A Reading of Samanth Subramanian’s Following Fish: Travels around the Indian Coast: Indian Context and Culture

Ms. Dhara Desai
Assistant Professor (Contractual)
SDJ International College, Surat
Contact: +91 99781 24768
E-mail: dhara1388@gmail.com

Abstract: 

Fishing is a major industry in coastal states of India that provides employment to over 14 million people in recent times. According to the statistics, India has 8,118 kilometres of marine coastline, 3,827 fishing villages, and 1,914 traditional fish landing centres. India's fresh water rivers and canals, minor and major reservoirs, ponds and lakes, flood plain wetlands and water bodies makes India a major supplier of fish in the global market. In such country, fish is the centre of not only food but also of memory, culture, economy, history and society for some people. Written in nine chapters, Following Fish: Travels around the Indian Coast (2010) is a tale of people’s relation with fish in India. Journeying along the periphery of the peninsula, Subramanian presents a kaleidoscope of astonishing stories. In particular, he follows fish, fish stories, fish sellers and catchers all around the coasts of India. The present paper reviews how Subramanian’s expeditions highlight less explored aspect of Indian culture.

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