Ali and Ripley's masterwork cannot be touched in terms of the completeness of individual descriptions, but this volume is amazing in that it draws together all the subcontinent's spp. into one book. Even so, the tome is too heavy to carry to the field. The taxonomy is updated, as is the species list. The colour illustrations are of a very high quality; my quibble is that the individual species are too small to be very useful. The maps are miniscule and that limits their utility; the use of two colours would have helped under the circumstances. Otherwise, this book is a long-awaited treasure.

Simply the best available guide to the birds of the Indian Subcontinent. Subcontinental birders have long awaited a comphrehensive guide to the birds of this region.

No other guide comes close in quality of drawings, text and range maps. Though too large and heavy to be called a field guide. It is still brought on trips to be reviewed after a day in the field.

We eagerly await the publication of this book as a true 'field guide'- that will be useable in the field.

This is the best one-volume book on the market at this time. It has very good illustrations and good species accounts that include excellent range maps. It is the only book of one volume that covers all the birds of the Indian subcontinent with this quality of illustration. The range maps are very good and there is an adequate amount of information about each bird. It's too heavy to take into the field on your trip to India, but it is an excellent reference.

In this splendid volume the full import of the Vedic Knowledge on which the ancient Vedic Civilization was based is set out. Could such a civilization ever exist again? The answer provided in this book is a resounding 'Yes!' India can again become Ideal India and can be a Lighthouse of Peace on Earth.

This book is a tour-de-force, integrating the deepest significance of the plethora of expressions of Natural Law embodied in the different Vedic Devatas, with the most recent understandings of how the vibrational modes of the Superstring Quantum Field Theory give rise to all creation. It details how the very existence of our human physiology is an integrated expression of both. In addition, whatever your field: government,
education, medicine, defence, agriculture etc., the knowledge for ide al administration of your area is clearly set out, together with extensive references to recent research, and presentations by those who have begun to implement these principles. In language anyone can easily understand, this book presents fully the practical applications of the teachings of His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

To be Indian at a time when this level of knowledge is available everywhere (check out Veda Vision/The Maharishi Channel, a world-wide satellite TV channel referred to in this book), must be to swell with a pride greater than that of the citizens of any of the world's great empires. This book is an investment that no-one can afford to be without in this 21st century.

Ideal India-Lighthouse of Peace on Earth is an enormous, consummate gift from His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to India, the Land of the Veda, and to the whole world.

The unspoken exhortation, "Awake!" runs like a chord throughout the book:

"Awake, India, to the priceless treasure of your Vedic heritage.

"Awake, modern world-so peaceless, divided, and self-destructive-to your natural state of unity and enlightenment."

In the Bhagavad Gita, the most famous text of the Vedic Literature, Lord Krishna gives Arjuna the Total Knowledge of life and Arjuna says, "Smriti Labda-I have regained memory." In the same way, Maharishi knows that India's Vedic Tradition provides the master key to eliminate all problems in every field of human life-only India herself must remember her Vedic heritage, buried under the cloud of centuries of foreign influence.

Nearly half a century ago, Maharishi took as his goal the spiritual regeneration of the whole world through the complete knowledge of life passed down through the great Masters of the Vedic Tradition. During the past forty-five years, he has organized the millennia-old scattered Vedic Literature into a perfect science and has designed programs to apply this knowledge to every area of society.

In Ideal India-Lighthouse of Peace on Earth, Maharishi reminds India that "The roots of Indian life are in Cosmic Law. Modern laws are too superficial to do justice to the ideals of real Indian Law and the Indian aspiration for Cosmic Life to be practically lived in individual life."

This book tells us that "Veda" means knowledge, the Total Knowledge of Natural Law. Maharishi sees India-the real India, which is a land of knowledge, the Land of the Veda-as having the ability to radiate an indomitable influence of peace and to serve as a nourishing mother for our whole world family by making every area of national life Vedic. The book outlines in complete, practical detail exactly how this can be done.

Ideal India- Lighthouse of Peace on Earth is not only a book for India; it is an encyclopedia of Maharishi's Vedic Science, including within its 500 pages the content of a number of Maharishi's other books, as well as many new gems of knowledge, for example the extensive section on Maharishi Vedic Organic Agriculture.

Lovers of peace around the world will treasure this book, will feel overwhelming gratitude to Maharishi for disclosing the Total Knowledge of life so simply and practically in this generation, and will feel compelled to apply its wisdom to restore our world to its natural state of peace and perfection.

Ideal India - the Lighthouse of Peace on Earth is one of the most inspiring, informative, reliable and confidence-building books that I and my husband, Dr. Dinesh Dey, have ever read. It was extremely uplifting to understand that no nation, no individual, need feel suppressed or suffer today, because the key to power is in being invincible. The knowledge to gain invincibility is readily available in this book.

