Madurai Malligai - Madurai and Its Jasmine (A Celebration)

Details : 

Author : Uma Kannan
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thiagarajar College, Publication Division
Publication Date : January 1, 2019
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover : 138 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9353002419
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 9789353002411
Weight : 1000 g 
Dimension : 26 X 26 X 4 cm 

About the Book

Madurai Malligai is an exuberant celebration of the jasmine or malligai, with the spotlight on the unique variety grown in and around Madurai, the jasmine capital of India. From its origins in antiquity to its current role not only as one of life's simple pleasures but also as a commercially viable commodity, the book unravels the mesmerizing story of this flower. So what makes the Madurai malligai special and why is it considered a symbol of auspiciousness, purity and love? And how has it remained an intrinsic part of the ethos of Madurai and its people despite the pressures of a changing world?
With a compelling blend of cultural and historical facts, colorful literary allusions, and breathtaking photographs, this multi-layered volume goes beyond coffee-book cliches to answer such questions by meshing together in a sprawling fresco, the temple city of Madurai. the fragrance of its ethereal malligai. and the lives of its ubiquitous flower vendors. Although people often look through them with unseeing eyes, oblivious to the magic of their art and the hard lives they lead, the flower seeds are closely woven into the social fabric of the city and play a vital role in its economy, and this tribute to them seeks to correct the way they are perceived. So pause to share their thoughts hopes and dreams for they speak for themselves. and straight from the heart!

Uma Kannan's specialty book. Madurai Malligai, which showcases this magical flower unique to Madurai, has something of interest for everyone -historians, flower weavers. those who can Madurai their home, and the discerning tourist as well. Long live the Madurai malligai and the humble malligai weaver!