Books, which will ignite your mind and soul

Some censored books in recent times 

Hiya Mitra

by Pexels

Books have always been a key source of knowledge. In India, books are called ‘vidya’ and given immense respect. We treat them as equals of the holy relics we swear our faith to. However, humans decided to take advantage of this unspoken invincibility of our only source of knowledge and made their own attempts at rewriting factual history. To counter this malpractice, the rule of censorship was implemented. The first recorded censorship in India dates back to British India. But the Monarch primarily implemented them to suppress political dissent and maintain control. India inherited many of the colonial-era censorship laws after gaining independence in 1947. These laws were adapted and used by the Indian government to address various concerns, including national security, public order, and social sensitivities. Concerns about religious sensitivities, political criticism, and social morality have often driven censorship decisions. The Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, but it also allows for "reasonable restrictions" on this right.

Laws like Section 97 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita give the government power to ban books deemed to promote enmity between groups. The Indian Penal Code also addresses obscenity and related offenses. The Customs Act allows for the prohibition of book imports. In addition to formal government bans, there's a growing trend of "informal censorship" through protests, threats, and pressure on publishers and booksellers. This "mob censorship" can be highly effective in suppressing certain books, even without official bans.

Pic courtesy Kitab.org

"The Adivasi Will Not Dance: Stories" is a collection of short stories by Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar, which explores the lives of Adivasi (indigenous) people, particularly the Santhal community in Jharkhand, India. It addresses issues like poverty, displacement, exploitation, and the clash between traditional and modern life, especially of those who have been forced to mine coal ore. It also deals with the condition of women in these communities, pressured by the patriarchy and forced to sex work for income. It has received critical acclaim and was nominated for The Hindu Literary Prize. It has been recognized as an important contribution to post-Independence Indian literature. The book has generated controversy and was at one point banned by the Jharkhand government, with criticisms regarding its portrayal of Adivasi culture.

This lead to wide spread discussions regarding freedom of speech, and the rights of authors.

 

Pic courtesy Amazon.in

"Split: A Life" is the second volume of Taslima Nasrin's autobiography. It details the period of Nasrin's life when she faced intense persecution after becoming a target of the fundamentalists due to her writings, particularly her novel "Lajja" (Shame). It covers her experiences in hiding, the threats she received, and the political and religious backlash against her. It explores her struggles with identity, freedom of expression, and the challenges of being a female writer and doctor in a conservative society. It gives insight into the political and religious tensions of the time period in Bangladesh, and India. It explores themes such as freedom of speech, religious fundamentalism, women's rights, exile and displacement, personal and political identity. It is an important document regarding the fight for secularism, and women’s rights in South Asia. The Khilafat Committee filed a defamation case against her for this book.

Pic courtesy The New York Times

"One Part Woman" is a novel by Indian author Perumal Murugan which explores the pressures faced by a childless couple, Kali and Ponna, in rural Tamil Nadu. It delves into themes of societal expectations, particularly regarding fertility and marriage. It addresses the complexities of gender roles and the desperation to conform to social norms. The book also touches on topics of religious customs and how they intersect with personal desires. "One Part Woman" sparked significant controversy, particularly in India, due to its depiction of certain cultural and religious practices. Certain caste-based and religious groups, particularly the Kongu Vellalar Gounder community (to which the author belongs), found the depiction of the festival offensive and culturally inaccurate. This controversy led to protests and even threats against the author, causing Perumal Murugan to declare that he was giving up writing. The controversy raised important questions about freedom of expression and the role of literature in addressing sensitive social issues. The Chennai High Court eventually ruled in favor of the book, defending the authors right to write. The event caused a large discussion about the pressures that writers face in India.

Pic courtesy Amazon.in

"Korkai" is a notable Tamil novel written by R. N. Joe D'Cruz delves into the lives of the Parathavar fishing community in Tamil Nadu. It particularly focuses on the historical context of the ancient port city of Korkai, which was once a prominent trade center. The narrative spans a significant period, portraying the changes experienced by the community through various historical events, including the British colonial era, the arrival of Christianity, the independence struggle, and the transformations of modern India. It gives a detailed account of the changes that the seafaring community faced during the 20th century. "Korkai" is recognized for its in-depth portrayal of the community's history and culture. It has received critical acclaim, notably winning the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2013. The book is considered a valuable historical and literary work that captures the essence of a specific community and its evolution. It is known for its large size, and for the large time span that the book covers. The controversy arose from allegations that the book portrays fisherwomen in an objectionable manner, suggesting promiscuity. Complaints also included claims that the book negatively portrays Christianity, fishermen, priests, and nuns. A legal case was filed, with accusations of defamation.

The complainant, a leader of a fishermen's association, argued that the book presented a distorted and harmful image of the community. Joe D'Cruz, who himself belongs to the fishing community, defended his work, asserting that it provides a realistic depiction of their lives. He argued that the book brings attention to the struggles of his community. He has stated that the complaints come from those who do not want the truth to be told. The controversy also became entangled with the author's political views, which differed from many in Tamil literary circles.

Currently, many readers have come forward and defended the content of books. This time it is not the authors standing alone, but an entire army of readers who have educated themselves on the topics mentioned. They are ready to raise their voices against those who try to suppress the text of reason of relevance with the agenda of educating the ignorant.