Publisher : Sanjoy Majumder, Murdhonno, Elephant Road, Dhaka. First published : December 2016. Printer : Radiant Printing. Compose & Page Make up : Murdhonno Graphics. Cover Photography : Anwarul Karim. Cover Design : Abir Arnob. Size : DD1/16. Page : 476. Price : Tk. 700.00, US$ 35.00.
A folklorist and researcher of national and international repute and recognition Prof. Dr. Anwarul Karim is a distriguished cultural historian and educationist. He is best known for his pioneering research on the Bauls of Bangladesh and Lalon Faqir. He was awarded nationally and internationally for his research work and publication. Dr Karim has long been dedicated to research on our culture, folk literature and water resources. The present book on water and culture in Bangladesh is a pioneering work on the subject.
In the Preface of the book ‘Water and Culture in Bangladesh : Past and Present’ the writer says, “The present book speaks of the importance of water as far as it shapes our culture. Bangladesh as one of the ancient countries represents a kind of culture that is unique in the world. Many of our cultural heritages are getting lost because of urbanization and also for absence of water in our rivers. Again there has been lack of awareness and interest in these things by those who have either poor knowledge or are indifferent to their identity. A nation cannot survive if her citizen in apathetic towards the culture she possesses for generations.” He stresses on the way out and a better future: “Our youth need to be trained to find out their roots and the history of our brave people.” He focuses on our diversified culture, which does not affect culture: “Bangladesh is a country where the culture is diversified. Yet never has such diversification affected our culture. Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians together with the minor religious groups, such as tribes, maintain their own religious culture living side by side for generations.”
We have also the same observation and here lies the beauty of Bangladesh-beauty of our culture. The humanistic outlook prevails and it comes down for centuries to bestow on people the blessings of harmony.
The words in the flaps speak of the background of writing this book in a deep research process for a long period.
The writer says about his intention: “My intention in this book is to find out the roots of the people of Bangladesh and the culture thereof as there has been controversy regarding the influence of Dravidians in the Bengal way of life.”
The researcher in his search to find out the roots had to go a long way and he shares his opinion with the readers: “This book has a detailed description of the people who worked for the foundation of the country… However it was the Dravidians and the Kolarians who ruled the country during the advent of the Aryans….” Thus, he finds no scope of controversy regarding the influence of the Dravidians.
About water and culture he says : “This study will try to analyze the issue related to water and culture and how these help build our civilization.” “I also intend to know the various uses of water in the cultural life that the people actually performed in the past and also have been performing the same in the present.” The writer has analysed the issue and discussed the uses of water in the cultural life in the past and the present.
In her message Aktari Momtaz, Secretary, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Government of Bangladesh, expresses her appreciation: “I appreciate the initiative of Professor Dr Anwarul Karim for his research work on ‘Water and Culture in Bangladesh’. I believe this book will, among other issues, be helpful to know about the cultural heritage of Bangladesh.”
The contents include Chapter 1. Introduction and background study. Chapter II. Civilization begins with water Chapter III. Water and Culture and its various uses. Chapter IV Bangladesh: A land of tanks and mosques. Chapter V Bangladesh: Land, river, people. Chapter VI Water in Bengali folklore. Chapter VII The Culture of Bangladesh. Chapter VIII Problems confronting Water and Culture in Bangladesh. Chapter IX Postscript, Annexure, References and Bibliography.
The opinions of famous experts on the subject are quoted here as these are very important and significant in this context:
Dr. Tone Bleie, Professor of Public Policy and Planning at UIT-The Arctic University of Norway, and author of books and articles on Bangladesh’s multicultural legacy and contemporary development and human rights challenges, appreciates the book: “….Karim combines passion with a rigorous analytical mind, creating a multi-layered narrative about one of the world’s great riparian civilizations. These intricate pre-historic and historic dynamics are sadly unknown not only internationally, but also among Bangladeshis ….I dearly hope the book will be read by many and help replace ethnocentric myths with new and well-established evidence about the country’s rich pre-Arean past and make us realize that Bangladesh’s woes, as a lower riparian country, should be considered an international issue of mega proportions.”
