Exploring Intimacy and Identity: Kamala Das' "Summer in Calcutta" (1965)

Kamala Das, an iconic Indian poet, and writer, made her literary debut with the poetry collection "Summer in Calcutta" in 1965. This collection served as a powerful introduction to her unique voice, addressing themes of love, desire, and the complexities of womanhood. With its confessional and lyrical style, "Summer in Calcutta" established Kamala Das as a courageous and fearless poet, unafraid to challenge societal norms and explore the depths of her own emotions.

Exploring Intimacy and Desire: "Summer in Calcutta" captures moments of love, longing, and the ache of unfulfilled desires. Kamala Das fearlessly delves into the realm of female sexuality, breaking societal taboos and confronting the constraints imposed on women. The poems in this collection are intensely personal and deeply introspective, inviting readers into the poet's intimate world.

One of the standout poems from the collection is "The Looking Glass." It explores the complexities of self-identity and the struggle to reconcile one's inner and outer selves. Through vivid imagery and introspective musings, Kamala Das reflects on the challenges of self-discovery and the masks individuals wear to navigate societal expectations.

Challenging Societal Norms: "Summer in Calcutta" also showcases Kamala Das's defiance of societal norms and her determination to assert her individuality. The poem "An Introduction" has become an iconic feminist piece in Indian literature. In this poem, Das boldly challenges the restrictions imposed on women by society, religion, and gender roles. She refuses to be confined and demands her right to self-expression.

The collection highlights the importance of breaking free from societal expectations and embracing one's true self. Kamala Das's unapologetic exploration of her desires, vulnerabilities, and emotional struggles serves as a powerful statement against patriarchal norms and the suppression of female voices.

The Significance of "Summer in Calcutta": "Summer in Calcutta" played a pivotal role in shaping Kamala Das's literary career and establishing her as a prominent figure in Indian English poetry. It demonstrated her ability to captivate readers with her honest and evocative language, drawing them into her world of intimate emotions and experiences.

The collection received critical acclaim for its groundbreaking portrayal of female subjectivity and sexuality. By fearlessly addressing taboos and challenging conventional ideas of womanhood, Kamala Das paved the way for future generations of women writers to embrace their own voices and narratives.

"Summer in Calcutta" remains a significant and influential work in Kamala Das's oeuvre. It showcases her ability to craft evocative and deeply personal poetry that resonates with readers. The collection's exploration of intimacy, desire, and the quest for self-identity has left a lasting impact on Indian literature. Through "Summer in Calcutta," Kamala Das gave voice to the unspoken desires and struggles of women, leaving a powerful legacy that continues to inspire readers to this day.

Works of Kamala Das

Kamala Das, also known as Kamala Surayya, was a prolific Indian poet and writer. She has written numerous works throughout her career, expressing her thoughts, emotions, and experiences with raw honesty and profound depth. Here is a list of some of Kamala Das's notable works:

Poetry Collections:

1. Summer in Calcutta (1965)
2. The Descendants (1967)
3. The Old Playhouse and Other Poems (1973)
4. The Anamalai Poems (1985)
5. Only the Soul Knows How to Sing (1996)
6. Yaa Allah (2001)
7. Love Queen of Malabar: Memoir of a Friendship with Kamala Das by Merrily Weisbord (2012, posthumous)

Prose:

1. Alphabet of Lust (1977)
2. Padmavati the Harlot and Other Stories (1992)
3. My Story (1976) - Autobiography
4. A Doll for the Child Prostitute (1977)
5. My Mother at Sixty-six (1992) - Short Story

Essays and Non-fiction:

1. Introduction to the Poetry of T. S. Eliot (1985)
2. My Grandmother's House (1991)
3. On Freedom and Being (2000)
4. My Story, My Life: The Uncollected Stories (2008)

Translations:

1. Ente Katha (My Story) - English translation of her autobiography (1973)

Kamala Das's works, whether in poetry, prose, or essays, often revolve around themes of love, desire, sexuality, feminism, and the complexities of human relationships. Her writing is characterized by its boldness, introspection, and unabashed exploration of personal experiences, making her one of the most influential and celebrated voices in Indian literature.

