Sources

There are many other books available for you to pursue your interest in Indian culture, these are just a few from Nora's personal library to get you started. 
 Culture & Dress    

 

 Arts and Crafts of India -- Nicholas Barnard Photographs by Robyn Beeche Beautifully photographed and colorful gives you a feel for the many handcrafts and decorative details seen in so many Indian pieces. Covers techniques, regional styles and patterns, materials and production skills. 
Large paperback, 1996; 
ISBN 1-85029-705-3 

 
 Indian Style -- Suzanne Slesin & Stafford Cliff Photographs by David Brittain Many bright images of the various building and decorating styles of India. Everything from modern apartments to stone farmhouses, palaces and houseboats. Clearly shows the color combinations we find so unusual in this country. 
Hardbound, 1990; 
ISBN 0-517-57437-3

 

 

 Saris: an Illustrated Guide to the Indian Art of Draping -- Chantal Boulanger Very interesting book shows a multitude of Sari drapes from various regions and tribes of India, ancient and modern variations. Includes drapes for men, dhoti, and tribal types; and some history. The most comprehensive book I've seen. Sometimes difficult to get but well worth the effort. 
Spiral bound paperback, 1997; 
ISBN 0-9661496-1-0 
Mehndi
Mehndi: the Art of Henna Body Painting -- Carine Fabius 
One of those books that came out when Henna was all the rage, but this one is fairly clear and useful. Good recipes, ideas, some history; a nice little book. 
Paperback, 1998; ISBN 0-609-80319-0
Mehndi: the Timeless Art of Henna Painting --Loretta Roome 
Again published during the fad but still nicely done. Gives good tips on design elements and social taboos. Good informative reading. Paperback, 1998; ISBN 0-312-18743-2
Food 

Flavors of India -- Madhur Jaffrey "As seen on Public Television"; covers many different regions with some history. Easy to follow directions with appendices for special ingredients (what they are, how to get/use them), equipment, and techniques (some common, others considerably less so). Most of the recipes are relatively simple and the ones we tried were very tasty. 
Paperback, 1995; 
ISBN 1-884656-06-4
Madhur Jaffrey's Quick & Easy Indian Cooking Same author. The recipes here are supposed to be simpler than the other book (more for neo-phytes) and seemed so. Less background but still sections on ingredients and techniques. I'd recommend this book as well. 
Paperback, 1996; 
ISBN 0-8118-1183-2
Music
Traditional
The Rough Guide - the Music of India and Pakistan from a very good series designed to expose "westerners" to music of a number of different countries. Very traditional selections, exposes you to some well-known middle-eastern musicians. The World of Music - India "Hypnotic rhythms and subtle melodies from the great sub-continent", that familiar sitar sound of the early 70s. Includes folk songs and various tribal melodies.
Modern
Jai Uttal and the Pagan Love Orchestra -- Shiva Station
Gotta' love the group's name!
That traditional sitar sound with a modern, almost disco edge.  A little more listenable to western ears.  Generally pretty mellow.		 Talvin Singh -- Anohka, Soundz of the Asian Underground.

Very contemporary, contains the original of "Leon's music" from the Sony commercial.  A little edgier.

 Mega Rai -- 4 CD compilation of various new artists including Khaled.
Leans toward techno with some very strange overtones; someone at the party swore they heard the Brady Bunch Theme.  Many artists have the title "Cheb" which seems to mean "DJ".
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