Every important aspect of life and living has been critically approached and analyzed, namely: education, health care, administration, defense, agriculture, and poverty. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi has emphasized that all problems arise out of our ignorance of self, and only true knowledge about the self can solve every difficulty, every problem in our lives. At the basis of this enlightened approach to the world's problems is the knowledge drawn from the Vedas and Vedic Literature, a body of knowledge compiled by great seers or Rishis of India from time immemorial and reorganized by Maharishi for its theoretical and practical significance.

The most appealing aspect of the book is that it constantly draws upon a great body of scientific research and publications that have over the years authenticated the beneficial aspects of Transcendental meditation and the Vedic knowledge. That the Veda and Vedic Literature have the answers from the smallest to the largest problems in today's world is amazing.

It was doubly satisfying for us to read this book, because, as Indians, we realized that it is a book which can not only make all Indians comprehend that in India's glorious past is the solution to all it's present woes, but that India can also serve as a road map for peace, prosperity and progress for all nations on earth.

I agree with the other reviewers. I also like the the high quality of the reproductions.

This is an excellent overview of Indian art for beginners. It takes you through the major periods and styles, and concisely explains why each artistic/architectural development is significant.

I have just start reading this book & it's very interesting,useful & a very good helper for beginners.At the same time it is a very good referance book.Some topics in this book are real nice & helpful for eg.The Mauryan period,South India,Islamic India & Jain,Rajasthani & Pahari painting.This famous book provides the widest available range of illustrated topics on art in all it's aspects.But there is something in this book which is still missing & i can not find out that what is missing?still it's a very good book for the beginners like me & i love to take refarences from this book & to use it as a course book in fine art in my college.That's only what i can say about this lovely,useful & great book.And i like to say thanks to the authur of this book that is ROY C. CRAVEN for writing such a lovely & useful book for all the art lovers.

This is considered a celebrated work of Arun Shourie, and is a collection of essays and articles he wrote over the years, on topics ranging from the Ayodhya dispute, Salman Rushdie, Shah Bano controversy, etc.. The writings on the Babri Masjid proved to be prophetic, and articulate very cogently the reasons and frustrations that led to the mosque's destruction. Personally, I found the best chapter to be the one on Muslim personal law, titled 'Your Wives Are your Fields...'. This chapter outlines the present status of Muslim Personal law, the outlook of the courts and the absence of any leeway that courts have in interpreting it, the reasons behind such a mindset. Srun Shourie then proceeds to explain in detail why such positions are not justified or explanable in any way. This particular chapter is a must read. A must read book.

The author's views on the babri mosque dispute proved to be prophetic. "will the mosque stand?" he asks, and replies that not unless Indian politics, discourse and judicial dilly-dallying change. I recommend this book to all those intrested in understanding the politics of identity obtaining in contemporary India. Though most of the essays in the book seem to have been written almost a decade ago, they are as relevant today as they were first written.

An important book by India's greatest living journalist.

Being a Rajput whose father is from the Jaipur dynasty, I was very impressed with this book. Like the latest book (please refer to "Maharaj's Jewels"), I found this book very ornate with beautiful pictures and rich historical details. The book is full of facts and intersting tidbits a reader will find facinating. Like all table top books, this one will add integrity to one's collection...

keep it up we must talk as i am a landscape photographer from india but in dubai uae we could work something together pl email me and see my books elements

Jaipur: The Last Destination which was among the six books chosen by Christie's first catalog of art books under its Islamic/Oriental/Indian Section and recommended for its "stunning images." Published by St. Martin's Press in North America and I.B.Taurus in Europe, the book also received a national award from the Indian government, and has become a landmark in Indian art book publishing by having four reprints.

Excellent reading. Dr. Silliman brilliantly brings to light the world of four generations of women in her family. Not only has she presented excellent, affectionate, and enlightening portraits of these unique individuals, she gently teaches us about history, culture, and anthropology. The tales of these women reach from Calcutta through trade routes in Asia, Israel, London, and Jerusalem--ending up in Iowa. Best of all, these stories present the times and places through WOMEN's lives--these are stories that we do not hear in mainstream texts.

Silliman captures the essence of a forgotten group. She has taken a topic barely touched on and attempted to educate the world about it. In my opinion, she has succeeded, this would be one of the best books I have ever read. Buy it today!

Jael Silliman has written an excellent, scholarly book on the Jewish community in India. . Her descriptions of her family elders show her love and respect for them and yet she is sensitive and kind and most of all truthful and honest. As a member of the Baghdadi Jewish community she does not put down the other Jewish Communities in India to prove her community's superiority, as several Baghdadi writers have done. Instead, her excellent book builds bridges among these Indian Communities. Ms. Silliman has done her research and her writing style is a pleasure to read.I recommend this book wholeheartedly.
Samuel Daniel
Senior member of Bene Israel Community living in the USA.

By reading this book, i realised how great the city of Birkali really is, and I was impressed by all of the great innovations and technological advancements that have come about from that great city. I truely reccomend this book, and i feel you should also look at the autobiography: "Devi Singh: The life of a true innovator." Go Blue!