My Story: Kamala Das' honesty, fearless exploration of female experiences

 Kamala Das, also known as Kamala Surayya, was a prominent Indian poet and writer who is celebrated for her powerful and candid expressions of female sexuality and the complexities of human emotions. Her autobiography, "My Story," published in 1976, provides a deeply personal account of her life, shedding light on her experiences, relationships, and struggles as a woman in a conservative society. Spanning over 1,500 words, I will provide an overview of Kamala Das's autobiography.

"My Story" begins with Kamala Das's childhood in Kerala, India, during the 1930s. She describes her upbringing in a conservative Hindu Nair family, highlighting the gender roles and restrictions that shaped her early years. Kamala expresses her dissatisfaction with the limitations imposed on her as a girl and her longing for freedom and intellectual stimulation.

As she transitions into adolescence, Kamala Das explores her emerging sexuality and the confusion it brings. She shares her first encounters with desire and the complexities of navigating her burgeoning womanhood within the constraints of societal expectations. Kamala's experiences with sexual awakening and the exploration of her desires become recurring themes throughout the autobiography.

The narrative then delves into Kamala Das's early marriage to Madhava Das, an older man whom she marries at the age of sixteen. She recounts her feelings of naivety and vulnerability as she enters a traditional marital relationship. Despite the initial hopes for love and companionship, she realizes that the marriage is marked by disappointments and unfulfilled desires. Kamala vividly portrays her husband's lack of understanding and his inability to provide emotional intimacy, which further fuels her longing for genuine connection.

In "My Story," Kamala Das also reflects on her tumultuous relationships outside of her marriage. She explores her extramarital affairs, which she sought in her pursuit of love and passion. She delves into the complexities of these relationships, describing the emotional highs and lows, the heartbreak, and the societal judgments that come with them.

Throughout the autobiography, Kamala Das offers insightful observations on the status of women in Indian society, their limited agency, and the societal expectations that suppress their individuality. She confronts the double standards of morality imposed on women, expressing her frustration with the hypocrisy that allows men to have multiple relationships while condemning women for expressing their desires openly.

As the narrative progresses, Kamala Das's writing becomes more introspective, exploring her spiritual and philosophical journey. She engages with questions of faith, God, and the purpose of life, seeking solace and meaning in her ongoing search for personal fulfillment.

The latter part of "My Story" explores Kamala Das's entry into the literary world and her emergence as a celebrated poet and writer. She candidly describes the challenges she faced in establishing herself as a woman writer in a male-dominated literary landscape. Kamala's struggles with censorship, societal judgment, and the expectations placed on her as a woman become significant themes in her narrative.

In "My Story," Kamala Das also addresses her controversial conversion to Islam later in life, changing her name to Kamala Surayya. She discusses her motivations behind the conversion, emphasizing her desire for spiritual growth and personal liberation.

As the autobiography concludes, Kamala Das reflects on her life's journey and her evolving sense of self. She embraces her identity as a woman who fearlessly expressed her desires, emotions, and vulnerabilities through her poetry and writing.

"My Story" is celebrated for its raw honesty, fearless exploration of female sexuality, and unapologetic portrayal of Kamala Das's life experiences. It offers readers a profound insight into the life of a woman who defied societal norms and patriarchal constraints to find her voice and assert her individuality.

Kamala Das's autobiography, "My Story," remains a significant contribution to literature, providing a powerful testimony to the struggles faced by women in patriarchal societies and the triumph of personal expression and freedom. Her narrative invites readers to question social conventions, challenge oppressive norms, and embrace the complexities of human experiences with compassion and empathy.

