About the Book

Jivaka's fifteen-year-old mother, Vatsayani, seduces the scholar sage Richika to father her child. The child becomes a disciple of Kashyapa, who is a renowned healer of children. To prove his merit, the five-year old Jivaka is forced by veterans to enter the River Ganges. Jivaka emerges from the water as a great healer himself. The story connects seamlessly to a modern-day Jivaka who is training to be a paediatrician. The novel attempts to bring to life childcare in ancient India—developed around the Kashyapa Samhita, the only text of Ayurvedic paediatric medicine in existence today.

The story connects seamlessly to a modern-day Jivaka who is training to be a paediatrician. The novel attempts to bring to life childcare in ancient India—developed around the Kashyapa Samhita, the only text of Ayurvedic paediatric medicine in existence today.

About the Author

Malavika Kapur is a clinical psychologist working with children. She is a visiting professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Daughter of renowned Kannada writer and Jnanpith Award winner Shivarama Karanth, Malavika has several books and national and international publications to her credit. She is a prolific reader with deep interest in the performing arts. She is an inveterate traveler and loves trekking in the Himalayan foothills.