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1857: The Real Story Of The Great Uprising
Around the middle of the nineteenth century, when the East India Company had consolidated its hold over the Indian subcontinent, a Chitpavan Brahmin by the name of Vishnu Bhatt Godse Versaikar decided to cross the Vindhya mountains with his aged uncle to earn some money. What he had not foreseen was how his trip would coincide with the historic Sepoy Mutiny and play havoc with their travel plans.
This is a unique first-person, eyewitness account of their picaresque journey, recorded several years after their return home. This is also perhaps the only documentation of a momentous event in the history of India by an impoverished but learned young beggar-priest. The extent of Vishnu Bhattji's direct involvement in it remains under wraps but the strange combination of compelling candidness and vague disjointedness off the narrative invites the readers to read between the lines and explore the unspelt-out aspects of the saga.
This is a unique first-person, eyewitness account of their picaresque journey, recorded several years after their return home. This is also perhaps the only documentation of a momentous event in the history of India by an impoverished but learned young beggar-priest. The extent of Vishnu Bhattji's direct involvement in it remains under wraps but the strange combination of compelling candidness and vague disjointedness off the narrative invites the readers to read between the lines and explore the unspelt-out aspects of the saga.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1907
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670 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 20, 2023
5 .0 ⭐
GENRE - NON FICTION / HISTORY
It's a well documented memoir of 2 traveler's who made notes of the The National Uprising of 1857 India's first War of Independence against the British Rule.This book was originally written in a regional language Marathi,I have read the translated English version of the book.
About the book -
Two travelers from Vasai who were traveling to North India on a Holy mission during mid 1856 found themselves embroiled in the Event. Whilst their travel from South Western India towards North via Central India they made notes in their diary of the day to day event that took place during their travel, these notes were made mostly from what they got hear from locals, the soldiers of the British East India Company Army and the freedom fighters who actively took part in the event.
The writer has done a great a job in reiterating the events in his memoir and has given a very unbiased account of this understanding of Tge Revolt that took place, a must read for history buffs!!!
This was the 5th book I choose to read in 2014 it was not only a good choice it also introduced to me other genre's in book reading.
Thank you 😊
GENRE - NON FICTION / HISTORY
It's a well documented memoir of 2 traveler's who made notes of the The National Uprising of 1857 India's first War of Independence against the British Rule.This book was originally written in a regional language Marathi,I have read the translated English version of the book.
About the book -
Two travelers from Vasai who were traveling to North India on a Holy mission during mid 1856 found themselves embroiled in the Event. Whilst their travel from South Western India towards North via Central India they made notes in their diary of the day to day event that took place during their travel, these notes were made mostly from what they got hear from locals, the soldiers of the British East India Company Army and the freedom fighters who actively took part in the event.
The writer has done a great a job in reiterating the events in his memoir and has given a very unbiased account of this understanding of Tge Revolt that took place, a must read for history buffs!!!
This was the 5th book I choose to read in 2014 it was not only a good choice it also introduced to me other genre's in book reading.
Thank you 😊
May 1, 2025
Imagine a poor Brahmin from the heart of Maharashtra, leaving his home in search of a livelihood, only to find himself swept up in the great storm of the 1857 revolt. As he travels northward, he encounters rebel soldiers, meets iconic figures like the Rani of Jhansi and Tatya Tope, and journeys through historic cities such as Lucknow (Oudh), Ayodhya, and Kashi. What an extraordinary journey that must have been!
Through this unique travelogue, we gain a vivid picture of British exploitation—not just of rulers, but of ordinary people as well. The narrative reveals how the British left entire regions starving, looted wealth, and committed acts of cultural destruction. One of the most heartbreaking accounts is the burning of Jhansi’s library—a collection so vast it took days to reduce it to ashes. It evokes memories of another tragic loss, the destruction of Nalanda University by Bakhtiyar Khilji.
