Hyderabad :

‘Lengendotes of Hyderabad,’ authored by noted expert on history and culture of Hyderabad Narendra Luther, was launched in the in the presence of historians, academics, artists and heritage activists on Thursday. The book is a collection of legends and anecdotes which the author terms ‘Legendotes.’ The articles, based on documentary evidence, interviews and personal experiences, try to capture the 400 years of history and socio-cultural developments of the that symbolizes tolerance and love.

Historian Aloka Prasher Sen, dean, School of Social Science at UoH, who did not approve of some of the footnotes in the book since they are based on personal interviews and not hard scientific evidence, said that the bits and pieces of history that are found beyond the gamut of concrete proof too should be acknowledged as credible source. Speaking as the chief guest at the function, she said Luther’s book has been published at a time when there is serious debate over the inclusion of oral history and other sources as essential elements in history writing.

She was of the opinion that Luther’s book falls in the category of such historical narratives that provide a context and explanation to events and developments in given periods of time. Luther conceded that he is not a historian in the traditional sense of the term. “I do what I like best-to capture moments in their true spirit,” he said.

The book contains tales of about 70 legends, anecdotes and personal accounts beginning from the beautiful rocks of the Deccan plateau to Bhagamati, to the developments during the era of Nizams and beyond.

The continuation of evolution and fusion of cultures even captures the glimpses of modern times when T Anjaiah or N T Rama Rao ruled as chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / TNN / January 31st, 2014