Dr. Phil Parshall, Merill Scholar, 1983, Divinity School, Harvard University, U.S.A. an expert on water and culture, evaluates : ” He is a prolific and highly acclaimed author of significant books relating to Sufism and folk Muslims, with the Bauls of Bangladesh his magnum opus……
Dr. Karim has broadened his research into a new area with his book ‘Water and Culture in Bangladesh’. He expertly delves into the history of water usage in the subcontinent. Interestingly, he explores the centrality of water in the religious rituals of Hindus, Muslims and other traditions. Particularly insightful is Dr. Karim’s exploration of the life and custom of rural Bangladeshis. Without reservation I commend Dr. Karim’s latest contribution to the conservation about water issues in Bangladesh.”
Prof. Dr. Richard Bales, Dean, Faculty of Law, Ohio Northern University College, Ohio, U.S.A., an expert, comments: ” ‘Water and Culture in Bangladesh’ is a critically important book that both describes a unique culture and documents in real time how cultural and environmental destruction can be inextricably intermixed. I enjoyed his book very much.”
Chris Brown, London School of Economics, London, UK and Visiting Fellow at Oxford University (Harris Manchester College), comments : “Dr. Anwarul is undoubtedly one of Bangladeshis -and indeed Asia’s–finest writers… Bangladeshi culture stems living in close proximity to water where the extremes of floods, typhoons and droughts are more exaggerated than in almost any country. What Dr. Anwarul does so well is to talk to villagers in river and coastal communities to hear their stories and understand their lives. I can highly recommend this fascinating book to anyone who plans to travel this often-neglected country with so many wonders hidden away.”
Because of barriages in the upper riparian country, Bangladesh faces acute shortage of water during dry season and over affluence of water during wet season. These have negative impact on climate and environment. The writer comments, “The land of six seasons and rivers is no more. No culture with water is available”. He calls for liberal approach by the neighbouring country : “India should be liberal to the issue of Bangladesh, in sharing water resources and upholding the water treaty which was signed by both the countries.”
The cover photography by the writer himself and cover design by Abir Arnab is an excellent presentation of the unique picture and beauty of Bangladesh.
The book has been dedicated to the memory of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
We expect wide circulation of this valuable book. n
-Literature Desk
A folklorist and researcher of national and international repute and recognition Prof. Dr. Anwarul Karim is a distriguished cultural historian and educationist. He is best known for his pioneering research on the Bauls of Bangladesh and Lalon Faqir. He was awarded nationally and internationally for his research work and publication. Dr Karim has long been dedicated to research on our culture, folk literature and water resources. The present book on water and culture in Bangladesh is a pioneering work on the subject.
In the Preface of the book ‘Water and Culture in Bangladesh : Past and Present’ the writer says, “The present book speaks of the importance of water as far as it shapes our culture. Bangladesh as one of the ancient countries represents a kind of culture that is unique in the world. Many of our cultural heritages are getting lost because of urbanization and also for absence of water in our rivers. Again there has been lack of awareness and interest in these things by those who have either poor knowledge or are indifferent to their identity. A nation cannot survive if her citizen in apathetic towards the culture she possesses for generations.” He stresses on the way out and a better future: “Our youth need to be trained to find out their roots and the history of our brave people.” He focuses on our diversified culture, which does not affect culture: “Bangladesh is a country where the culture is diversified. Yet never has such diversification affected our culture. Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians together with the minor religious groups, such as tribes, maintain their own religious culture living side by side for generations.”
We have also the same observation and here lies the beauty of Bangladesh-beauty of our culture. The humanistic outlook prevails and it comes down for centuries to bestow on people the blessings of harmony.
The words in the flaps speak of the background of writing this book in a deep research process for a long period.
The writer says about his intention: “My intention in this book is to find out the roots of the people of Bangladesh and the culture thereof as there has been controversy regarding the influence of Dravidians in the Bengal way of life.”
The researcher in his search to find out the roots had to go a long way and he shares his opinion with the readers: “This book has a detailed description of the people who worked for the foundation of the country… However it was the Dravidians and the Kolarians who ruled the country during the advent of the Aryans….” Thus, he finds no scope of controversy regarding the influence of the Dravidians.