Kamala Das: Exploring the Influence and Appreciation of T.S. Eliot's Poetry

Kamala Das, a celebrated Indian poet, and writer, had a profound appreciation for the works of T.S. Eliot, the renowned American-British poet. In her thought-provoking essay, "Introduction to the Poetry of T.S. Eliot," Das provides insights into Eliot's poetry, its impact on her own writing, and the enduring significance of his contributions to the literary world. This article delves into the essence of Kamala Das's "Introduction to the Poetry of T.S. Eliot," highlighting her analysis of Eliot's themes, techniques, and the ways in which his work influenced her own artistic journey.

The Brilliance of T.S. Eliot: In "Introduction to the Poetry of T.S. Eliot," Kamala Das delves into the brilliance of T.S. Eliot's poetry, recognizing him as a groundbreaking figure in the realm of modernist literature. Das acknowledges Eliot's mastery in capturing the disillusionment and fragmentation of post-World War I society, his innovative use of language, and his exploration of complex themes such as identity, spirituality, and the human condition.

Das commends Eliot's ability to create a vivid tapestry of emotions and experiences through his evocative imagery and poetic techniques. She recognizes his skill in intertwining the personal and the universal, infusing his verses with a deep sense of introspection and existential questioning. Das highlights Eliot's profound understanding of the human psyche, emphasizing his unique ability to articulate the complexities of human emotions.

Impact on Kamala Das's Writing: Kamala Das's admiration for T.S. Eliot's poetry extends beyond mere appreciation. In her essay, she reflects on the ways in which Eliot's work influenced her own writing style and thematic explorations. Das acknowledges Eliot's impact on her poetic sensibilities, particularly in terms of his exploration of the inner self, the struggles of the human condition, and the quest for spiritual fulfillment.

Eliot's ability to express the depths of human emotions resonated deeply with Das. She recognizes his influence in shaping her own poetic voice, allowing her to delve into the raw and vulnerable aspects of her own experiences. Das credits Eliot's poetry for inspiring her to fearlessly confront societal norms, challenge patriarchal constraints, and explore themes of love, desire, and female sexuality in her own work.

Furthermore, Das appreciates Eliot's unique use of symbolism and allusion, which she also incorporates into her own poetry. She recognizes the power of metaphor and the ability to create multi-layered meanings within verses, drawing upon Eliot's example to enrich her own literary compositions.

The Timeless Relevance of T.S. Eliot: In "Introduction to the Poetry of T.S. Eliot," Kamala Das highlights the enduring relevance of Eliot's work, asserting its significance across time and space. She emphasizes the universality of his themes and the timeless nature of his exploration of the human condition, which continue to resonate with readers from various cultural backgrounds.

Das discusses Eliot's impact on the development of modernist poetry and his role in revolutionizing literary conventions. She acknowledges his influence in shaping the trajectory of twentieth-century poetry, inspiring subsequent generations of writers to push the boundaries of artistic expression.

Furthermore, Das appreciates Eliot's commitment to exploring the complexities of modern society and his critique of the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and urbanization. She recognizes his ability to articulate the disconnection and alienation experienced in a rapidly changing world, themes that continue to hold relevance in contemporary society.

Das also draws attention to Eliot's spiritual explorations, particularly in his masterpiece, "The Waste Land." She highlights his examination of faith, redemption, and the search for meaning in a fragmented world. Das's own spiritual inquiries resonate with Eliot's explorations, forging a deep connection between their poetic visions.

Kamala Das's "Introduction to the Poetry of T.S. Eliot" serves as a testament to her appreciation for T.S. Eliot's literary genius and the profound impact his work had on her own artistic journey. Das's analysis of Eliot's themes, techniques, and enduring relevance showcases her deep understanding of his contributions to the literary canon.

Through her essay, Das highlights the universal appeal of Eliot's poetry, his exploration of the human condition, and his revolutionary approach to literary expression. His influence on Das's own writing is evident, as she fearlessly delves into personal and societal realms, challenging norms and expanding the boundaries of her artistic expression.

Kamala Das's "Introduction to the Poetry of T.S. Eliot" stands as a testament to the enduring power of Eliot's poetry and the profound impact it has on the artistic journeys of writers across generations.

