Finding the Demon's Fiddle: On the Trail of the Ravanhatha

Finding the Demon’s Fiddle is completely based on fact and fits most closely into the genre of narrative non-fiction/travel literature. But more than anything, it is a story…or rather several stories wound around a central narrative, which move together in the same direction and all of which eventually draw to their respective conclusions.

Finding the Demon's Fiddle is an account of a period recently spent in India and Sri Lanka researching the oldest extant ancestor of the violin family, the ravanhattha. A personal and travel narrative is used as a vehicle to delve into the history, religion, scripture, and mythology surrounding this fascinating instrument. The ravanhattha, according to Hindu scripture, was invented by Ravana, a demon on a par with the Christian devil. It has been preserved from extinction by a nomadic sect of priests (Bhopas) in Rajasthan who use it during their 36-hour recitation of The Epic of Pabuji.  

 

Besides the instrument, the book narrative also traces the Ravana mythology in India and Sri Lanka. There is a perhaps slightly controversial reassessment of Ravana which is at odds with the orthodox Hindu image of the evil demon portrayed in the Ramayana. The book is written in a deliberately easy-going, open style and can be read and enjoyed on a fairly superficial level as the story of a somewhat obsessive European meeting interesting people and experiencing unusual and often humorous situations. However, we won't pretend that the book is simple. Often the tip of the iceberg is visible, but there is a great deal happening under the surface. 

 

Agent: Anuj

Edit: Sharvani