Jadoowallahs, Jugglers And Jinns

Details : 

Author : John Zubrzycki
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Picador India 
Publication Date : 6 April 2023
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 520 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9395624736
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 9789395624732
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 450 g

About the book 

"Jadoowallahs, Jugglers and Jinns" by John Zubrzycki is a historical exploration of India's street performers, magicians, and mystics, delving into the world of jadoowallahs and their art. The book uncovers the stories behind these enigmatic figures, their skills, and their place in Indian society. With meticulous research, Zubrzycki brings to life the fascinating world of India's street performers and their enduring legacy. A captivating read for those interested in Indian history and culture.

An amazing, brilliant, and incredibly erudite book' Lee Siegel India’s association with magic goes back thousands of years – from the seals of Mohenjodaro that depicted sorcerers and yogis, to the jugglers, mountebanks and acrobats that dazzled audiences at the courts of Hindu maharajas and Mughal emperors. Tales were told of ropes being thrown up in the air, strong enough for a boy to climb and disappear; of fakirs being buried alive for months and brought back to life; and of sanperas charming deadly cobras with their flutes. In the early nineteenth century, touring Indian magicians mesmerized audiences abroad, prompting generations of Western illusionists to emulate their Eastern peers. Jadoowallahs, Jugglers and Jinns: A Magical History of India tells us how Indian magic descended from the domain of the gods to become part of daily ritual and popular entertainment, and its transformation from the street to the stage culminating with the rise of the great P. C. Sorcar Sr. Drawing on ancient religious texts, colonial records, newspaper reports, journals and the memoirs, diaries and testimonies of Western and Indian magicians, John Zubrzycki offers us a vibrant narrative on Indian magic from ancient times to the present day.

About the Author 

John Zubrzycki has lived and worked in India as a foreign correspondent, diplomat and tour guide. His other books include the best-selling Jadoowallahs, Jugglers and Jinns: A Magical History of India and The Mysterious Mr Jacob: Diamond Merchant, Magician and Spy.