Decoding the intrigues of Indian magic

Neha Saini
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, January 14

Great Indian rope trick, acts of mid-air suspension, burying alive in snake pits and vanishing acts. India has gifted the world some classic lessons on intrigue through magic over centuries. But mostly, magic in Indian context has always been associated with rituals and rope tricks and never with history. But author, researcher and journalist John Zubrzycki’s book Jaadoowalas, Jugglers and Djinns – The History of Magic in India changes perspectives. The book talks about magic in context of social, political and economical history and explores interesting, untold stories of some of the most popular magicians in the 19th century.

“India has always been known as the land of magic, it still carries that mystical status in the western world. But what many people don’t know is that Indian magic tricks had a strong impact on the west and pop culture. Magic finds reference even in the Vedas and its fascination is never ending,” said Zubrzycki while interacting with readers at Majha House.

His book that released in India and the UK six months ago, opens with memoirs from Janahgir, “He was so fascinated with Indian magicians that he once stalled his large entourage on one of his travels just to watch a juggler perform. Another instance, the governor of Bengal had to dress up as a magician just to meet him in his court,” shared Zubryzski. These are just some of the anecdotes that his book gives. Through painstaking research, John has documented some of the most celebrated magicians across the world and India. “One of them was Amar Nath Singh, known as Linga Singh on stage, who was born in Lahore and went on to become one of the most popular magicians in 1930s. From a kitchen help to a bomb maker to a magician, Linga Singh had a amazing story and gave some of the most memorable tricks for the world magicians to follow. Some of the international magicians, who later adopted Indian stage names and mastered acclaimed Indian magic acts were Koringa, Blacaman, Karmi and Alexander, known as world’s best mentalists.”

A doctorate in Hindi, Zubryzycki’s own fascination with India began in 1977, when he landed here as a young backpacker from Australia. Author of The Last Nizam feels that the rich magic heritage of India is not being appreciated. “The street magicians and folk artists who perform these simple acts of magic are finding it quite hard to live by. Magic might be a passe in the digital world, but these simple acts captured the best of our imagination.”

His latest book definitely is one to pick up if you are interested in yogis, fakirs and intrigues of the mystical world.