{"product_id":"9780143100805","title":"The Absent Traveller","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a translated poetry collection drawn from a celebrated second‑century Maharashtri Prakrit anthology compiled under Satavahana King Hala, featuring 700 verses in the concise gatha form. In Arvind Krishna Mehrotra's acclaimed translation, 207 verses are rendered into accessible English, inviting modern readers to hear ancient voices. The speakers are mostly women, addressing sexuality with frankness, sensitivity, and occasional humor, inviting contemplation of love, desire, and social norms. The intended reader is adults and poetry lovers curious about classical literature and gendered voices from history, with an intimate, thoughtful, sometimes adventurous tone.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe content is presented as concise, image‑rich poems that preserve cadence and nuance while ensuring readability in English. The translator’s approach balances fidelity with clarity, creating a reading experience that feels intimate, lyrical, and unexpectedly contemporary. Each piece acts as a vivid vignette—gendered perspectives, everyday moments, and social pressures—that readers can pause on, revisit, and discuss in study groups or personal reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor readers seeking educational value, the collection offers a gateway to classical Indian poetry, inviting attention to language, form, and historical context. It encourages comparison across centuries and invites readers to consider how themes of desire, autonomy, and relationship dynamics resonate across cultures and eras. The translation makes these ancient voices feel immediate, accessible, and relevant to today’s conversations about sexuality and gender.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e207 translated verses from a 700-verse Maharashtri Prakrit anthology\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eFemale voices address sexuality with frankness, sensitivity, and humor\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAcclaimed translation preserves rhythm, imagery, and nuanced tone\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eConcise gatha form delivers vivid, memorable snapshots\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eHistorical context and cultural insight illuminate ancient society\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAccessible, reflective reading suitable for study groups, classrooms, and personal exploration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eReaders finish with a deeper appreciation for ancient literary traditions, a nuanced understanding of women’s perspectives in history, and a broader curiosity about how love and desire are expressed across time. The volume invites thoughtful engagement, fosters empathy, and leaves a lasting impression of literary bravery and cultural insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Crossword.in","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540431057113,"sku":"9780143100805","price":199.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0648\/3066\/9017\/files\/8188pkYc7dL._SL1500.jpg?v=1776681027","url":"https:\/\/www.crossword.in\/products\/9780143100805","provider":"Crossword.in ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}