The author, Vishnu Bhatt Godse, risks his life time and again—navigating war-torn regions, attending the funerals of fallen rulers, and seeking refuge with retreating armies. Amidst the chaos of rebellion, he holds on to the hope that native rulers will uphold their sacred duty to protect cows and Brahmins, even as their power crumbles.
The book also sheds light on the British agenda of religious conversion. Christian missionaries were invited to convert non-Christians, though they largely failed. Sadly, similar tactics are still seen today, with some missionaries offering money or food to induce conversions—proving that not much has changed over time.
Apart from its gripping personal journey, the book is a rich historical document. Chintamanrao Vaidya, a future historian, encouraged Godse to compile his stories into a coherent narrative. He even promised financial support and publication. It took Vishnu Bhatt 24 years to complete the manuscript, written in the Modi script of Marathi across six notebooks. Sadly, he passed away soon after. Vaidya then edited the text for publication, and the book was first published in 1907, later translated into multiple languages.
This work is a compelling blend of biography, travelogue, and historical commentary. For the first time, I felt like I was reading history from the perspective of a common man—something starkly different from the heavily filtered NCERT versions or the colonial narratives where the British always seemed to justify their actions.
A powerful and eye-opening read.
Through this unique travelogue, we gain a vivid picture of British exploitation—not just of rulers, but of ordinary people as well. The narrative reveals how the British left entire regions starving, looted wealth, and committed acts of cultural destruction. One of the most heartbreaking accounts is the burning of Jhansi’s library—a collection so vast it took days to reduce it to ashes. It evokes memories of another tragic loss, the destruction of Nalanda University by Bakhtiyar Khilji.
The author, Vishnu Bhatt Godse, risks his life time and again—navigating war-torn regions, attending the funerals of fallen rulers, and seeking refuge with retreating armies. Amidst the chaos of rebellion, he holds on to the hope that native rulers will uphold their sacred duty to protect cows and Brahmins, even as their power crumbles.
The book also sheds light on the British agenda of religious conversion. Christian missionaries were invited to convert non-Christians, though they largely failed. Sadly, similar tactics are still seen today, with some missionaries offering money or food to induce conversions—proving that not much has changed over time.
Apart from its gripping personal journey, the book is a rich historical document. Chintamanrao Vaidya, a future historian, encouraged Godse to compile his stories into a coherent narrative. He even promised financial support and publication. It took Vishnu Bhatt 24 years to complete the manuscript, written in the Modi script of Marathi across six notebooks. Sadly, he passed away soon after. Vaidya then edited the text for publication, and the book was first published in 1907, later translated into multiple languages.
This work is a compelling blend of biography, travelogue, and historical commentary. For the first time, I felt like I was reading history from the perspective of a common man—something starkly different from the heavily filtered NCERT versions or the colonial narratives where the British always seemed to justify their actions.
A powerful and eye-opening read.
February 24, 2022
ನನ್ನ ಪ್ರವಾಸ - ಮರಾಠಿ ಮೂಲ ವಿಷ್ಣು ಭಟ್ಟ ಗೋಡಸೆ/ ಅನುವಾದ - ರಂ.ಶಾ.ಲೋಕಾಪುರ.
ಇದೊಂದು ಅತಿ ಅಪರೂಪದ ದಾಖಲೆ. 1857ರ ಮೊದಲ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ಸಂಗ್ರಾಮದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ಸಂಬಂಧವೇ ಇಲ್ಲದ ,ಇತಿಹಾಸ ದಾಖಲಿಸುವ ಯಾವ ಅನುಭವವೂ ಇಲ್ಲದ ಹೊಟ್ಟೆಪಾಡಿಗಾಗಿ ಯಜ್ಞಗಳು ನಡೆಯುವಲ್ಲಿ ಹೋದರೆ ಕುಟುಂಬ ನಡೆಸಲು ಧನ ಸಂಗ್ರಹಣೆ ಮಾಡಬಹುದು ಎಂಬ ಯೋಚನೆಯ ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣನೊಬ್ಬ ಹೇಗೆ ಕೊತ ಕೊತ ಕುದಿಯುವ ಸಂಗ್ರಾಮದ ಬಾಣಲೆಗೆ ಬೀಳುತ್ತಾನೆ ಎಂಬುದರ ಅನುಭವ ಕಥನ.
