Book Review: In The Valley of Kauravas

Abstract

The Valley of the Kauravas by William Sax is a beautiful yet candid work, showcasing his approach to data gathering (p. 17) by weaving his personal experiences into the narrative using "reflexive" ethnography. This method allows the book to convey deep emotions and messages, rather than simply recounting a series of stories. Sax opens the book with a dedication to Buli Das, the ‘Dhaki,’ whom he regards as both a teacher and guide, as well as a dear friend during his research in the Rawain Valley—a place where he spent over three decades working. The epigraph is particularly captivating, as Sax offers salutations to Karna, the son of the Sun God, in the local dialect, thereby connecting his presence to the local deities—Hari of Haridwar, Lord Badrinath, and Kedarnath—and the sacred Ganges River. The book is a seamless blend of both transliteration and translation, comprising nine chapters, including the Introduction. One of the book's most striking features is the interconnection between the chapters, each linking to the next in some way, creating a cohesive and engaging narrative.