Renowned poet-diplomat Abhay K is set to captivate readers with his upcoming book titled ‘Nalanda,’ which delves into the rich history of the ancient seat of learning in Bihar. Penguin Random House India has announced the acquisition of this eagerly awaited publication, scheduled to be released in October 2024 under the Vintage imprint.
‘Nalanda’ promises to take readers on an enlightening journey through time, unravelling the remarkable story of one of the world’s greatest centres of knowledge and learning. With a masterful blend of historical facts and narrative flair, Abhay K transports us to the prehistoric city of Rajgir, the birthplace of Brihadratha and Jarasandha, which later evolved into the influential Magadh empire.
The book invites readers to uncover the extraordinary journey of Nalanda Mahavihara—the world’s first university—through meticulous research and a captivating narrative. It traces the institution’s inception, its unfortunate destruction, and its subsequent resurrection in the 21st century as Nalanda University. Abhay K’s work also explores the invaluable contributions made by luminaries from Nalanda, who revolutionized fields such as mathematics, philosophy, poetry, and logic.
While ‘Nalanda’ will undoubtedly resonate with readers from all walks of life, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past, it will particularly enchant history enthusiasts fascinated by ancient civilizations and individuals eager to delve into the significant role of Nalanda in the world’s educational and intellectual history.
Abhay K is an accomplished author known for his collection of poetry books, including ‘Celestial,’ ‘Stray Poems,’ ‘Monsoon,’ ‘The Magic of Madagascar,’ and ‘The Alphabets of Latin America.’ He has also edited several books, including ‘The Book of Bihari Literature.’ His thought-provoking poems have been featured in numerous literary magazines worldwide, such as the Poetry Salzburg Review and Asia Literary Review.
Abhay K’s impact extends beyond the written word. His widely acclaimed poem ‘Earth Anthem’ has been translated into over 150 languages. Recognized for his literary prowess, he received the SAARC Literary Award in 2013 and was honoured with an invitation to record his poems at the prestigious Library of Congress in Washington, DC, in 2018. Furthermore, his translations of Kalidasa’s ‘Meghadutam’ and ‘Ritusamharam’ from Sanskrit earned him the esteemed KLF Poetry Book of the Year Award for 2020-21.
With ‘Nalanda,’ Abhay K’s literary expertise promises to offer readers a profound and enlightening exploration of the historic legacy of Nalanda University, captivating both poetry enthusiasts and those eager to delve into the intricate tapestry of ancient civilizations.