ಇದು 1885ರಲ್ಲಿ ಬರೆಯಲ್ಪಟ್ಟಿತು. ಆದರೆ ಪ್ರಕಾಶನಗೊಂಡದ್ದು 1903 ಸುಮಾರಿಗೆ.
ಮೊದಲ ಬಾರಿ ಪ್ರಕಟವಾದಾಗ ಹಲವಾರು ಭಾಗಗಳನ್ನು ಮರೆ ಮಾಡಲಾಗಿತ್ತು.
ಯಾಕೆಂದರೆ ಬರಹಗಾರ ಬರೆಯುವಾಗ ತಾನು ಕಂಡದ್ದನ್ನು ಕಂಡ ಹಾಗೇ ದಾಖಲಿಸಿದ್ದು ಹಲವರಿಗೆ ಇರಿಸುಮುರುಸಾಗಬಹುದು ಎಂಬ ಕಾರಣಕ್ಕೆ.
ಆಮೇಲೆ ಸರಿಯಾದ ಆವೃತ್ತಿ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆಯಾಯ್ತು.
ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಯಾಣಿಕನೊಬ್ಬ ತಮ್ಮ ಪ್ರಯಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಂಡುಕೊಂಡ ಈ ದಾವಾನಲದ ವಿವರಣೆ ಶಕ್ತವಾಗಿ ಯಾವುದೇ ರಾಗ ದ್ವೇಷಗಳಿಲ್ಲದೆ ಮೂಡಿ ಬಂದಿದೆ.
ಝಾನ್ಸಿ ರಾಣಿಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಬಾಯಿ ಕುರಿತಾದ ಚಿತ್ರಣ ಇಡೀ ಪುಸ್ತಕದ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಅಂಶ.
ಇದಲ್ಲದೆ ತಾನು ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಚರ್ಯ ಕಾಪಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಕಷ್ಟಪಟ್ಟ ಬಗೆಯನ್ನು ಹೇಳಿದ್ದು ಕೂಡ ಅವರ ಮುಗ್ಧತೆಗೆ ಸಾಕ್ಷಿ.
ಕೊನೆಗೆ ಎರಡು ಕೊಡ ಗಂಗಾಜಲವನ್ನು ಅಷ್ಟಕಷ್ಟಗಳ ಭರಿಸಿ ಮನೆಗೆ ತರುವುದಷ್ಟೇ ಅವರ ಪ್ರಾಪ್ತಿ.
ಇತಿಹಾಸದ ಆಸಕ್ತರಿಗೆ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಓದು.
ನ್ಯಾಷನಲ್ ಬುಕ್ ಟ್ರಸ್ಟ್ ಪ್ರಕಟಣೆಯೂ ಸೇರಿದ ಹಾಗೆ ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಮೂರು ಸಲ ಕನ್ನಡಕ್ಕೆ ಬಂದಿದೆ.
ಇದೊಂದು ಅತಿ ಅಪರೂಪದ ದಾಖಲೆ. 1857ರ ಮೊದಲ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ಸಂಗ್ರಾಮದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ಸಂಬಂಧವೇ ಇಲ್ಲದ ,ಇತಿಹಾಸ ದಾಖಲಿಸುವ ಯಾವ ಅನುಭವವೂ ಇಲ್ಲದ ಹೊಟ್ಟೆಪಾಡಿಗಾಗಿ ಯಜ್ಞಗಳು ನಡೆಯುವಲ್ಲಿ ಹೋದರೆ ಕುಟುಂಬ ನಡೆಸಲು ಧನ ಸಂಗ್ರಹಣೆ ಮಾಡಬಹುದು ಎಂಬ ಯೋಚನೆಯ ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣನೊಬ್ಬ ಹೇಗೆ ಕೊತ ಕೊತ ಕುದಿಯುವ ಸಂಗ್ರಾಮದ ಬಾಣಲೆಗೆ ಬೀಳುತ್ತಾನೆ ಎಂಬುದರ ಅನುಭವ ಕಥನ.