Knopf has compiled a typically excellent guide that will be as useful and interesting to read after the trip as it is during. If anything, the guidebook is better as a post-trip reference manual than a guide becuase it is so packed with information, photographs and drawings. The information is accurate and detailed. Because it is not a typical guide (does not list attractions in a bullet-point sort of way), should be purchased if you are deciding to go to India or in addition to a more by-the-numbers guide.

Like all the Knopf Guides, I recommend it highly.

This book is worth purchasing if just for the drawing/maps. I've rarely seen their equal. The information about each fort, palace and temple is illustrated and the sections on artists and authors related works is wonderful. You see things so clearly you can make up your own mind where to go. Aesthetically pleasing.

Courage has to do with "big heartedness." I have read about many courageous people but few as courageous as this man. If you are a seeking a role model, a template for bringing meaning to life, then read this book. It made me realize the essence of non-violent living, gave me a clearer picture of Gandhi, helped me to see how little wisdom is exhibited in our leaders today.....and offered a hope for a new way of being. A way for bringing deep meaning to life. This is an important book and an important man. I intend to use it as a text in the class I teach at WPI.

This is an awesome book. I read it before 9/11/2000. I have always been interested in non-violence, and revere Gandhi and MLK Jr. We need the message of this book now, more than ever. This is "must reading" for Americans, westerners and Christians. Islam means peace. Here is a man who put his life on the line to LIVE his faith. Like Gandhi, his teacher, he suffered persecution and imprisonment for his efforts to bring a peaceful interpretation of Islam to Afghanistan and Pakistan. He is a saint who should be revered by all the people of the book.

This book really demonstrates how you can incorporate non-violence into every aspect of your daily life. This brought me to a new sense of understanding about the world, its people and our conflicts, and how petty or large ones can be avoided and not escalated.

Particularly relevant is how Khan came from the Pathans, or tribe with a reputation of violence which covers much of Afghanistan, and so much in the news today. Khan however raised history's first "non-violent army" of 100,000 men form the ruthless Pathan tradition, and who through non-violent means courageously stood up unarmed against injustice.

Read this book, it is truly outstanding, and preferably after having read "Gandhi The Man" by the same author - Eknath Easwaran.

John Chamberlain

Abundance is a broader concept than just material wealth. The word itself is not limited to the connotations asociated with the words money, or fortune. It encompasses things like health, loving relationships, tranquil mental states and, of course, wealth. Shri Anandi Ma and Dileepji provide a powerful way to invite abundance into our homes with ancient mantras. Playing them in a quiet place with a candle and incense imbues the home with a divine radiance. If you're into meditation and the subtle power of sound you will love this CD.

I found this CD very soothing, and the chanting voices very pleasant to listen to. I noticed that I felt more settled and less anxious after listening for just one evening, more in touch with my true self. There is something feminine and nurturing about its sound.

I really believe in the power of mantras to positively effect our lives. Other CD's that are good for this are Sri Siva's Sounds for Karma Busting, and Sounds for Manifesting.

I was going through a period of my life where I was very frightened. I played the CD various times and I have felt an incredible tranquility. I highly recommend this as a powerful healing tool.

I read this book about 20 years ago, and the stories still re-occur to me. Let me mention that (as a practicing meditator) I generally have little patience with guru-gee-whiz stories. The author Ram Dass had little idea of the extensiveness of miracles that occurred around his guru, until he returned to India after the latter's death. Maharajji had no sect, but the descriptions of the siddhis (supernatural powers) fit exactly those described by the Buddha. The invariable element in each of the miraculous stories is not the miracle itself, but the circumstances of how these events fit into people's lives, according to their needs.

My favorite story is the one about one of Maharajji's oldest disciples having a heart attack, and people run to the guru to beg him to save the old man's life. After ignoring their pleas for a long time, he finally hands over a banana ('prasad'-a gift that is holy because it was previously offerred to the guru). "Here, have him eat this, and he will be fine."

Now you are truly hooked. Read the book and find out the surprising (and deeply instructive) ending.

This book is a marvelous collection of anecdotes and teaching stories from the devotees of Neem Karoli Baba, a true "Avadhoot" (one who has "shaken off" the world, to exist as a wandering vessel of God) of the Hindu tradition, but who transcended all traditional spiritual paths. He was impossible to classify or pin down. Maharaji, as he was lovingly called, would simply wander into a village and stay awhile, while people offered fruits and sat at his feet, then he would abruptly disappear into the jungle. He would laugh, scold, hug, talk briefly, or just sit. Miracles occurred often in his presence. Maharaji's only teachings seemed to be love, serve and see God in everything. No one could keep him in one place, not even police or jail cells. When the time came to leave a place, he just left. He was simply an old man in a plaid blanket, full of humor and love, who shone the Light of Eternal Consciousness.

Powerfully told from the perspective of numerous students and devotees. Shows the many sides of this amazing teacher.