Recipes from the Kandyan palace kitchen: Try them!

Reviewed by Padma EDIRISINGHE

The title of this book, Recipes from the cookery book of the last Kandyan dynasty is certainly an understatement. "A courier of wisdom of a bygone era via a cookery book" would have been better. It would be no exaggeration to declare that in the list of cookery books put out so far in this vast world of ours, this cookery book would certainly earn a singular position. Why? For the simple reason that not only does it give a whole host of some delightful yet wholesome recipes endemic to the Orient but along with it, opens out and explores an aspect of a historical stage in the island, hitherto known for only intrigue and treachery and dissension leading to the downfall of a 2500-year-old monarchy. Despite the political debacles, the royalty and aristocracy fed on mouth watering dishes and sweetmeats and desserts that just melted in the mouth. The book is a combination par excellence emanating an aroma and fragrance of a lost glory. I certainly feel honoured to have been invited to do this review.

Recipes from the cookery book of the last Kandyan dynasty Author: Ananda S. Pilimatalavuva A Vijitha Yapa Publication

The exploration into this world itself is done by the author minus any tongue-twisting rhetoric. No verbal bombast nor intricate phraseology. The significant contents speak for themselves. The author, a direct descendant of Maha Adikaram Pilimatalawa, one-time Chief Minister to the king of Kandy (cum "King maker"), in the preface to the book, gets down straight to the business of tracing the history of the original manuscript, focusing on the process of retrieving it from the cobwebs of time.

"The reader might wonder how I came into possession of this valuable palm leaf manuscript containing recipes. The story of its journey across the seas to Europe and back to Sri Lanka... would sure be of interest... None of us children knew what these palm leaf manuscripts contained". One savours here the wonder of passing times and climes before savouring the actual recipes.

Snippets of this preface also vibrate with a phase of our history when not only the monarchy crumbled but everything worthwhile aligned to a supremely high civilisation of yore was either wilfully destroyed (if not retrieved occasionally by concerned individuals) or shipped overseas. And now thanks to endeavours of patriots like the author, piece by piece it is all getting built up.

Should cookery books over-spill into history? Why not? It all comes fascinatingly, naturally and delightfully mixed up and vigorously blended, mixed up even with not a pinch but a good dose of humour thrown in (no measured quantities), as when the family head of recent times, Loku Banda Pilimatalavuva. The author's paternal grandfather, now and then disappears to make a mouth-watering dish using some mysterious source (not sauce). The author's elder brother, then probably in his teens inquires from the mother as to what queer thing is going on and is told that the source is linked to palm leaf manuscripts locked up in a cupboard and that these contain "old recipes from the Palace kitchen".

History is beaten up with a frenzy with the ingredients in the recipes. Of course, the author has already put out two very valuable and well-researched books on the Pilimatalavuva lineage but here, he has to explain how North Indian cuisine and South Indian cuisine have got amalgamated and again the relevant background tale is told dishing out not only the evolution of the Nayakkar dynasty but the lineage of an illustrious family carrying a name whose origins go back to a beautiful story.

History usually is cooked up with sordid and terrible tales but two brothers making a 'Pilima' or image to honour a beautiful sister who died on the initial voyage from India to the island peaks into a beautiful tale of its own providing a savoury dish of its own.

I am just tempted to go on and on with the historical aspect of the book, but it is mainly a cookery book and I am duty bound to list the recipes that fed the higher-ups in the 18th and early 19th century lapping up the leisured splendour of the times despite the acute political turbulence. Read the categories.

Cunjee/gruel recipes, rice recipes. Vegetable recipes, fish recipes, meat recipes, beverage recipes, dessert/sweetmeat recipes. Going through these rich and nourishing recipes, you tend to gush, "No wonder the Nayakkars refused to leave the island till Eknaligoda Nilame took things to his own hands".