ಇದು 1885ರಲ್ಲಿ ಬರೆಯಲ್ಪಟ್ಟಿತು. ಆದರೆ ಪ್ರಕಾಶನಗೊಂಡದ್ದು 1903 ಸುಮಾರಿಗೆ.
ಮೊದಲ ಬಾರಿ ಪ್ರಕಟವಾದಾಗ ಹಲವಾರು ಭಾಗಗಳನ್ನು ಮರೆ ಮಾಡಲಾಗಿತ್ತು.
ಯಾಕೆಂದರೆ ಬರಹಗಾರ ಬರೆಯುವಾಗ ತಾನು ಕಂಡದ್ದನ್ನು ಕಂಡ ಹಾಗೇ ದಾಖಲಿಸಿದ್ದು ಹಲವರಿಗೆ ಇರಿಸುಮುರುಸಾಗಬಹುದು ಎಂಬ ಕಾರಣಕ್ಕೆ.
ಆಮೇಲೆ ಸರಿಯಾದ ಆವೃತ್ತಿ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆಯಾಯ್ತು.
ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಯಾಣಿಕನೊಬ್ಬ ತಮ್ಮ ಪ್ರಯಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಂಡುಕೊಂಡ ಈ ದಾವಾನಲದ ವಿವರಣೆ ಶಕ್ತವಾಗಿ ಯಾವುದೇ ರಾಗ ದ್ವೇಷಗಳಿಲ್ಲದೆ ಮೂಡಿ ಬಂದಿದೆ.
ಝಾನ್ಸಿ ರಾಣಿಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಬಾಯಿ ಕುರಿತಾದ ಚಿತ್ರಣ ಇಡೀ ಪುಸ್ತಕದ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಅಂಶ.
ಇದಲ್ಲದೆ ತಾನು ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಚರ್ಯ ಕಾಪಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಕಷ್ಟಪಟ್ಟ ಬಗೆಯನ್ನು ಹೇಳಿದ್ದು ಕೂಡ ಅವರ ಮುಗ್ಧತೆಗೆ ಸಾಕ್ಷಿ.
ಕೊನೆಗೆ ಎರಡು ಕೊಡ ಗಂಗಾಜಲವನ್ನು ಅಷ್ಟಕಷ್ಟಗಳ ಭರಿಸಿ ಮನೆಗೆ ತರುವುದಷ್ಟೇ ಅವರ ಪ್ರಾಪ್ತಿ.
ಇತಿಹಾಸದ ಆಸಕ್ತರಿಗೆ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಓದು.
ನ್ಯಾಷನಲ್ ಬುಕ್ ಟ್ರಸ್ಟ್ ಪ್ರಕಟಣೆಯೂ ಸೇರಿದ ಹಾಗೆ ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಮೂರು ಸಲ ಕನ್ನಡಕ್ಕೆ ಬಂದಿದೆ.
November 15, 2015
My first read on the 1857 Mutiny, after whatever I learnt in school. A simple fascinating account of a godfearing commoner on his travails across Central India. Sound reasoning of his version on why and how the Mutiny started; the lives and courage or rather, lack of courage of the princely families; the modus operandi of the British to usurp more land and monies; the confusion, courage, fate of the local population. The most fascinating sections for me, were the vivid descriptions of Chabilli's life : her mastery over martial arts & scriptures, the cruelty she faced by her much older husband & the British and yet, she went on to rule her state and life in a memorable and majestic manner as Rani Lakshmibai.