Shooting the sky: Meet the women astrophotographers capturing the beauty of the Milky Way in Qatar

 Astrophotographers in Qatar gear up each month to capture the Milky Way galaxy in all its glory. These women photographers head out to pitch-dark places like Al-Aamriya, Al-Thuraya, Al-Kharrara, Al-Zubara, Zekreet, and others, to capture the core of the Milky Way.

It’s new moon day and that season again. She double-checks her camera, carefully attaching the wide-angle lens. She keeps extra memory cards, batteries, a headlamp, a remote, and an intervalometer in the separate padded sections in the backpack, before slipping the tripod in the dedicated attachment. She’s all geared up to travel from Doha to a location with the least light pollution. She and her three friends have waited for this day and are excited to be under the stars, staying the whole night out in the desert, capturing the stars.

The moment her friends arrive, she hops into the car and heads straight out of the capital city of Qatar. The sun has already set and after a ride of nearly two hours, they reach the desired location, right before the Milky Way galaxy rises. There’s no light in sight, there’s no moon, and it’s doubly invisible. It is the best time to view other celestial objects. It’s that perfect time when astrophotographers eagerly wait for the whole month to view and capture the eternal beauty of the night sky.

The serenity of being in a place where you’re one with nature is unexplainable.

Kryzelle Cane Collamar

“The serenity of being in a place where you’re one with nature is unexplainable. In Doha, you barely get to see any stars because of the city lights. From where we shoot, everything is visible. We get surprised every time we take the first step out of the car as we can immediately see the sky filled with stars, sometimes planets,” says Kryzelle Cane Collamar, an accountant by profession.

A native of Masbate in the Phillippines, the 29-year-old Cane started to capture the Milky Way galaxy two years after her arrival in Qatar in 2016. “It’s a rewarding experience. Not many people go to this length just to capture a photo. The outcome is worth it,” she tells Euronews Culture.

Pitch-dark spots in Qatar

When it comes to the night sky nothing can beat the different types of deserts of Qatar. They’re not only the best spots for some incredible views of the stars in the country, but also for taking photos of the Milky Way galaxy, star trails, and deep sky, or to simply sit at one of the many pitch-dark spots, watching the earth spin, making it look like the stars are moving through the night sky just above our head.

Seeing a night sky full of stars reminds me of my home country.

Ma Kristina Cuenca

“It’s the experience, really. Seeing a night sky full of stars reminds me of my home country. I used to travel intensively and hike as much as possible before. Taking Milky Way photos is like taking postcards of the experience with me as I go back to city life,” says Ma Kristina Cuenca, a sonographer, residing in Qatar since 2018.

During those new moon days each month -- from March to October -- women photographers head out with friends or families to one of the pitch-dark places in Qatar such as Al-Aamriya, Al-Thuraya, Al-Kharrara, Al-Zubara, Zekreet, Khor Al-Udaid, Galactic Core Bay, and others to capture the core of the Milky Way.

Don't click, make images

Often people say, ‘what’s the big deal in taking a Milky Way picture? You put a wide-angle lens to a camera, mount it on a tripod, point it at the sky and you have amazing images!’ They’re right, they’re wrong. In fact, it’s as easy as that and as difficult as that. Not many see that the night sky images are not clicked, but made. To make a picture of stars or planets as pleasing as one sees on the Internet, a lot of work goes behind – from scouting a good location to the right camera and lens, and most importantly, the composition.

It involves a lot of patience and sometimes, luck.

“Taking Milky Way photos in itself is a process. And it involves a lot of patience and sometimes, luck. From planning to preparation to monitoring and execution… all steps are necessary if you really want to get a compelling one. Nevertheless, the output image is worth all the undertakings,” says 30-year-old Kristina, hailing from Cavite in the Philippines, who started taking night sky images on her smartphone in 2016.