Perhaps of equal or even more value are these ensuing categories, "the glossary", useful cookery tips, natural remedies for various ailments, traditional medical equipment (18th to 19th Cs), taboo food combinations, medicinal uses and health benefits of the ingredients used in the recipes, culinary utensils of yore and palm leaf manuscripts and instruments.

It is mainly in the chapter on natural remedies and A1 of Appendix A on the medicinal uses and health benefits of the ingredients used in the recipes, that the ancient wisdom accumulated in a little island percolates down to modern times. Anyway each chapter could have been easily expanded into a separate book but commercial motives have got sacrificed to a nobler motive of giving out to the public some very valuable information hitherto closeted in a cupboard in the house at Embilmeegama, that does its travel to the West and comes back full circle again.

Appendix B on culinary utensils of yore opens the curtain on a leisured society inventing cute products not only used for coking but storing, preserving and carrying food about on travels. Their aesthetic value gets surpassed only by the utility value.

The book naturally is profusely and gorgeously illustrated and enriched with photography of excellent standards that makes it a collector's pride. It also showcases the meticulous care Vijitha Yapa bestows on the publication feat with not a single lapse in typing except for one word, "Bela" for "beli" and that too in one instance (A 28).

The nation should indeed be grateful to the likes of Ananda Pilimatalawa. His attempts to transcribe the Sinhala of the 18th and 19th Centuries to present day Sinhala with the assistance of Deepthi Horagoda is in itself an endeavour of gigantic proportions that has involved years of toil and trouble. The author has gone on to solicit assistance of varied academic and non-academic personnel to make his dream book a reality.

According to the blurb on him he has opted for a career in plantation management after his school education. Yet he admits to retaining an interest in the country's history fortunately for the nation and no wonder with his family background. He has had a special longing to retrieve the name of his ancestor from the "Political mud sling" that branded him a traitor in an age muddled and mired with conspiracy and treachery, the dark shadow of the final collapse hanging over at close range and Windsor dynasty on the horizon.

Yet, a "fact staining" the book has to be mentioned. The book carries an extract from a certain review that highlights the fact that Bo leaves have been used in the royal kitchen in making meat tender. It is even mentioned in a blurb on the book. I feel that it is rather in bad taste to draw attention to this fact, considering the sanctity attached to Bo leaves in this majorly Buddhist country. It is under this tree that The Buddha attained Enlightenment and preached his Dhamma enunciating Maitree to all living beings. In fact the botanical term for "BO" is "Ficus Religiosa".

Anyway, we are fortunate that this interest of the author in his much maligned ancestor drove him to research on the period, in which endeavour he "accidentally stumbled upon an old palm leaf manuscript containing recipes in verse which had been in the family archives for decades".

The book is certainly worth ten-fold the price! And the recipes. Try them and boost yourself into royalty and aristocracy for a change. And the natural remedies for various ailments. They do read convincing though author warns that Ayurvedic physicians should be consulted before trying them on. Finally, it should be stated that the book is indeed a generous gift to the arena of information, in the blended area of history and the world of culinary art.

"A unique book which should find its way into the bookshelves of future generations," says a blurb on the book.

Two books by Dr. S.H.

Reviewed by Kalakeerthi Edwin Ariyadasa

An adept medical professional discoursing on issues of health and medicine, at mass frequency level, is rather a recent phenomenon in Sri Lanka.

Among those altruistic experts, who spearheaded the effort to keep the public authoritatively informed about these vital matters, the late Prof. Nandadasa Kodagoda stood in high profile. Through his compelling use of print, electronic and informal media, he took authentic information to the men and women, who direly needed it. He established such rapport with the receivers of his message, that he required a star-quality somewhat akin to that of the actors and actresses in the film medium.

Prof. Kodagoda, dominated the newly-introduced small-screen and converted it into an efficient vehicle to reach the mass mind.

Some medico-communicators of that early era, have gone on to set up global records, for the sustained delivery of messages of health and medicine, demonstrating singular successes.

In the wake of those trailblazers, a new generation of medico-communicators has taken centre stage. They are active in a wide variety of contexts. They disseminate knowledge through seminars, workshops, public lectures and tend to use print and electronic media fairly profusely.