In summary, it is a fascinating manuscript that holds such valuable insights after hundreds' of years on an era which generally has two very opposing versions - the Britishers and the Indians.
In summary, it is a fascinating manuscript that holds such valuable insights after hundreds' of years on an era which generally has two very opposing versions - the Britishers and the Indians.
December 12, 2023
1857ರ ಸಂಗ್ರಾಮದ ಇತಿಹಾಸವನ್ನು ಒಬ್ಬ ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯ ಪ್ರಜೆಯ ಮೂಲಕ ನೋಡುವ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಿದ ಪುಸ್ತಕ. ಝಾನ್ಸಿಯ ಭಾಗವನ್ನು ಹೊರತು ಪಡಿಸಿ ಅಷ್ಟು ಮೌಲ್ಯಯುಳ್ಳ ಮಾಹಿತಿಗಳು ಉಳಿದ ಭಾಗಗಳಿಲ್ಲ.
ಅನುವಾದವೂ ಸುಲಭವಾಗಿ ಓದಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಹೋಗುವ ಶೈಲಿಯಲ್ಲಿಲ್ಲ.
ಅನುವಾದವೂ ಸುಲಭವಾಗಿ ಓದಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಹೋಗುವ ಶೈಲಿಯಲ್ಲಿಲ್ಲ.
April 10, 2022
#ಅಕ್ಷರವಿಹಾರ_೨೦೨೨
ಕೃತಿ: ನನ್ನ ಪ್ರವಾಸ
ಮರಾಠಿ ಮೂಲ: ವಿಷ್ಣು ಭಟ್ಟ ಗೋಡ್ಸೆ
ಕನ್ನಡ ಅನುವಾದ: ಡಾ. ಜಿ. ಭಾಸ್ಕರಮಯ್ಯ
ಪ್ರಕಾಶಕರು: ಜನವಾದಿ ಪ್ರಕಾಶನ, ಗುಂಡ್ಮಿ
ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕವನ್ನು ಪರಿಚಯಿಸಿದ Prashanth Bhat ಅವರಿಗೆ ಮೊದಲನೆಯದಾಗಿ ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು. ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯವಾಗಿ ಇಂತಹಾ ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳು ಅನೇಕರ ಗಮನವನ್ನು ಸೆಳೆಯುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಒಂದೊಳ್ಳೆ ಕೃತಿಯನ್ನು ಪರಿಚಯಿಸಿದ ಶ್ರೇಯಸ್ಸು ಅವರಿಗೆ ಸಲ್ಲಬೇಕು.
ಈ ಕೃತಿಯು ಪ್ರಥಮ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ಸಂಗ್ರಾಮದ ಕಾಲಕ್ಕೆ ಉತ್ತರ ಭಾರತದ ಕಡೆಗೆ ಹೊರಟ ಬಡ ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣನೊಬ್ಬನ ಪ್ರವಾಸ ಮತ್ತು ಅನುಭವ ಕಥನ. ಉದರ ನಿಮಿತ್ತ ಉತ್ತರ ದೇಶಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾಲ್ನಡಿಗೆ ಮತ್ತು ಇತರ ಗಾಡಿಗಳ ಮೂಲಕ ಪಯಣ ಬೆಳೆಸುವ ಲೇಖಕರು ತಮಗೆ ಗೋಚರಿಸಿದ, ಕಂಡು ಕೇಳಿದ ಅನುಭವಗಳ ಕುರಿತಾಗಿ ನಿರ್ಲಿಪ್ತವಾಗಿ ಬರೆಯುತ್ತಾ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಾರೆ. ನಾನಾ ಸಾಹೇಬ್, ತಾತ್ಯಾ ಟೋಪೆ, ಝಾಂಸಿಯ ರಾಣಿ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಬಾಯಿಯ ಕೆಚ್ಚೆದೆಯ ಹೋರಾಟ, ಆಂಗ್ಲ ಸೈನಿಕರು ಮತ್ತು ನಮ್ಮದೇ ಸೈನಿಕರು ಯುದ್ಧ ಗೆದ್ದ ನಂತರ ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಲೂಟಿಗಳ ಚಿತ್ರಣ ಇಲ್ಲಿದೆ. ಪ್ರಥಮ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ಸಂಗ್ರಾಮದ ಕಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಜನಸಾಮಾನ್ಯರ ಜೀವನ ಮಟ್ಟ ಪಾತಾಳಕ್ಕೆ ಕುಸಿದಿದ್ದು ಮಾತ್ರ ಸತ್ಯ. ಇಂದು ವಿವಾದಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾರಣವಾಗಿರುವ ರಾಮಜನ್ಮಭೂಮಿ ಅಂದಿನ ಕಾಲಕ್ಕೆ ಯಾವ ರೀತಿಯಲ್ಲಿತ್ತು ಎಂಬುದರ ಮೇಲೂ ಈ ಕೃತಿ ಬೆಳಕು ಚೆಲ್ಲುತ್ತದೆ.
