{"product_id":"1990-aramganj-a-novel","title":"1990, ARAMGANJ – A NOVEL","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; color: #333; max-width: 900px; margin: auto;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"background: #6A1B9A; color: #ffffff; padding: 15px 20px; border-radius: 8px; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003e1990, ARAMGANJ – A NOVEL\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1990, Aramganj\u003c\/strong\u003e is a powerful and unsettling novel that captures the political and social upheaval triggered by L.K. Advani’s Ram Rath Yatra in small-town India. Through the lives of ordinary people, \u003cstrong\u003eRakesh Kayasth\u003c\/strong\u003e explores how communal tensions, caste pride and political mobilisation transformed the social fabric of the Indian heartland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"background: #2E7D32; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 18px; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e📖 About the Book\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe small town of Aramganj is buzzing with rumours and excitement as the Ram Rath is expected to arrive. People who showed little interest in earlier political movements suddenly find themselves drawn into a growing wave of religious fervour. Conversations change, friendships become strained and new divisions begin to emerge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the centre of the story is \u003cstrong\u003eAshiq Miyan\u003c\/strong\u003e, the charismatic owner of the Two-in-One Tailoring shop, known as a proud Rambhakt despite his Muslim identity. As the town becomes increasingly polarised, his life and relationships are tested in unexpected ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing a chorus of voices—fears, arguments, rumours and judgements—Kayasth creates a vivid portrait of a society in transition. The novel reveals how caste, religion, superstition and patriarchy intersect to shape the choices of individuals and the destiny of the community, building toward a shocking and tragic climax.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"background: #1565C0; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 18px; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e✨ Key Highlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA gripping political novel set during a watershed moment in Indian history.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExplores the rise of militant Hindu nationalism and communal polarisation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures a rich ensemble of memorable small-town characters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExamines the intersections of caste, religion, superstition and patriarchy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUses multiple voices to create a vivid and immersive social landscape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA thought-provoking and emotionally intense work of contemporary Indian fiction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"background: #8E24AA; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 18px; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e✍️ About the Author\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRakesh Kayasth\u003c\/strong\u003e has worked in senior roles across print journalism and television news, including with channels such as \u003cstrong\u003eAaj Tak, Zee News, Tez and News 24\u003c\/strong\u003e. For the past sixteen years, he has been active as a screenwriter, showrunner and producer, and currently heads the non-live programming team at \u003cstrong\u003eStar Sports\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe is the author of the bestselling Hindi novel \u003cstrong\u003eRambhakt Rangbaz\u003c\/strong\u003e, which was featured on the \u003cem\u003eHindustan Times\u003c\/em\u003e list of Best Indian Books across languages in 2022, as well as the acclaimed political satires \u003cstrong\u003eKos-kos Shabdkosh\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ePrajatantra ke Pakaude\u003c\/strong\u003e. He has also created popular audiobooks including \u003cstrong\u003eDil Local\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eTuktuk ki Kahaniyan\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"background: #7B1FA2; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 18px; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e🌐 About the Translator\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVarsha Tiwary\u003c\/strong\u003e translates between Hindi and English. \u003cstrong\u003e1990, Aramganj\u003c\/strong\u003e is her first full-length work of translation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"background: #F57C00; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 18px; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e📚 Why Read This Book?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1990, Aramganj\u003c\/strong\u003e is an incisive and timely novel that sheds light on the roots of contemporary communal and political divisions in India. Combining sharp social observation with compelling storytelling, it is essential reading for anyone interested in Indian politics, society and literary fiction that confronts difficult historical truths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Westland Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45491509067885,"sku":null,"price":499.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0702\/0445\/7069\/files\/81ufeuhaaYL._SL1500_f36ff230-1f6c-4c05-9380-d2b9fd767a55.jpg?v=1784913086","url":"https:\/\/the99books.in\/products\/1990-aramganj-a-novel","provider":"The 99 Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}