In the current group of communicating medical professionals, Dr. Shantha Hettiarachchi figures prominently.

The two books he has recently brought out, contribute substantially towards the enrichment of public awareness of health issues, at a time when ignorance of basic health facts can result in the pathetic loss of life.

His two books - one in Sinhala and one in English dispel some widely held fallacies and provide valuable guidance towards healthy and wholesome living. His Sinhala book is titled 'Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Sexuality and Society.'

"Towards Healthy Living" is the title of his English work.

Both these works derive - to a great extent - from the Doctor's clinical meetings with the members of the public. The uninhibited discussions, people had with him, about the problems they encountered, revealed to the doctor, how ignorance of relevant facts could lead to tragedy.

In a way, the books form part of the doctor's professional healing mission. The activity of keeping vulnerable groups well informed, is essentially a therapeutic exercise.

The communication aspects of these books are as important as the authoritative subject matter they contain. When a professional medical person writes, the authenticity of the information that is communicated is well assured. But, if the proper techniques of communication are not employed, the authoritative writer will not be able to reach his target receivers.

Dr. Shantha Hettiarachchi possesses mature communications skills. He has been writing almost from his childhood. He has written poetry, composed lyrics and has produced scripts for teledramas.

His intention in his works, is to make the people aware of 'health truths,' since 'misinformation', could plague the proper awareness of health issues. While freeing the people from the grip of unfounded fears about such issues as HIV/AIDS. The author responsibly guides men and women towards right awareness, that leads to healthy living.

With all this Dr. Shantha Hettiarachchi has earned a well-deserved reputation as an outstanding communication of essential information relating primarily to the fields of Health and Medicine. Making ample use of print and electronic media. Dr. Shantha Hettiarachchi has continued steadily to build awareness among various public, about issues that are centrally important for the achievement of the ideal of healthy living.

Most of the articles he contributes to print media and many of the talks he presents, through radio and television, tend to possess a special contemporary relevance. This is largely because he concentrates on issues of topical interest.

Although some of these subjects may emerge into sudden prominence, making them 'topical' they represent perpetual concerns of society. In consequence, the articles Dr. Shantha Hettiarachchi has anthologized in these publications, have a permanent value. What is of high significance that the subject matter of the articles is wholly authoritative and authentic. As a salutary outcome of this guaranteed reliability, the readers of these books can utilize the information given in them, with complete confidence.

Over the years, Dr. Shantha Hettiarachchi has amassed knowledge and expertise through his professional postings and his extensive participation in seminars, workshops and training courses - both here and abroad.

Capacity for communication is almost a built-in facet of his personality. His continued participation with the Health Education Bureau as Co-ordinator, Mass Communication and Publicity offered him a vantage point to obtain in-depth awareness of the practical aspects of communication. By providing vital information with stark responsibility about matters relating to health and medicine, Dr. Shantha Hettiarachchi performs a praiseworthy public service.

Dr. Shantha Hettiarachchi's work should have a place in every institution and in every home "for the good of the many - for the well-being of the many."

Poems for discerning readers

Reviewed by Andrew Scott Bamboo Grove

Author: Claudia Weeraperuma

Publisher: Al Maghribia Newspaper Publications, Morroco

Bamboo Grove, a collection of Buddhist poems by Claudia Weeraperuma, is a neatly brought out book of poems which should be of interest not only to the Buddhists but also to all other literate readers in any part of the world who wish to lead a religious and enlightened life. Bamboo Grove will be of appeal to the Buddhist reading public of Sri Lanka as well as to all other specialised and general readers interested in spiritual and general reading throughout the world.