ಕೃತಿಯ ಲೇಖಕ ಪದೇ ಪದೇ ಲೂಟಿಗೊಳಗಾದರೂ, ಪ್ರಾಣಕ್ಕೆ ಕುತ್ತು ತರುವಂತಹ ಸನ್ನಿವೇಶಗಳು ಎದುರಾದರೂ ಎದೆಗುಂದದೆ ಮುಂದೆ ಸಾಗಿ ತನ್ನ ಅನುಭವಗಳನ್ನು ದಾಖಲಿಸಿರುವುದು ನಮಗೆ ತಿಳಿಯದ ಅನೇಕ ಸಂಗತಿಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಮಾಹಿತಿಯನ್ನು ನೀಡುತ್ತದೆ. ನನಗೆ ವೈಯಕ್ತಿಕವಾಗಿ ಹಿಡಿಸಿದ್ದು ಲೇಖಕರ ನಿರ್ಲಿಪ್ತ ಮನೋಭಾವ. ಎಲ್ಲೂ ವೈಭವೀಕರಣವಿಲ್ಲದ, ಸ್ವಾನುಕಂಪದ ಗಾಳಿ ಸೋಕದ ಬರವಣಿಗೆ. ಝಾಂಸಿಯ ರಾಣಿ ರಣಾಂಗಣದಲ್ಲಿ ವೀರ ಮರಣವನ್ನಪ್ಪಿದಳು ಹಾಗೂ ಆಂಗ್ಲರು ನನ್ನಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಬಿಡಿಗಾಸನ್ನೂ ಬಿಡದೆ ಕೊಳ್ಳೆ ಹೊಡೆದರು ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ದಾಖಲಿಸುವಾಗ ಎಲ್ಲೂ ತನ್ನ ಭಾವನೆಗಳನ್ನು ತೋರಗೊಡುವುದಿಲ್ಲ…..
ಈ ಕೃತಿಯನ್ನು ಲೇಖಕರ ಅನುಭವದ ಕಚ್ಚಾ ಡೈರಿ ಅನ್ನಬಹುದು. ಪರಿಷ್ಕರಣೆ ಸಂಸ್ಕರಣೆಗಳಿಲ್ಲದೇ ಇದ್ದುದು ಇದ್ದ ಹಾಗೇ ಹೇಳುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಇತರ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ಸಂಗ್ರಾಮಕ್ಕೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದ ಕೃತಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಮತ್ತು ಇದಕ್ಕಿರುವ ವ್ಯತ್ಯಾಸವೇನೆಂದರೆ ಬಡತನವನ್ನು ಕುರಿತು ಅರ್ಥಶಾಸ್ತ್ರಜ್ಞ ಮತ್ತು ಕಡು ಬಡತನವನ್ನು ಅನುಭವಿಸಿದ ನಿರ್ಗತಿಕನೊಬ್ಬ ಬರೆದಂತೆ…. ಮೊದಲನೆಯದು ಪಾಂಡಿತ್ಯ ಎರಡನೆಯದು ಅನುಭವ…..
