(Part 3) Best products from r/india

If only Indians would go, and read their own manuscripts that are in the millions, but I guess that's left to people like the Chancellor of UC Berkeley, Nicholas Dirks, because we're too ashamed, or worse too lazy, to find the truth for our selves even though it's right beneath our beds.

Here's a quote from his book "Caste of Minds":

>... the accounts that have become hegemonic in the West, and to some extent India itself, in which caste is the key symbol of Indian society, and in which caste is a system of social relations in which the unvarying position of the Brahman and the untouchable confirm the spiritual basis that justifies, explains, and underlies this unique institution. Dumont's muddle in the middle is the rule, not the exception. In fact, caste neither exhausted the rang of social forms, function, and identities, nor provided underlying unity. The only common social facts of caste concerned the codification of kinship relations and, to some extent, the protocols for interdining. But even these codes and protocols yielded to larger political histories of community formation, regulation, discipline, and participation within a range of larger social and political worlds - until, that is, the larger political history became dominated by a colonial power whose interest in ruling India through an indirect logic predicated on caste changed things altogether.
1

and

> ... all Kallars participated in the kingship of the royal Tondaiman family, though to varying extents. The forms of clan and subcaste structure within the group of Kallars were vitally affected by proximity to the king; the political hierarchy turned out to determine the social hierarchy as well, with alliance structures working out the political gradations and relations of proximity in fine detail... The autonomy accorded to pollution issues for Brahmans was the luxury of a particular kind of dominance, and thus, contra Dumont, could only be mistaken as the ideological principle of the hole if one was blinded by power itself... As caste had been constructed as a social system, first in the political milieu of the old regime and then increasingly Brahmanical reforms under colonial rule, the most pervasive forms of oppression were directed at women.
2

Furthermore Dirks highlights the fact that the organization of caste, power, and society were not uniform, but shared an underlying feature of addressing political structures.

>From the Telugu country to Maharashtra, and from the older Rajputs of northwestern India to the new Rajputs of central India. The very dominance of these groups suggests the extent to which their own political ideologies and structures exerted influence over the organization of social relations generally, as well as the principles underlying them... My argument is that there were multiple organizing social relations - all, however, socially and politically contingent in various way. We have already noted a far more complex position for Brahmans than would be guess from the texts.
3


And to give perspective how nuanced of a role status played out in society:

> As Dubois put it in his inimitable style: "The rights and privileges for which the Hindus are ready to fight such sanguinary battles appear highly ridiculous, especially to a European. Perhaps the sole cause of the contest is the right to wear slippers or to ride through the streets in a palanquin or on horseback during marriage festivals. Sometimes it is the privilege of being escorted on certain occasions by armed retainers, sometimes that of having a trumpet sounded in front of a procession, or of being accompanied by native musicians at public ceremonies." These privileges were, in fact, markers of rights that were indexed to status within and between communities, to control over public space and other pubic markers of position, to relations with various groups and institutions (from powerful and dominant patrons to temples), and to connections with royal families and court personages.
4




There's nothing holy in the world, nor a people so spiritual to abide by a con perpetuated by a minority of the people claiming some pure divinity. No. The reality is economy, and power, those two are the only goals human history shares. Everything bows before the king, as Kautilya would be proven right when he asserts that the greatest dharma is not devotion to Kama, or Moksha, but Artha, which a King presides over as his duty. And so this very simple fact is displayed in the working of Caste as mechanism of building relationships in a society, and at the same time forging one's own values, and therefore profession in society. We can also see how, and why we have such an emphasis on family, because it is only through a tight nit group of individuals can we actually progress. Otherwise we're left alone, disparate, and without assistance in this world, and with the one's inner own demons.

With that said it also required the sacrifice of individual exploration as society was you, and you were society. The two were not separate at all. What we see with the rise of enlightenment, and liberal ideas of individualism is in many ways flawed, as Wittgenstein in Tractatus shows that there can be no private thoughts at all. So then this dichotomy, and conflict of having a feeling of individuality, in conflict with society arises, and can only be resolved through asceticism, and understanding the ascetic ideas of ones' own self.

