The pieces in this book possess three qualities rarely found in combination. First, a sympathetic encounter with creative individuals and a lucid communication of their point of view. Second, an awareness of the critical discourse around the artistic practice concerned, which allows the framing of germane questions. Third, a personal response to the art conveyed through eloquently descriptive prose…Prema Viswanathan writes with equal respect for purists and reformers, for rootedness and cross-cultural exploration. Rather than dogmatically choose one side over the other, she picks the best and most interesting from each world… Taken as a whole, this collection provides an important resource toward better understanding a slice of India’s artistic history.