Although it is interesting to take pictures at night, everything changes at that time -- the landscape, the colours, and the light are all different from the daytime. Even though the place is the same, it looks very different at night. Settings used in the morning will not work at night. It goes without saying that astrophotography is not easy, it’s an Augean task. It needs everything to be faultless -- neither the settings nor the camera or the telescope can shake.

However, these women stand ready for the battle, focusing on the sky to capture the stars. There’s nothing but only darkness around. After five to six minutes, not just the eyes but even the mind is all set for a new adventure in the dark. “The things you can’t see sometimes, your camera captures it well for you. So many unknown realities and scenes can be captured on a dark night,” says Manjari Saxena, a freelance photographer in Doha.

Male-dominated field

Even though the number of women in the field of astronomy has seen a rise gradually, the field still remains dominated by men and astrophotography is no exception. The award-winning landscape and astrophotographer, Isabella Tabacchi, based in Italy, feels “there are more and more women interested in this field”. She has noticed the ratio of women photographers consistently increasing over the past few years.

“I started to capture nocturnal landscapes because the night sky is more mysterious and with so many things to know about it. I think a lot of curious women like me would love astrophotography and I know several women that love astrophotography much more than normal landscape photography,” Isabella tells Euronews.

Unlike Western countries, Qatar has not more than 4-5 women astrophotographers. This is not because women are less interested in this field, but because, “opportunities are less,” notes Manjari, the 44-year-old native of Delhi in India.

Most of the women photographers in Qatar like elsewhere feel safety is the major concern that stops them from pursuing their dream hobby. “Family responsibilities”, non-availability of “toilets”, unable to “drive 4x4” in the rocky terrain, “distance” from the place of living, and fear of “supernatural” elements are some common challenges they face. They have to heavily depend on fellow male photographers to reach the locations and be at their mercy to get back to the city.

Being safe at night is probably the major concern

“Being safe at night is probably the major concern and I have been invited to several panels discussing how we can approach this issue. Solutions that have been discussed include shooting in groups, attending female-oriented workshops, and ways to be more aware of your surroundings,” says Imma Barrera, the author, and astrophotographer based in New York, whose work ‘Under the Night Sky’ was shortlisted for the 2019 Sony World Photography Awards.

While men give lame excuses that women photographers can’t travel to remote and difficult-to-reach places to take night sky photos, women feel the other way around. They are more than brave and happy to take on such adventures and it is the reluctance of men to give them a chance that is stopping them.

“I know some male astrophotographers whose non-photographer girlfriends/wives will join them when they go out to shoot. I have met very few women astrophotographers whose partners will join them at night,” says Imma, who also runs educational programmes and workshops about astrophotography.

Fun and frustration

It's no secret that the experience with night sky photography can be both fun and frustrating. One has to accept the truth that astrophotography is the most difficult form of photography, and going out at night without proper research can be frustrating. No amount of caution is enough as pictures have to be taken at night. There’s always the haunting fear of unwanted people, snakes, scorpions, spiders, insects, and foxes in desolate places.

Then suddenly, I almost fell on my face. I tumbled down as it was the edge of the dune.

“Once we climbed a big sand dune. It was pitch dark around. We had no idea where we were stepping into or how far we were. We just wanted a photo of the Milky Way with that sand dune in the foreground. Then suddenly, I almost fell on my face. I tumbled down as it was the edge of the dune. But my reflexes saved me,” adds Cane.

Some nights will be more successful than others, photographers get the images they want, and some nights no image comes out right. But every time the experience of seeing and capturing the night sky cannot be described in words, it has to be experienced. What could be more satisfying than capturing beautiful images of celestial bodies that most people overlook?

If it’s so difficult to capture the Milky Way, why do these women chase them month after month? There is a reason for this madness. Each picture they take becomes closer to the heart than any Hubble image seen on the Internet, making the stars shining bright in the vastness of the universe more real. Seeing the magnificence of the Milky Way captured on camera is no less than an awe-inspiring experience.

Chaitra Arjunpuri is an author and photographer based in Qatar. She is interested in long exposure and night photography and you can see more of her work here.

(Source: Euro News)