(As for the Mahabharatha we can understand where Arjun is coming from. He's a prince taking part in a royal event, reserved only for the graduating princes of the Kingdom to display their attained knowledge from Gurukul in the Rangbhumi (A play on words of Ranbhumi where Ranbhumi denotes battlefield, and Rangbhumi translates literally as Color-Field, or a display of colors, a display of the varied abilities of the newly graduating youth.). And with the outline of how royalty in India works, I think it would make logical sense for Arjun to object Karan's participation in the event. )

That is because I don't think anyone should buy a laptop with lesser resolution in 2017. The other laptop has low resolution just because people are easily fooled by the term - HD display. Touch screen is useless on a laptop unless it is surfacebook kindof device.

There is a well build 14inch IdeaPad but it lacks the graphic card. It is full HD display with IPS, so technically the display should be of good quality(I have not seen in person). It is much better to build than the 15inch version too. Its sound quality is said to be awesome.

One good thing I like is that it doesn't have the obsolete DVD drive. It saves the extra space to add a bigger battery and reduce weight.

https://www.flipkart.com/lenovo-ideapad-core-i5-7th-gen-4-gb-1-tb-hdd-windows-10-home-ip-320s-laptop/p/itmewhvungfvb9zx

edit - another option -
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B01MTCDQE9/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=cd818f9c-142a-4b42-ad2c-f0421857aaf5&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B071LMNYS4&pf_rd_m=A1VBAL9TL5WCBF&pf_rd_r=DPDJ6DBGA30QJNQCZBA8&pf_rd_r=DPDJ6DBGA30QJNQCZBA8&pf_rd_p=cd818f9c-142a-4b42-ad2c-f0421857aaf5

20pcs Van Gogh's Monet bookmark AliexpressRs 115 per piece by /u/harddisc

Mini box/case/pouch Amazon Rs 190. Cheaper on Aliexpress but it's a long wait. By /u/harddisc

Koala-Tea pun coffee mug for tea lovers: [Amazon](
http://www.amazon.in/Teawery-Quality-Koala-Ceramic-Tassyam/dp/B01MUD7QNE/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1492318922&sr=1-3&keywords=Tassyam) Rs 279. I bought a mug and a cushion cover.



Fidget Cube: Amazon Rs 499 by /u/in3xorabl3 This is really cool.


Automatic Socket to turn off after set time: link Rs 596



Knife and
[Balaclava]
(http://www.amazon.in/One-Stop-Shop-Stretchable-Balaclava-Scooter-Driving/dp/B010EBAP18/ref=sr_1_29?ie=UTF8&qid=1492274974&sr=8-29&keywords=balaclava) Total price 495+140=Rs 635 by /u/desh_drohi


Amazon Umbrella With vent and one button open/close function [Amazon]
(http://www.amazon.in/AmazonBasics-Automatic-Travel-Umbrella-Wind/dp/B00WTHJ5SU/ref=sr_1_2?s=luggage&ie=UTF8&qid=1492318657&sr=1-2&nodeID=2454169031&psd=1) Rs 699



Panasonic TCM 125: one of the best budget sounding earphones. Around Rs 700



Harmonica Amazon Rs 839 by by /u/desh_drohi This might be a better choice than his other suggestion.




Casio FX 991-ES Scientific Calculator: [Amazon]
(http://www.amazon.in/Casio-FX-991ES-Plus-Scientific-Calculator/dp/B0034BAQS8/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys&ie=UTF8&qid=1492319686&sr=8-1&keywords=Casio+FX+991-ES) Rs 860 by /u/exxentricity^Confirmed ^engineer


100 DC Comics postcards: [Amazon]
(http://www.amazon.in/Art-Vintage-DC-Comics-Postcards/dp/0811876500?_encoding=UTF8&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_vyT8ybM44W7AA) Rs 908 by /r/PervyPanda

Other suggestions include a pollution mask,radio, swiss knife, health check up, liquid nitrogen and food!?






i could go on the whole day. ^i ^might ^have ^a ^weakness.
Please post more:)
ps: learning to format in reddit!

edit: formatting and including other users recommendations
Sorted by Price

For modern India, Ramachandra Guha's India After Gandhi. The dude digs up every memo, every administrative note, personal letter available, to narrate the story of India from around independence till current times (still have to get there). Lots of details, but it is sometimes quite gripping. The whole correspondence between Chou En Lai and Nehru, culminating in the War of '62, is particularly worth reading. Highlights the different governance of the two countries, and causes for India's defeat. There's a lot more. The story of Partition, and how Vallabhai Patel and his secretary (VP Menon) worked to accomplish the daunting task of integrating the over 500 princely states into one, democratic Indian Union is essential.

For ancient India, I am just starting. I just got into John Keay's India: A History. This is a beautiful book. Starts with India's most ancient known civilisation, the Harappas, and proceeds to chronicle the evolution of the country ever since, from the consequential "invasion" of Arya, to the skirmish with Alexander, the rise of Mauryan empire (and Ashoka the great) and the Indian "Dark Age" (that's as far as I have gotten!), and beyond (emergence of the Gupta empire is just around the corner). It is pragmatic, unbiased, thorough narrative of this subcontinent. I really enjoyed the chapter on Vedic era; finally got to know what is reliable and what isn't from that era, and a brief glimpse into how historians work to check the veracity of all the bold claims in the two great epics of Indian literature, Mahabharata and Ramayana. There is also frequent mention of the lineage of kings in Puranas (it is mostly unreliable, with little to know details of the time periods).

This is a novice beginning for me, and I will have to re-read these two books alone several times, to cement any idea of the complexity and diversity of Indian history. Maybe someday, I will get to move on to European history and everything in between!

Hey, I made u/moviesbot. Sorry about the mismatch here. Basically the bot gets the links from the site Can I Stream It, and it looks like in this case they are only linking to the 1997 version on Google Play :( I'm not affiliated with the site, but do send them an e-mail when I find a mismatch like this.

I think I was able to manually find the movie on Amazon, although it says 2007 for the release date. Not sure why. Hope that helps.

Thanks for using u/moviesbot :D

It depends on how strong you like your coffee. I've tried using a stainless steel filter, French press and a stovetop espresso maker (also called a Moka pot).

A stainless steel filter is something you'll find in many South Indian households. You pack in finely ground coffee powder in the top chamber, pour boiling hot water, and let it percolate through to the bottom chamber. Takes about 15 minutes (depending on the filter and how well you've packed the powder), but you can get really strong decoction.

A French press is good if you want to make more flavourful coffee using light or medium roasted beans. Put in the coffee powder, pour in boiling water, put the lid on and let it steep for about 10 minutes. When you're ready to drink, push down the plunger to move all the powder to the bottom, and pour. You'll get more interesting aromas, but it won't give you the concentrated kick of a drip-filter. Also, coffee powder for a French press is more coarsely ground than that for a filter. French press powder in a filter will give you weak, watery decoction. Filter powder in a French press will pass through the mesh and you'll get grounds in your coffee.

Personally, I didn't like the stovetop espresso maker. I thought it gave the coffee a raw, burnt taste. But maybe it was just bad coffee powder. Haven't gone back to it since.

One last point. If you're drinking coffee for the flavour, use less milk and dilute with water. The fat and sugars in milk mute a lot of the flavours and it's just not as satisfying, especially if you use a French press. If you're drinking coffee to stay awake, more milk and sugar!

Check out this page for other ideas: http://coffee-brewing-methods.com/

As far as costs go, I use about 1kg of coffee powder a month, which works out to around Rs. 400 or so. There are cheaper, as well as much more expensive, blends out there.

P.S. If you're not based in a metro, you'll probably have trouble finding light and medium roasts to use in a French press. I suggest you start with a filter and try a few different brands to figure out which one works for you.

