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Pune - Queen of the Deccan
Poonabest talks to the authors Diddee and Gupta
Jaymala Diddee and Samita Gupta are
co-authors of an impressive 300-page
book on Pune titled "Pune, Queen of the
Deccan". The book, with striking black
and white photographs, has been well received
by locals and visitors alike and has won rave
reviews for its lucid narration and comprehensive
coverage of the city's entire history.
Jaymala Diddee is a Reader in the University
of Pune and has specialised in urban studies.
She has published several research papers and
has edited books that focus attention on the problems
of urban areas or pertain to topics related to
urban processes and planning.
Samita Gupta is a historian who has specialised
in architecture, art and urban history. She has
authored several books on art and architecture
and has contributed research articles to various
reputed national and international journals. At
present she is a Reader and the Head of the Department
of History at Nowrosjee Wadia College, Pune.
In a free wheeling interview to Poonabest.com,
they spoke, among other things, of their experiences
when writing the book, their hobbies and their
favourite 'getaway' place.
What inspired you to write this book?
We felt there was a need for a book that would
trace the history of the city in its entirety.
Tell the complete story. Capture the essence and
all aspects of the city. The books in existence
were either scholarly ones dealing with specific
periods or specific aspects from the point of
view of a historian, a geographer or even a social
scientist. We originally thought we would do a
scholarly book, but eventually decided to do a
popular one, which would appeal to many more people.
How long did it take you to write and execute
the publishing of the book?
A little over three years. There were gaps,
of course.
 How
has the book been received?
Way beyond expectations. After the book was
published, we were waiting for the brickbats,
but we received some great reviews. The criticism
too, was constructive and well meaning. Even the
discerning Marathi press has reviewed the book
favourably. We have met people who have bought
the book to gift to their children based abroad,
and strangers have come up and complimented us
on our effort. All this is a nice spin off and
makes us feel good.
Did you ever consider that the book should
carry colour photographs?
Well, we did reflect on that issue but only briefly.
We were convinced that b/w photographs would add
grace and a touch of sophistication to the book.
It gives the book a historical feel. A mix of
b/w and colour pictures would not have given the
book a feel of continuity and may have jarred.
To digress from the book, which personality
has inspired you the most?
Samita: A number of people actually. But
an abiding inspiration has been the works of Rabindranath
Tagore. This has perhaps got a lot do with my
family background. I have been introduced to his
poetry and his 'Sangeet' since  childhood.
I also admire people who are doers. People who
are committed to a cause and relentlessly work
for it - e.g. Medha Patkar
Jaymala: Anthropologist Margaret
Mead. I truly admire her.
Favourite book/Author?
Samita: No one book in particular. I am a
voracious reader and enjoy reading all kind of
literature, Bengali included.
However, I do enjoy reading Milan Kundera and
keep going back to Jane Austin and Charles Dickens.
Jaymala: A book I thoroughly loved reading
was 'Dearly Beloved' by Anne Morrow Lindbergh.
It's about life and it really sets you thinking.
And of course, there is good old PG Woodhouse.
Don't we all keep going back to his books?
Favourite food?
Samita: Hmm, let me think. I love prawns
and enjoy sweets.
Jaymala: I go for continental stuff and
simply adore sweets. Sweets of all shapes,
size and description. I just cannot resist them.
How do you relax? Any hobbies?
Samita: I enjoy watching Television and
catch up on my reading whenever I can. I was into
photography, but not any longer.
Jaymala: I am an avid trekker. I also
love being around with my dogs. All three
of them.
Favorite holiday spot?
Samita: Love visiting places seeped in
history or places with splendid architecture.
I would love to holiday in countries like Greece,
Turkey, China, or Egypt.
Jaymala: I would head for the hills. I
never seem to have enough of trekking.
By -Shabari Shetty
Photographs - Harikrishna
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