SUBJECT: 4.5/5 PICTURES & ART: 4.5/5 WRITING: 4.5/5 OVERALL: 4.5/5
“I had run frenzied from the clutches of the tiger that fateful day to give myself another shot at life, and just see the irony of what the universe bestowed on me! I ran away from the tiger only to spend the rest of my life running towards it, learning everything there is to know about being with these magnificent animals and their habitats.”
– Batti Lal Gurjar, The Roar of Ranthambore
My musings
The natural world has always appealed to me. Writings about flora and fauna have been one of my favourite things to read. Perhaps, it is a happy after-effect of consuming Ruskin Bond books over decades, that the reader is me cannot help but be drawn to books about nature.
A recent addition to my ever-growing pile of ‘books read about nature’ is Batti Lal Gurjar’s ‘The Roar of Ranthambore’; a book that shows us the magnificent world of Ranthambore National Park and its majestic tigers through the keenly observing eyes of Batti Lal Gurjar; a man who has been a naturalist at the park for almost 20 years.
What to expect?
Expect a breathtaking hardcover coffee table book that is truly a treasure to behold. The exquisite quality of the paper and images, coupled with captivating storytelling, renders it an ideal choice for gifting. The pictures are excellent and so is the artwork, lending the book a very aesthetically pleasing vibe.
The writing
The writing is an ideal mix of anecdotes, factual telling, and personal reflections from the life of author Batti Lal Gurjar. He starts with his humble beginnings in the village and talks about his school days when he would often brave the deep dark forests and a tempestuous river to get to his school. A pivotal moment in his narrative is the life-altering encounter with a tigress while journeying through the jungle to reach his school.
Gurjar also delves into various aspects of village life, and this is supported by many pictures that reflect the struggles and challenges, but also the simplicity and humility of life in a village. This portrayal is juxtaposed with depictions of contemporary village life, highlighting the changes over time.
The author further shares his own journey, and experiences with the park and how he came to be associated with the park, and the entire ecosystem.
The tigers shine through
The book provides an in-depth exploration of the world of tigers, shedding light on various aspects such as sibling rivalries, mother-cub relationships, group dynamics, territorial disputes, and natural instincts and behaviors. It offers intriguing insights into tiger-specific behaviors, highlighting their complex social structures and survival strategies.
In addition to this, the overall atmospheric vibe of the place is captured and presented really well, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the tigers’ habitat.
Let’s talk about the illustrations
‘The Roar of Ranthambore’ showcases some of the most captivating and rare pictures of tigers that I’ve ever feasted my eyes on. Featuring the magnificent stars of Ranthambore such as Sundari, Ganesh, Ridhhi, Siddhi, Arrowhead, Laila, Jhumru, Shakti, and more, the book showcases these majestic creatures in all their splendor.
From the legendary Machhli triumphantly bringing down a massive crocodile to Sundari and her cubs relaxing in the cool shade, and from Sundari’s focused stalking of a deer to Ridhhi’s assertive clawing of a tree to mark her territory, each image tells a compelling story.
What’s more is that tigers are not the only animals that grace the pages of the book, we also have Nilgai, Sloth Bears, Spotted Deer, Wooly-Necked Stork, Sambar Deer, Pied Kingfisher, etc, all of whom have a story to tell.
In the end
In conclusion, I am left with only one sentiment – despite never having visited Ranthambore, reading this book ignites an irresistible urge to pack my bags and journey to this enchanting destination immediately. Its captivating storytelling and engaging pictures capture the magnificence of those majestic tigers and the rustic, wild, and untamed beauty of the place perfectly.
Who should read ‘The Roar of Ranthambore’?
“The Roar of Ranthambore” is a must-read for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone with a passion for national parks, particularly Ranthambore National Park. Those who hold a special affinity for tigers and are captivated by their beauty and behavior will find this book particularly enthralling. Additionally, individuals who appreciate the aesthetic appeal and immersive experience offered by coffee table books would also enjoy it.
Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of ‘The Roar of Ranthambore’ using the link below.
