Shankarnama

• Author: Bishakha Ghosh
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers
• Language: Bengali
• Genre: Prabandha - Prabandhaguchcha - Prabandhasangraha
• Edition: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9789350409787
• Pages: 304
• Weight: 850 grams

Book Description

Shankarnama offers a profound and intimate glimpse into the life and legacy of Amala Shankar, one of the most iconic figures in the world of Indian dance and performing arts. Written by Bishakha Ghosh, the book is a memoir-style exploration that dives into the personal experiences, family dynamics, and cultural influences that shaped Shankar’s journey.

• Key Features:

  • Life of Amala Shankar: This book focuses on Amala Shankar, her journey as a renowned classical dancer and her relationship with her husband, the legendary Uday Shankar. Together, they created a unique artistic legacy that left an indelible mark on Indian cultural history.
  • A Storied Family: The narrative also brings into focus the Shankar family, a star-studded lineage brimming with creativity and artistic brilliance, offering readers a look at how Uday and Amala Shankar contributed to the artistic and cultural milieu of their times.
  • The Personal Side of a Legend: Beyond the professional accomplishments, Shankarnama provides a rare glimpse into the personal life of Amala Shankar, detailing her joys, struggles, and her memories of sharing her life with fellow artists and famous personalities. Through letters, memories, and reflections, the book paints a picture of a woman who lived through a unique historical period of India.
  • A Portrait of an Era: The book beautifully encapsulates a time when classical arts were in the midst of evolving, presenting Amala Shankar’s personal and professional life as an integral part of a larger cultural and historical movement in the Indian subcontinent.

• Themes Explored:

  • The Journey of an Artist: The book details the experiences of a dancer, from her early days to her iconic performances alongside her husband, Uday Shankar.
  • Family and Creativity: The Shankar family is depicted as an embodiment of creative excellence, and the book explores how family life intertwined with the world of art.
  • Cultural History of India: A rich portrayal of the changing cultural landscape in India, Amala Shankar’s role in shaping the Indian classical dance scene, and her personal legacy.

• Key Highlights:

  • Reflections on Artistic Life: Ghosh draws from her interviews, letters, and archival material to create a comprehensive narrative that also reflects on the evolution of dance in modern India.
  • An Insight into the Shankar Household: The book not only narrates the professional accomplishments but also sheds light on the domestic and social life of the Shankar couple, offering readers a unique perspective on family dynamics in the realm of Indian classical arts.
  • The Significance of the Uday-Amala Shankar Partnership: Together, Uday and Amala Shankar were instrumental in transforming Indian dance and introducing it to the global stage. Their partnership is one of the key topics explored in this book.

Key Sections:

• Uday Shankar and Amala Shankar’s Early Years: A focus on their early lives and how they met, along with their formative years in the world of arts.
• Legacy and Artistic Innovations: The book dives into the artistic innovations brought forward by Uday and Amala, especially Uday Shankar’s dance company and Amala Shankar’s contributions.
• Letters, Memories, and Anecdotes: Personal letters, memories from the family, and anecdotal experiences from Amala Shankar’s life, reflecting on her relationships and experiences with fellow artists and contemporaries.
• Cultural Context: The book places the Shankar family within the broader context of the Indian independence movement, post-colonial cultural transformation, and their impact on modern Indian art forms.

Key Themes:

• The Power of Art: The role of dance, especially Indian classical dance, in shaping modern Indian identity and its international reach.
• Cultural Family Dynamics: The Shankar family’s contribution to both the artistic and social spheres in India.
• Personal Journey and Struggles: The challenges and emotional journey of Amala Shankar as she navigated the worlds of personal loss, professional recognition, and legacy.

Perfect For:

• Dance and Arts Enthusiasts: Ideal for those passionate about Indian classical dance, the history of performing arts, and iconic figures like Amala Shankar.
• Readers Interested in Cultural History: A must-read for anyone looking to understand the transformation of Indian arts during the 20th century and how Amala and Uday Shankar influenced it.
• Memoir Lovers: For those who enjoy intimate, reflective memoirs that reveal both the personal and professional lives of legends in the art world.