on my own journey of discovery—a quest to explore my roots and unravel the rich folklore of Tulunadu. This exploration culminated in Daiva: Discovering the Extraordinary World of Spirit Worship, a book that delves into the fascinating beliefs, lores, and legends surrounding the enigmatic Daivas.
Nine Lives
Authors and editors know the importance of setting a narrative, especially in non-fiction. Sometimes authors can lose themselves entirely when they do not have a set narrative. Now, William Dalrymple’s Nine Lives was an interesting read for many reasons, but it wasn’t the content inside the book that fuelled my inspiration. I know it might be hard to believe, but there are stories from Tulunadu and Northern Kerala in the book that are linked with Daivas and Theyyams, respectively. However, my inspiration came from right there on the cover. I remember spotting this book in Sector 14, Gurgaon, a decade ago. The tagline stared back at me – In Search of the Sacred in Modern India. This tagline sparks curiosity, inviting readers to explore how the sacred manifests itself in a dynamic and complex modern India. This phrase stuck in my mind, and when I pitched the idea for Daiva, the entire narrative was shaped by the tagline – Discovering the Extraordinary World of Spirit Worship.
Amar Chitra Katha & Chandamama
Growing up in the vibrant 90s meant spending afternoons immersed in captivating cartoons and exploring a treasure trove of children’s magazines. Despite limited resources, my father ensured a steady supply of books and magazines to fuel my curiosity. Although my reading journey began a bit later due to language learning challenges, my mother’s patient storytelling sessions laid a strong foundation. Among these literary companions, two stood out as profound inspirations for Daiva: Amar Chitra Katha and Chandamama.
Amar Chitra Katha’s vivid illustrations brought Indian mythology alive, sparking a deep fascination with these ancient tales. This passion for folklore finds expression in the second part of Daiva, which explores captivating folktales from Tulunadu alongside the rich array of Puranic mythology. Chandamama, with its diverse stories, nurtured my imagination and storytelling abilities. These early influences, combined with the captivating folktales (both Shiva-centric and Shakti-centric) from Tulunadu, have undoubtedly shaped me as a writer and inspired the creation of Daiva.
Tulunadu Daiva – Discovering the Extraordinary World of Spirit Worship
From the dusty shelves of Daryaganj to the captivating tales of Amar Chitra Katha and Chandamama, my journey to explore the Daivas has been a winding path fuelled by unexpected inspiration. While The Alchemist ignited a passion for pursuing dreams, it was the tagline of Nine Lives – In Search of the Sacred in Modern India – that truly shaped the narrative of Daiva: Discovering the Extraordinary World of Spirit Worship. These seemingly disparate influences, combined with the rich array of Tulunadu’s folktales, ultimately led me to unveil the enigmatic Daivas. If you, like me, find yourself captivated by the power of myths and legends, then perhaps Daiva holds something special for you. Head over to your nearest bookstore and ask for your copy of Daiva or order from the links below:
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