It is not only the past that lies in ruins in Patna, it is also the present. But that is not the only truth about the city that the author explores in this vivid, entertaining account of his hometown. We accompany him on journeys and memories through many Patnas, the myriad cities within the city the shabby reality of the present-day capital of Bihar, Pataliputra, the storied city of emperors, the dreamlike embodiment of the city in the minds and hearts of those who have escaped its confines. Full of fascinating observations and perspective, A Matter of Rats reveals a challenging and entertaining city which exerts a lasting pull on all those who drift into its orbit. Key Features The first in Aleph Book Company’s pioneering range of short books on some of India's iconic cities. Explores the many Patnas through the stories of the people who inhabit the city From drunken rats to great empires, new malls to the best coaching classes see a Patna that has never been seen before