I would advise you to have a look at the new fdtl at the dgca website...its quite pro pilots and the rest periods and other rules are clearly defined now...less room for individual interpretation now!!
The flying could vary from a single landing to a max of 6 landings( extremely rare ) per day, yes we do log close to 8hrs in a day once or twice a month. Even though most airlines are striving hard to come out with a weekly/monthly roster the shortage coupled with training makes it tough on them but you have a fairly good idea as to what to expect.If you give rostering enough advance notice you can manage your offs too, its not that difficult.
Like you said it varies for P1's P2's, seniority etc but its not as cruel and demanding as some ppl make it out to be, I have managed to party on new year's eve for the last 4 years!