From the footsteps of the sun to the monk business and rebellion and from 'Human Nature' to 'The Dawn of Everything'.
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Suresh Dhakal, an anthropologist who is interested in the study of ancient societies and researches on land rights, economic, social and cultural rights of marginalized communities, teaches at the Department of Anthropology at Tribhuvan University.
Recently, his book titled History before History: Anthropological History of Cultural Development has been published. Talking in a video dialogue titled Five Questions of Kantipur, Dhakal has recommended the books he is currently reading and books for the new generation. Here is an edited excerpt of the Five Questions dialogue:
What book are you reading now ?
Right now I am reading the first of Sudhir Sharma's two books 'Bhikshu, Biyar aur Muthrah' . In fiction, I just finished reading Basant Basnet's novel Simsara . Also, I am reading 'The Dawn of Everything' by David Graber and David Wengro and 'Human Nature' by Thomas Bell.
'The Dawn of Everything' is a book with a long history of human development culture and the economic, social and political history of the world. It is very interesting to read. Another book by Thomas Bell has presented the topics of agriculture, environment and geography of Nepal in a sweet way. So I am also reading it with interest . Now I am reading these three books regularly.
What is your favorite fiction?
If we look at a longer period than the immediate thing, Dacha Gotame's two novels 'Here to There' and 'Steps of the Sun' are my favorite fictions . I don't know why, but these books are my favorite books. After that, I am very interested in the novels of Visveshwar Prasad Koirala and Daulatvikram Bista in the literary works. In recent times, Narayan Dhakal's 'Vrishav Badh' and 'Pretakalpa' are my favorite novels.
What is your favorite non-fiction? There are many non-fictions that love
s. As I am particularly interested in history and culture, I seek out and read similar books. For now, based on what I have read, I would like to take Sudhir Sharma's latest book as a non-fiction example . Which is very interesting to read. It also shows how much effort and research goes into writing nonfiction. Many nonfiction books on history and culture are worth reading.
Is there a recent book you haven't read?
As I am interested in ancient history, I have noted down some of these books . Two books on agriculture and capitalism by my friends Fraser Sudden and David Seddon that have just come out. Even though I have it, I still haven't read it. Similarly, I have also bought a book called Sacrifice and Violence published by Cambridge University Press, as written by some anthropologists, but I have not read it either. Reading
fiction or nonfiction ?
Which book to read is a matter of your interest . I think it's better to research a book that interests you. But the scope of study should be expanded . I like it, just don't read it . If you like reading fiction, you should also read history and ancient history books.
If you want to read nonfiction, you should also read fiction. Because both types of books broaden our thinking . It is important for us to read books for a kind of imagination. The pleasure and knowledge that comes from reading a book is one part, but it broadens our imagination, range of thinking and outlook .
makes us prosperous and conscious citizens and helps in creativity . Instead of reading only one type of book, you should read different types of books. Be it fixation or non-fixation, on any subject . If you are a doctor, you must read a book about culture and society. If you are an engineer, you should also read geography and history books. Even if you are interested in
fiction, you have to read books on history, culture, ancient history and society. In this way, one can help the other Has helped . Books broaden our thinking, enrich and broaden our horizons . The main meaning of this is that I am not saying that you should read only one book, but I am saying that you should read a lot.