(ಅನುವಾದವು ಅದ್ಭುತ ಅನಿಸದಿದ್ದರೂ ಕೃತಿಯ ಸಾರವನ್ನು ಗ್ರಹಿಸುವಲ್ಲಿ ಸಫಲವಾಗಿದೆ. ಸುಮಾರು ಒಂದು ಕಾಲು ಶತಮಾನದ ಹಿಂದಿನ ಭಾಷೆಯ ಬಳಕೆ ಸಹ ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾರಣವಿರಬಹುದು)
ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ,
ಅಮಿತ್ ಕಾಮತ್
ಕೃತಿ: ನನ್ನ ಪ್ರವಾಸ
ಮರಾಠಿ ಮೂಲ: ವಿಷ್ಣು ಭಟ್ಟ ಗೋಡ್ಸೆ
ಕನ್ನಡ ಅನುವಾದ: ಡಾ. ಜಿ. ಭಾಸ್ಕರಮಯ್ಯ
ಪ್ರಕಾಶಕರು: ಜನವಾದಿ ಪ್ರಕಾಶನ, ಗುಂಡ್ಮಿ
ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕವನ್ನು ಪರಿಚಯಿಸಿದ Prashanth Bhat ಅವರಿಗೆ ಮೊದಲನೆಯದಾಗಿ ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು. ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯವಾಗಿ ಇಂತಹಾ ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳು ಅನೇಕರ ಗಮನವನ್ನು ಸೆಳೆಯುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಒಂದೊಳ್ಳೆ ಕೃತಿಯನ್ನು ಪರಿಚಯಿಸಿದ ಶ್ರೇಯಸ್ಸು ಅವರಿಗೆ ಸಲ್ಲಬೇಕು.
ಈ ಕೃತಿಯು ಪ್ರಥಮ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ಸಂಗ್ರಾಮದ ಕಾಲಕ್ಕೆ ಉತ್ತರ ಭಾರತದ ಕಡೆಗೆ ಹೊರಟ ಬಡ ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣನೊಬ್ಬನ ಪ್ರವಾಸ ಮತ್ತು ಅನುಭವ ಕಥನ. ಉದರ ನಿಮಿತ್ತ ಉತ್ತರ ದೇಶಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾಲ್ನಡಿಗೆ ಮತ್ತು ಇತರ ಗಾಡಿಗಳ ಮೂಲಕ ಪಯಣ ಬೆಳೆಸುವ ಲೇಖಕರು ತಮಗೆ ಗೋಚರಿಸಿದ, ಕಂಡು ಕೇಳಿದ ಅನುಭವಗಳ ಕುರಿತಾಗಿ ನಿರ್ಲಿಪ್ತವಾಗಿ ಬರೆಯುತ್ತಾ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಾರೆ. ನಾನಾ ಸಾಹೇಬ್, ತಾತ್ಯಾ ಟೋಪೆ, ಝಾಂಸಿಯ ರಾಣಿ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಬಾಯಿಯ ಕೆಚ್ಚೆದೆಯ ಹೋರಾಟ, ಆಂಗ್ಲ ಸೈನಿಕರು ಮತ್ತು ನಮ್ಮದೇ ಸೈನಿಕರು ಯುದ್ಧ ಗೆದ್ದ ನಂತರ ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಲೂಟಿಗಳ ಚಿತ್ರಣ ಇಲ್ಲಿದೆ. ಪ್ರಥಮ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ಸಂಗ್ರಾಮದ ಕಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಜನಸಾಮಾನ್ಯರ ಜೀವನ ಮಟ್ಟ ಪಾತಾಳಕ್ಕೆ ಕುಸಿದಿದ್ದು ಮಾತ್ರ ಸತ್ಯ. ಇಂದು ವಿವಾದಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾರಣವಾಗಿರುವ ರಾಮಜನ್ಮಭೂಮಿ ಅಂದಿನ ಕಾಲಕ್ಕೆ ಯಾವ ರೀತಿಯಲ್ಲಿತ್ತು ಎಂಬುದರ ಮೇಲೂ ಈ ಕೃತಿ ಬೆಳಕು ಚೆಲ್ಲುತ್ತದೆ.
