It is the ultimate in mind sports. A literary sport that will make the modern quizzes pale in comparison. It is called Avadhaanam, meaning "simultaneous attendance to many matters." The Andhras borrowed it from Sanskrit and have been performing it in their own language, Telugu...But Avadhaanam need not be confined to Telugu alone. It can be molded to suit the features of other languages. Avadhaanam is a thrilling experience, and can be enjoyed by all. -from Avadhaanam in English The definitive intellectual challenge, avadhaanam demands a prodigious memory, a quick sense of humor, intense concentration, and a rich knowledge of culture, literature, history, and folklore. It is the traditional Indian cerebral contest that is as taxing on its player as it is entertaining for its audience, and in here, Radhika Basavaraju, who attended many avadhaanams in her native India as a child, introduces us to this creative literary art and amusement and offers breathtaking examples of the game itself. Singing with the poetry of intellect and emotion, this will thrill those seeking a grand-and ancient-adventure of the mind. RADHIKA BASAVARAJU has written about Avadhaanam for an Indian newspaper, and her poetry about Lord Krishna's wedding has appeared in a religious journal. This is her first book.