In the heart of Banaras, where the sacred Ganges River flows and life and death intersect in profound ways, a groundbreaking book titled ‘Fire on the Ganges: Life Among the Dead in Banaras‘ by Radhika Iyengar is set to illuminate the untold stories of the Doms, a Dalit sub-caste with a unique and complex role in this ancient city.
The book marks the first endeavour to chronicle the everyday realities of the Doms in Banaras, a community historically assigned the solemn duty of cremating the deceased. Despite being entrusted with the “sacred fire” believed to liberate Hindu souls from the cycle of rebirth, the Doms have been relegated to the lowest rungs of the caste hierarchy, enduring the stigma of ‘untouchability.’
Published by HarperCollins, ‘Fire on the Ganges’ by Radhika Iyengar will be released on 18 October on SoftCover, ThePrint’s online venue to launch non-fiction books.
Author Radhika Iyengar delves into the lives of the Doms, recounting their struggles, betrayals, loves, and relentless pursuit of a place beyond traditional constraints. “In Banaras, the Doms are a community of corpse-burners, treated as ‘untouchables’ by a majority of dominant caste Hindus. Yet, within this community, there are a few individuals who are striving to become much more than what tradition and society dictate,” says Iyengar.
The book is a testament to the courageous decisions and experiences of these individuals as they rewrite their own narratives. Iyengar, an award-winning journalist and recipient of several prestigious fellowships, expressed her pride in this debut work and gratitude to HarperCollins for bringing it to life.
Udayan Mitra, Executive Publisher at HarperCollins India, hailed ‘Fire on the Ganges‘ as one of the most powerful non-fiction releases of the year, showcasing lives veiled in mystery through eloquent prose. The book, published under HarperCollins’ Fourth Estate imprint, promises to be an unforgettable journey through the lives of the Doms, shedding light on their extraordinary resilience and aspirations.
‘Fire on the Ganges‘ is a compelling addition to the literary landscape, offering readers a poignant glimpse into a community striving to transcend the limitations of tradition and prejudice. It is a poignant narrative that echoes the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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