Madhulika Banerjee teaches at the Department of Political Science at the University of Delhi, and is the author of Power, Knowledge, Medicine. Her work in the field of politics of alternative knowledge systems such as Ayurveda is well regarded. She also works on health, water, and agricultural security.
Her latest release, The Herbal Sutra, is a journey into the heart of India’s herbal legacy. A stunningly illustrated compendium of 100 of India’s most illustrious herbs, the book documents their ancient wisdom, versatile applications and remarkable benefits. Harnessing the power of these herbs accompanied by illustrations that are inspired by India’s hand-block printing tradition, this beautiful book sheds light on how to live better, eat better and make holistic choices using these sacred herbs that have been a part of our generational wisdom.
We recently did a candid interview with her.
1. What is the last book you read?
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
2. A guilty pleasure?
Eating bhune chane ki barfi long after I should be eating anything!
3. Where do you write? Do you have a favourite spot?
Always at my work table, at home, wherever I live.
4. What is a book that has stayed with you?
Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh
5. What apart from what you do today do you wish you could do or pursue as a career?
Grow clean food.
6. Your greatest fear?
That I might lie to save my life
7. A trait you admire in yourself?
I can make friends with almost anyone
8. Who would be the guests at your perfect dinner party?
My close friends and family who are like friends
9. A book you’d recommend to someone to get them out of a reading slump?
Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie
