Brehons and Brahmins. Resonances between Irish and Indian cultures

Ireland and India seem far apart, with apparently little in common in terms of culture, language, and tradition. Yet appearances can be deceiving: there are, in fact, remarkable similarities between the cultures that, once noticed, are impossible to ignore. They point to a shared kinship thousands of years ago that upends the concept of separation between Eastern and Western cultures. Think of it as a pebble dropped into a pool that caused circular ripples to radiate out: Ireland and India are like different points on the same ripple. This book is an exploration of these aspects of language, mythology, social structure, and legal system that we have in common.

Author of A Journey Through India, Manchán Magan blends his deep knowledge of Irish culture, history and people with that of the sub-continent in his own inimitable style as his absorbing journey of discovery and adventure continue apace.

Brehons and Brahmins is the first in a trilogy Manchán will be publishing with Mayo Books Press. It will soon be followed by illustrated books exploring cultural similarities and resonances between Ireland and Iceland, and Ireland and the Aboriginal cultures of Australia.

Illustrated by Aurélie Beatley.