Had a classical but unconventional family grooming that, despite the technical schooling and profession, always bloomed to the surface at the slightest provocation. Have a fair knowledge of the linguistic history of the subcontinent, including those of non-IE origin, such as Dravidian and Austric. Also interested in the pre-history of the region. Not encumbered by religion or religious bias towards history. Pastime: crossword puzzles (English and Bengali) and intense amateur efforts (solo and collective) to decode the Indus script. Born and settled in Kolkata but well-travelled in Europe, Near and Far East, North and East Africa, SE Asia and, of course, S Asia; mostly in connection with my profession. Still have to earn the daily bread by prostituting technical knowledge.