About water and culture he says : “This study will try to analyze the issue related to water and culture and how these help build our civilization.” “I also intend to know the various uses of water in the cultural life that the people actually performed in the past and also have been performing the same in the present.” The writer has analysed the issue and discussed the uses of water in the cultural life in the past and the present.
In her message Aktari Momtaz, Secretary, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Government of Bangladesh, expresses her appreciation: “I appreciate the initiative of Professor Dr Anwarul Karim for his research work on ‘Water and Culture in Bangladesh’. I believe this book will, among other issues, be helpful to know about the cultural heritage of Bangladesh.”
The contents include Chapter 1. Introduction and background study. Chapter II. Civilization begins with water Chapter III. Water and Culture and its various uses. Chapter IV Bangladesh: A land of tanks and mosques. Chapter V Bangladesh: Land, river, people. Chapter VI Water in Bengali folklore. Chapter VII The Culture of Bangladesh. Chapter VIII Problems confronting Water and Culture in Bangladesh. Chapter IX Postscript, Annexure, References and Bibliography.
The opinions of famous experts on the subject are quoted here as these are very important and significant in this context:
Dr. Tone Bleie, Professor of Public Policy and Planning at UIT-The Arctic University of Norway, and author of books and articles on Bangladesh’s multicultural legacy and contemporary development and human rights challenges, appreciates the book: “….Karim combines passion with a rigorous analytical mind, creating a multi-layered narrative about one of the world’s great riparian civilizations. These intricate pre-historic and historic dynamics are sadly unknown not only internationally, but also among Bangladeshis ….I dearly hope the book will be read by many and help replace ethnocentric myths with new and well-established evidence about the country’s rich pre-Arean past and make us realize that Bangladesh’s woes, as a lower riparian country, should be considered an international issue of mega proportions.”
Dr. Phil Parshall, Merill Scholar, 1983, Divinity School, Harvard University, U.S.A. an expert on water and culture, evaluates : ” He is a prolific and highly acclaimed author of significant books relating to Sufism and folk Muslims, with the Bauls of Bangladesh his magnum opus……
Dr. Karim has broadened his research into a new area with his book ‘Water and Culture in Bangladesh’. He expertly delves into the history of water usage in the subcontinent. Interestingly, he explores the centrality of water in the religious rituals of Hindus, Muslims and other traditions. Particularly insightful is Dr. Karim’s exploration of the life and custom of rural Bangladeshis. Without reservation I commend Dr. Karim’s latest contribution to the conservation about water issues in Bangladesh.”
Prof. Dr. Richard Bales, Dean, Faculty of Law, Ohio Northern University College, Ohio, U.S.A., an expert, comments: ” ‘Water and Culture in Bangladesh’ is a critically important book that both describes a unique culture and documents in real time how cultural and environmental destruction can be inextricably intermixed. I enjoyed his book very much.”
Chris Brown, London School of Economics, London, UK and Visiting Fellow at Oxford University (Harris Manchester College), comments : “Dr. Anwarul is undoubtedly one of Bangladeshis -and indeed Asia’s–finest writers… Bangladeshi culture stems living in close proximity to water where the extremes of floods, typhoons and droughts are more exaggerated than in almost any country. What Dr. Anwarul does so well is to talk to villagers in river and coastal communities to hear their stories and understand their lives. I can highly recommend this fascinating book to anyone who plans to travel this often-neglected country with so many wonders hidden away.”
Because of barriages in the upper riparian country, Bangladesh faces acute shortage of water during dry season and over affluence of water during wet season. These have negative impact on climate and environment. The writer comments, “The land of six seasons and rivers is no more. No culture with water is available”. He calls for liberal approach by the neighbouring country : “India should be liberal to the issue of Bangladesh, in sharing water resources and upholding the water treaty which was signed by both the countries.”
The cover photography by the writer himself and cover design by Abir Arnab is an excellent presentation of the unique picture and beauty of Bangladesh.
The book has been dedicated to the memory of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
We expect wide circulation of this valuable book. n
-Literature Desk
