I would also like to thank my teacher, Mrs Chandrakanta Chandra, who first introduced me to the literary genius of Tulsidas and the wonders of medieval Hindi literature in school, and whose help, in resolving nuances of language or understanding points of Tulsi’s philosophy or ideology, has been invaluable to me on this journey of discovery and translation.
As always, my profound thanks to Dr Rupert Snell, my guru and guide, without whose encouragement I may not have had the courage to take up this project, and who has been ever present with help, advice, and support every step of the way.
My very special thanks to my daughters, Vipasha Bansal and Vidisha Jain, who bore the brunt of my obsession with this work. Vipasha patiently rescued me from innumerable tangles of grammar and syntax, and Vidisha was unfailing in her encouragement and support.
And finally, to my long-suffering family and friends—in particular Usha Bubna, Dr Asha Maheshwari, Anil Ratti and Shaiontoni Bose—for their patience and support, my undying gratitude.
THE BEGINNING
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This collection published 2019
Copyright © Rohini Chowdhury 2019
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Jacket images © Shamanthi Rajasingham
This digital edition published in 2019.
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