Claudia Weeraperuma, a widely experienced writer on Buddhism and Buddhist topics, is the wife of another equally well-known writer, Dr. Susunaga Weeraperuma, a Sri Lankan and now both of them are domiciled in France from where they write. Claudia Weeraperuma, a Swiss by birth, was born in Berne, Switzerland and she is a multilingual writer. She is also a talented artist who has illustrated several of her husband's books which have reached a wide readership throughout the world. She is well versed in English, German and Sanskrit and has done an intensive study of comparative religion. Bamboo Grove is her second collection of poems which was mostly inspired by her pilgrimage to Buddhist sites in North India. Her other book of poems is Ocean of Compassion.

Buddhist themes

Bamboo Grove consists of 23 carefully compiled poems on Buddhist themes and Buddhist places of interest in India which have inspired the spiritual life and activities of this versatile writer. The first poem in this book is titled 'Bamboo Grove'. It is a long poem which begins with the following inspiring lines:

"It was a winter afternoon.

The sun grew strong, 'twas opportune

To stroll in storied Rajgir town

Ruled once by Bimbisara's crown.

Here Gautama did a world of good

In Veluvana, Bamboo Wood.

I dreamily walked across this park,

Saw on my right a mountain stark

Through trees - the bare Vipula Hill,

Just like a grey-brown bull-god still

Upon the watch, lit by the sun,

When thinking of the Awakened One."

These lines show the simplicity of the language she uses and the smooth flow of ideas which should draw the attention of readers. Some of the inspiring poems in this book include 'Bamboo Grove, Radiant Robin, The Secret of GOOD Health, The Lesson of the Mouse, Buddha's Earth Touching Gesture, Farmer and Foreigner, Offerings, Lord Buddha, Pilgrim Dogs, The Stream, Quietude, The Miracle of Love and Day of Illumination.

Lucid language

The appeal to readers of all these poems is enhanced by the very simple and lucid language the writer uses in composing all these poems. The inspiring and thought provoking poems in this book are primarily based on the teachings and the principles of Buddhism and some of these give the readers a philosophical, moral and religious message.

Bamboo Grove should be of interest to both the general readers as well as scholars throughout the world. The very simple language the writer uses makes this collection of poems appealing to all discerning readers.

Much study and labour has gone into the publication of this very readable book and the writer has strived hard to bring it out maintaining a very high standard both in its layout and in the language she uses. It has been elegantly printed in Morroco and has an eye-catching front cover designed by the writer herself. This is a well thought out collection of poems which is the result of the writer's dedicated thinking on the philosophy of Buddhism.

Readers owe a deep sense of gratitude to its author for bringing out this very readable book of poems which gives us ample food for thought.

BOOK LAUNCH

Aparajitha Tarzan

Prabhath Mirihagalle's latest book Aparajitha Tarzan was launched at Dayawansa Jayakody Bookshop, Ven. S. Mahinda Mawatha, Colombo 10.

Aparajitha Tarzan is the authentic Sinhala translation of Edgar Rice Burrough's popular book Tarzan the Invincible.

Aparajitha Tarzan is a Dayawansa Jayakody publication.

Lochana

Chandrasiri Dodangoda's Sinhala novel Lochana will be launched at Dayawansa Jayakody Bookshop, Ven. S. Mahinda Mawatha, Colombo 10 on February 22 at 10 a.m.

Dodangoda is the author of several other novels such as Sathi, Pujasanaya, Kandulu Dorakada. Sanda Kaluvarai, Visirunu Malpethi and Dedenek saha Katha Dekak.

Lochana is a Dayawansa Jayakody publication.

NEW ARRIVALS

Sri Lankan cookery book in German

Asoka Alwis who has long years of experience in the hospitality industry here and abroad has written a Sri Lankan cookery book in German. The book is not merely a collection of recipes but contains useful information of various ingredients used in cooking. It is also lavishly illustrated with colour photographs.

Arthika Yuddaya Jayageneema

Shyam Nuwan Ganewatte's latest book Arthika Yuddaya Jayageneema (winning the economic war) was launched at the National Library Services and Documentation Board auditorium, Colombo 7 recently.

The author discusses the strategies of winning the economic war after defeating terrorism. The book includes views of financial analysts and economists.