Check out Boat. They are pretty good and strong build comes within 600.

https://www.amazon.in/boAt-BassHeads-225-Special-Headphones/dp/B01MF8MB65/ref=zg_bs_1388921031_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9GDPB6YZ0TQPCRVZFM5V

I have an HTC One. I researched a lot and finally bought Blackberry's external power bank for Q10. It is 2100mAh and I paid £20/INR 2000 for it. Why I chose it:

• Design: Small, flat, with an inbuilt USB cable and a charge level indicator button+light that changes as the battery drains.
  
  
• Replaceable battery: You can swap the battery out and put it inside your Q10. I don't have that phone but I liked the idea that I can simply replace the battery later on as it starts to go bad.
  
  
• Quality: Hardware quality of BB has always been good.
  
  
• Simultaneous charging: You can plug in a series; wall charger>Powerbank>phone and charge all of them together. Great for charging both of them together in one go.
  
  2100mAh is enough for me to top up my phone when I am out. It almost fully charges my phone from zero.

this one runs on a regular aa battery, and works well. I have used it for 3-4 years.

Then there are the rechargable ones which are newer models which can be used in Indian homes too. This and this ones are the new ones. a bit pricey but excellent features. I have coupon codes for 500-1000 rs discount on these, if you want, just ask!

You can use the XBOX One controller wired with any micro-USB cable. For the wireless function, you'll need to get this.

Only if you get the newer, One S version, you can use it via Bluetooth.

As for the Dualshock, it's bluetooth, has a touchpad and a 3.5mm jack. However, it doesn't have proper support for older games. You'll have to emulate it as an XBOX Controller. The controller also has a lot more features (six axis gyro, lightbar, microphone, etc.) If you have any friend who has a PS4, you can borrow their controller and test it out. Use this software for emulation.

Otherwise, The XBOX One S controller (the white one I listed above) looks like a safe bet.

Looking for earphones around ₹500-600 range, I've eyes on boAt BassHeads but looks like this is specially designed for good bass. I just want for regular use listening to podcast, watching movies

Sony MDR-XB55AP Extra Bass in-Ear Headphone https://www.amazon.in/dp/B073JPC6R3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mtLzCbFFWCBER

These work best for my music (Indie Alt Rock).

Quite durable too. :)

Check out more of his amazing works here

You can also see his Graphic Novel, Kirshna: Journey Within

Are they good feature and durability wise? You mean this one https://www.amazon.in/Samsung-Galaxy-M30-Gradation-Blue/dp/B07HGJJ58K/ ?

I got 400mbps up, 400 mbps down. It’s showing 80mbps because I’m downloading a 400GB torrent of a show that's not available in India on any streaming service. And I’m SAVING ₹500 per month after this swap!

Got myself a sweet router (https://www.amazon.in/dp/B01N4R01UJ/), and I'm now destroying all the backups and 4K video uploads that I've saved over the last 6-7 years.

Fuck BSNL and their babus, especially since they're injecting malware deep into their connection. Got a year's worth of free Amazon Prime from them, and today gave their shite back to get my security deposit (from 2001) back.

Best IMO.

​

https://www.amazon.in/Sony-Extra-Bass-MDR-XB550AP-Headphones/dp/B06XWRT88G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1538843448&sr=8-2&keywords=sony+XB+550

​

Also check this out

https://www.amazon.in/Sennheiser-HD-4-20s-Around-Ear-Headphones/dp/B01K4N1PZ6/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1538843691&sr=1-7&keywords=sennheiser+headphone

Welcome to the club, I am currently using a BTwin rockrider and wondering if I should get a road bike, I would love to own one. Will follow the thread for advice.
I found this the most decent at lowest price I could find:

https://www.amazon.in/Montra-MONTRA-Helicon-X/dp/B07DLX51M5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550746676&sr=8-1&keywords=hELICON+X

​

Let me know what you think about this?

you can try https://www.amazon.in/OPOS-Cookbook-5-minute-magic-ebook/dp/B079G4LYJ5/ this whole book is dedicated to recipes which only need a pressure cooker. This book is available for free in amazon prime.

