Shirin Abbas
Lucknow, August 3:
Ram Advani speaks to SHIRIN ABBAS on Lucknow’s literary links, the interests it holds for global scholars and some of his favourite authors whom he has helped in their scholarly pursuits
Why has there been such a void in Lucknow’s contribution to the written word?
“Maybe what you mean to say is that Lucknow has not contributed too many writers to come out with literary works. Though works by Atia Hossain and Naiyyer Masud refute that premise. It is wrong to conclude that the city no longer remains a haven for scholars. Even today you have students from all over the world coming to the city to pursue their research quietly, not seeking publicity. Only last week, Prof Catherine Asher from the University of Minnesota came calling. In fact, when the American Institute of Indian Studies wrapped up its operations in Pakistan, it chose to set up base in Lucknow and today there are over 19 scholars working on different areas at the same.”
So Lucknow’s contribution to the world of academics has not diminished, you would say?
“Not at all. On the contrary it continues to inspire great research work and other texts— some of these focus on the history of the region, the arts, crafts, cuisine, culture, architecture, political upheavals and social struggles. A recent example is New York Academician Kanchan Chandra’s latest book: Why ethnic parties succeed: Patronage and ethnic head counts in India, released just last week. Last year there was an American scholar Sarah Pinto, doing research on the problems of rural women’s child birth and the role of the ‘dai’.”
What about Lucknowphiles probing the history of the city and its role in the First battle of Independence?
“One of the most famous writers is of course Rosie Llewlyn Jones who makes it a point to visit almost every year. Then of course French political analyst Violette Graf. I’d say the focus of late is more to look at the other side and probe the truths of history sans bias. There is this continuous string of writers seeking information and it is still a strong centre for academically inspired text and historically-oriented people. In fact the global consensus among scholars remains that Lucknow ids a treasure trove of historical invaluable information. But most of the interest comes from scholars based outside India— in Europe, US, Canada, Australia and Japan. Our own research scholars often lack the diligence and patience to pursue such extensive research. I have seen writers come down and take up abode in the crumbling houses in the Old City to pursue their research —that kind of dedication is not often seen among indigenous students.”
Who do you remember among the writers who’ve come to research their texts?
“Vikram Seth, Naipaul came twice, Ruskin Bond I have known since he was a boy of ten, he has been a regular visitor— in fact I was the Bursar Secretary when Ruskin was in Bishop Cotton School in Shimla and had a close association with him. Even today we never sell n unsigned Ruskin Bond copy at Ram Advanis. He autographs all his books for me. William Dalrymple was here some years back doing research on The White Moghuls. Of course Irfan Habib, Romilla Thapar, Ralph Russell, Carla Petrovich are some other prominent names who have been drawn to the city. Authors and academics like Dr Francis Robinson, (Author of Separatism Among the Muslims), Barbara Metcalfe an authority on Deoband, Gail Minault, the present head of the University of Texas, Prof Peter Reeves, Vice Chancellor of the Singapore University, Rosie Llewlyn Jones, Violette Graf and Peter Taylor, Author of the Oxford comapanion to the Mutiny of 1857 have given Lucknow pride of place in the world of academics.”
Why call a bookstore Ram Advanis? Isn’t that a little narcissistic?
“The world over bookstores are known by their owners. They take on the personality of the owners and reflect the close association they share with their patrons. I was advised to do the same by a friend. We had closed down our family bookstore in Lahore when we came and for some reasons I could not continue that name. I took on that advise against my family’s wishes and have never regretted it.”
What have been the gains of a life spent among books and academics?
“I do not see my job as just that of a bookseller. If someone asks for a book I have to help them find it. It is like a relationship between a doctor and a patient. I cannot leave his needs unattended. I must pursue it to the best of my ability. And it has been a rewarding pastime. I have gained knowledge and friends from this association and developed a link that has extended over generations and across the seven seas. What more reward can one seek from a vocation?
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