Anya Marusthali

• Author: Moniratna Mukhopadhyay
• Genre: Atmajibani (Autobiography) - Jibani (Biography) - Smritikatha (Memoir)
• Cover: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9789388014649
• Pages: 220
• Weight: 346 grams

Key Highlights:

• Anya Marusthali is a nonfiction narrative that blends the pursuit of a historical mystery with the exploration of human endurance and the richness of Rajasthan's history. The central story follows Professor Sajal Dev and his team, which consists of three men and three women, on their expedition to find the lost course of the Saraswati River beneath the sands of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan.
• The narrative takes readers through the harsh landscapes of the desert, where the team walks mile after mile, seeking the ancient riverbed. The quest promises to bring fresh water to the arid desert, making the land fertile once again if they succeed in finding and pumping water from it.
• As they search for the riverbed, the team faces sandstorms and physical challenges, but their perseverance fuels them forward. Along the way, Anuradha, a history student, narrates stories from Rajasthan's history, while Professor Sajal Dev explains the ancient history of the region. They also visit the world-famous Fossil Park, where they encounter trees that are over eighteen million years old, turned into stone.
• The book is a fascinating blend of travel writing, history, and personal narrative, where the exploration of the lost riverbed intertwines with the storytelling of folk tales, archaeology, and the team's shared experiences. The book offers a rare perspective on the mental and physical resilience needed to embark on such a difficult journey.

Author Information:

• Moniratna Mukhopadhyay was born in 1940 in a village near Suri, Birbhum District, Bengal. His ancestral home was in Sitabganj, Bangladesh, but his family moved to Chuchura after the Partition.
• He received his education at Hugli Collegiate School and Hugli College, before completing his Bachelor's in Physics from Presidency College in Kolkata. He later earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from Jamalpur in Bihar.
• Moniratna Mukhopadhyay had a distinguished career in the railway sector and in a renowned petroleum company, followed by a role as General Manager in a multinational company from 2000 to 2003. His work took him to various parts of India, as well as to countries like America, England, and Germany.
• Besides his professional career, he is an avid mountaineer and has written several novels, stories, and travelogues that have been published in various magazines and journals.
• Now a resident of Delhi, Mukhopadhyay brings a unique perspective to his writing, shaped by his extensive travels and experiences.

Purpose and Content:

• Anya Marusthali captures the essence of a historic and adventurous quest set in the heart of the Thar Desert. The book is not just a memoir of a desert journey but also a reflection on history, archaeology, and human spirit.
• The lost Saraswati River serves as the book's central theme, exploring the interplay between nature, history, and the human pursuit of knowledge.
• The narrative also highlights the mental toughness and teamwork required to endure the harsh conditions of the desert. The historical backdrop of Rajasthan, combined with the author's keen observations, brings depth to the travelogue.

Summary:

Anya Marusthali is a gripping travel memoir by Moniratna Mukhopadhyay that combines the thrill of an adventurous expedition with deep reflections on the history and archaeology of Rajasthan. The book follows Professor Sajal Dev and his team as they embark on a journey to discover the lost course of the Saraswati River, a river that once flowed through Rajasthan but disappeared under the sands of the Thar Desert. Along the way, they encounter the challenges of the desert, sandstorms, and extreme conditions, while also learning about the region's rich history and ancient artifacts.

The story is not only a personal account of a remarkable journey but also a blend of history, archaeology, and folklore, all told through the eyes of the people on the expedition. The team's interactions, historical insights, and descriptions of the fossilized trees and lost civilizations bring a sense of timelessness to the narrative. The book beautifully explores the human spirit's resilience and the deep connection between nature and history, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read for lovers of travel writing, history, and adventure.