Hirma Ki Amar Kahani

Habib Tanvir, Prabha Katyal

Translated by Anjum Katyal, Prabha Katyal

 

5.5 x 8.5 inches, 72pp. 2005

ISBN : 9788170462774

Rs  150.00 (PB)
$9.95 (PB)
£6.95 (PB)

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Hirma Dev, the messianic and headstrong ruler of a tribal state called Titur Basna, comes into direct conflict with a state determined to replace the traditional tribal way of life with so-called democratic developmental ideas. This gives rise to a sustained struggle between the adivasis and a host of officials, with disastrous results. Based on a historical occurrence, this is nevertheless an urgently contemporary tale which highlights the process of assimilation of tribal people occurring all over the world. In the process it raises vital questions with no easy answers. It is left for you to decide-Who emerges the victor? What does development mean? Who does it benefit? Does it have to mean the same thing for all societies? 

Habib Tanvir, a veteran playwright, director and actor, whose pathbreaking work with his company Naya Theatre has shown how folk elements can inform contemporary performance. He has won many major awards, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan, Padma Shree and Sangeet Natak Akademi awards. He has served as Member of Parliament and been granted a D. Lit by several universities. He has written, adapted and directed more than 20 plays.

Prabha Katyal

 

Anjum Katyal is a writer and editor based in Calcutta. She has several translations to her credit.

Prabha Katyal is a retired teacher who does translations from Hindi. She lives in Calcutta.

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