Traditions and practices of Indian magicians enriched the rest of the world: Aus envoy

The mystical worlds of Indian magicians and 'jadoowallahs' have fascinated human minds, and their traditions and practices shaped the country's culture and enriched the world, Australian envoy in New Delhi has said.

High Commissioner Harinder Sidhu was speaking at an event held at the Australian Embassy here on Tuesday evening to launch author John Zubrzycki's latest book - Jadoowallahs, Jugglers and Jinns: A Magical History of India.

The event coincided with the opening of the six-month-long Australia Fest that will be held across 20 cities.

The 450-page book explores India's long association with magic, from the seals of Mohenjodaro to the jugglers, mountebanks and acrobats.

"Both John and his latest book epitomise one of the important themes of Australia Fest that of celebrating long-standing associations between India and Australia," Sidhu was quoted as saying in a statement by the embassy Wednesday.

"John presents a well-researched overview of India's magical traditions and takes the reader into the mystical worlds of jadoowallahs, jugglers and jinns, and how these traditions and practices shaped Indian society and culture, and enriched the rest of the world," she said.

The Sydeny-based author, who is also one of the Australia Fest ambassadors, said, it was India's rich tradition of magic and magicians that inspired him to write the book.

"'With Jadoowallahs, Jugglers and Jinns', I wanted to bring to life the incredibly rich and lasting legacy of Indian magic and to celebrate the far-reaching influence it had on the West," he said.

Prasun Chatterjee, Editorial Director, Pan Macmillan India, the publisher of the book, said it told the story of how Indian magic evolved over thousands of years and descended from the domain of the gods to become part of daily ritual and popular entertainment, and its transformation from the street to the stage.

Guests were enchanted and left spellbound by a series of magical acts. One of Australia's finest magicians, Adam Mada's performance left the audience asking for more.

Indian magician Raj Kumar, meanwhile, had everyone holding on to their nerves as he performed the famous Indian Basket act. The surprise element of the evening was a special presentation by Indian street magician ('madari') Ashiq Ali, who also features in John's book, the statement said.

Zubrzycki has a degree in South Asian history and Hindi from the Australian National University and has worked in India as a foreign correspondent, diplomat and tour guide. His first book, The Last Nizam: An Indian Prince in the Australian Outback, is a bestseller in India, it said.

As part of the Australia Fest, the book will also be launched in Mumbai and Chennai.