'Ananda': An illuminating and diverse account of the deep roots of cannabis in Indian society

Karan Madhok’s is a vibrant, multi-faceted exploration of cannabis in India that deftly balances excellent research with a conversational, friendly tone. In fact, to be honest, I was surprised how readable it was, given what it sets out to achieve.

Part travelogue, part cultural history, and part socio-political commentary, it offers readers an in-depth look at the plant’s deep roots in Indian society – from the mythic and spiritual associations with Shiva and ancient festivals to the modern legal complexities and the social stigma surrounding its use.

Scholarship meets travelogue

To be honest, given the title, I wasn’t much looking forward to reading scholastic research on cannabis. You could describe me as a deep admirer of cannabis, but I wasn’t really motivated to become an expert on the subject. I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised because in Madhok’s treatise, scholarship meets travelogue seamlessly. The author’s travels to remote corners of our nation gives the book a narrative energy which makes it very accessible. You don’t have to be a research scholar, or deeply immersed in the plant to enjoy the personalities and landscapes that he paints with a rather fluent brush.

Equally important is the balanced narrative on the controversies...