Author Description

A fascinating tale of gypsies in India. A rare tribe which still exists in the State of Bengal. Translated from the original version in Bengali. The book was highly acclaimed in India. Rahu perhaps was their ancient ancestor. Magic Wand made of Rahu's bone was their mysterious source of power which created enchantment & sorcery. The Bajikars were one such wandering race. In a few villages in the Northern part of Bengal a few gypsies still fight to establish themselves as peasants. Time gradually obscures memory. The new generation does not perhaps know that they might have originally belonged to a territory of the Northern or western part of India, where they had a separate language & alien ritual system & habits. Shariba collects the past of the Bajikars from his Grandmother's songs, tales & a story of continuous struggle for existence. It is a tale of five generations which began 150 years ago at the time of Pitem, the great great Grandfather of Shariba. It includes the many ups & downs of the region one & a half centuries ago. Pitem wishes that his race would cease to be a wandering band of gypsies & transform into a race of peasant men. And after five generations Shariba still carries out the legacy. Highly recommended for young adults & library collection.