Summary

In "Nine Lives: In Search of the Sacred in Modern India," William Dalrymple embarks on a profound journey through the religious tapestry of India, presenting nine distinct narratives that explore the intersection of faith and contemporary life. Each story acts as a portal into a unique spiritual path, revealing how ancient traditions are adapting and enduring in the face of rapid modernization. Dalrymple's narrative style prioritizes the voices of his subjects, offering readers an intimate glimpse into their beliefs, struggles, and triumphs, while subtly highlighting the threads that connect them to India's rich cultural heritage.

The book opens with the tale of a Jain nun, Prasannamati Mataji, whose life embodies the ascetic ideals of Jainism, including non-violence, detachment, and the ultimate renunciation of the body through sallekhana, a ritual fast to death. Her story explores the complex relationship between devotion and detachment, and the personal sacrifices required to follow a spiritual calling. Next, the author introduces Hari Das, a Theyyam dancer from Kerala, who leads a double life as both a prison warder and a living embodiment of the gods. Hari's narrative delves into the social and political dimensions of Theyyam, a ritual dance form that challenges caste hierarchies and offers a voice to the marginalized.

The book continues with the story of Rani Bai, a devadasi dedicated to the goddess Yellamma, whose life reflects the complex interplay of tradition, poverty, and exploitation. Rani's tale serves as a poignant commentary on the plight of women in a patriarchal society, and the challenges they face in preserving their dignity and autonomy. Next, the narrative shifts to Rajasthan, where Dalrymple encounters Mohan Bhopa, a bard and village shaman who is a hereditary singer of the Epic of Pabuji. Mohan's story celebrates the power of oral tradition and the enduring relevance of epic narratives in a rapidly changing world.

The journey continues with the story of Lal Peri, a Sufi fakir in Sindh, Pakistan, whose life exemplifies the syncretic nature of Sufism and its ability to bridge religious divides. From there, the scene shifts to the Indian Himalayas, where Tashi Passang, a former Buddhist monk turned soldier, grapples with the moral complexities of violence and the search for redemption. Later, Srikanda Stpathy, a Brahmin and idol maker, reflects on the challenges of preserving ancient traditions in a world increasingly driven by technology and commerce. Finally, the journey concludes with the stories of Manisha Ma Bhairavi, a Tantric practitioner in Tarapith, and Kanai Das Baul, a blind minstrel from Bengal, both of whom find solace and meaning in their respective paths.