​

I also found https://www.youtube.com/user/Thesiramki/videos this youtube channel which has lot of their recipes.

Is the JBL T460BT worth the 1k more I would be paying for Boat Rockerz 400? Could someone give me a real-world reason as to which one is better?

Would you be interested in this ? Have had this for a year now but have never used it for more than a month. Mint condition. It's really cool if you are into IFTTT and stuff.

Location: Bangalore

https://www.amazon.com/LaMetric-Time-Wi-Fi-Clock-Smart/dp/B01IVTVK3W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542475361&sr=8-1&keywords=lametric

I run 5K everyday and this is what I carry.

1. iPod Shuffle. I attach it to the side pocket of my lower, doesn't even feel like it's there. It's better than Mobile if you listen to your music via wired earphones but charging it everyday is too much hassle for me. Planning to buy these soon.
   
   
2. A hanky.
   
   
3. Mobile in my hand to see my speed/distance.
   
   
4. A pack of Parle-G to feed stray dogs.
   
   That's all. I carry the same stuff to the gym except for the Parle-G ofc.

Sony MDR-XB55AP Premium In-Ear Extra Bass Headphones with Mic (Black) https://www.amazon.in/dp/B073JPC6R3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_2qwKenJfj5vgk
I have used skullcandy, senheiser, Brainwaiz Delta and soundmagic.
But this sony earphones are the best in noise cancellation. Affordable too.

Just do a search on Facebook by his name, you'll find him (not sure if I'm allowed to share FB links here on /r/india).

You can buy his illustration book on Amazon here.

Also here is his blog.

Udaan (2010) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1639426/

Expelled from his school, a 16-year old boy returns home to his abusive and oppressive father.

A simple yet strong coming of age film portrayed by a brilliant cast and superb acting all accompanied with an amazing soundtrack. It really pains me that not many people are aware of this amazing flick.

Edit: Source (with english subs) (Payed):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005C2TKLQ/ref=atv_feed_catalog?tag=imdb-amazonvideo-20

These were available for 999 yesterday. Most reviews are positive.

http://www.amazon.in/Rockerz-400-Bluetooth-Headphones-Carbon/dp/B01J82IYLW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484943764&sr=8-1&keywords=boat+bluetooth+headphone

Read this book.

It shows that the caste system as we know it was in part created by the British.

Its interesting that the book takes an example of a kingdom from Kerala itself.

The basic thesis of the book is that:

"Rather than a basic expression of Indian tradition, caste is a modern phenomenon - the product of a concrete historical encounter between India and British colonial rule. "

Soundpeats QY7

These are really good bluetooth headset. Especially for running and all.

You get tons of accessories for big or small ears too.

> I prefer the last one if I have an option

You do have an option to make it your regular. You can easily buy the essential South India Coffee Filter online from Amazon.

All you need now is freshly ground coffee powder that you will be able to buy from local coffee shops.

Just my 2 cents, if you already didn't know this :)

For history of India .. a good place to start is john keay's India
http://www.amazon.in/India-History-Revised-John-Keay/dp/0802145582

I think getting these Postcards would be cool. It's a box of 100 DC Comics postcards.

It's price has increased I guess so bought back during sale season
Nywys here is the link http://www.amazon.in/Soundpeats-Lightweight-Wireless-Sports-Headset/dp/B00LP6CFEC on phone sorry

http://www.amazon.com/India-A-History-Revised-Updated/dp/0802145582

Electric toothbrush:
https://www.amazon.in/Oral-Cross-action-Power-Toothbrush-Color/dp/B018IE1XSM/

Is this toothbrush good?

http://www.amazon.in/Oral-Cross-action-Power-Toothbrush-Color/dp/B018IE1XSM/
___
Or should I end up investing in a "Pro" one?

http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B002HWS9FW/
or
http://www.amazon.in/Professional-Precision-1000-Rechargeable-Toothbrush/dp/B003UKM9CO/