ಕೃತಿಯ ಲೇಖಕ ಪದೇ ಪದೇ ಲೂಟಿಗೊಳಗಾದರೂ, ಪ್ರಾಣಕ್ಕೆ ಕುತ್ತು ತರುವಂತಹ ಸನ್ನಿವೇಶಗಳು ಎದುರಾದರೂ ಎದೆಗುಂದದೆ ಮುಂದೆ ಸಾಗಿ ತನ್ನ ಅನುಭವಗಳನ್ನು ದಾಖಲಿಸಿರುವುದು ನಮಗೆ ತಿಳಿಯದ ಅನೇಕ ಸಂಗತಿಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಮಾಹಿತಿಯನ್ನು ನೀಡುತ್ತದೆ. ನನಗೆ ವೈಯಕ್ತಿಕವಾಗಿ ಹಿಡಿಸಿದ್ದು ಲೇಖಕರ ನಿರ್ಲಿಪ್ತ ಮನೋಭಾವ. ಎಲ್ಲೂ ವೈಭವೀಕರಣವಿಲ್ಲದ, ಸ್ವಾನುಕಂಪದ ಗಾಳಿ ಸೋಕದ ಬರವಣಿಗೆ. ಝಾಂಸಿಯ ರಾಣಿ ರಣಾಂಗಣದಲ್ಲಿ ವೀರ ಮರಣವನ್ನಪ್ಪಿದಳು ಹಾಗೂ ಆಂಗ್ಲರು ನನ್ನಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಬಿಡಿಗಾಸನ್ನೂ ಬಿಡದೆ ಕೊಳ್ಳೆ ಹೊಡೆದರು ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ದಾಖಲಿಸುವಾಗ ಎಲ್ಲೂ ತನ್ನ ಭಾವನೆಗಳನ್ನು ತೋರಗೊಡುವುದಿಲ್ಲ…..
ಈ ಕೃತಿಯನ್ನು ಲೇಖಕರ ಅನುಭವದ ಕಚ್ಚಾ ಡೈರಿ ಅನ್ನಬಹುದು. ಪರಿಷ್ಕರಣೆ ಸಂಸ್ಕರಣೆಗಳಿಲ್ಲದೇ ಇದ್ದುದು ಇದ್ದ ಹಾಗೇ ಹೇಳುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಇತರ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ಸಂಗ್ರಾಮಕ್ಕೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದ ಕೃತಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಮತ್ತು ಇದಕ್ಕಿರುವ ವ್ಯತ್ಯಾಸವೇನೆಂದರೆ ಬಡತನವನ್ನು ಕುರಿತು ಅರ್ಥಶಾಸ್ತ್ರಜ್ಞ ಮತ್ತು ಕಡು ಬಡತನವನ್ನು ಅನುಭವಿಸಿದ ನಿರ್ಗತಿಕನೊಬ್ಬ ಬರೆದಂತೆ…. ಮೊದಲನೆಯದು ಪಾಂಡಿತ್ಯ ಎರಡನೆಯದು ಅನುಭವ…..
(ಅನುವಾದವು ಅದ್ಭುತ ಅನಿಸದಿದ್ದರೂ ಕೃತಿಯ ಸಾರವನ್ನು ಗ್ರಹಿಸುವಲ್ಲಿ ಸಫಲವಾಗಿದೆ. ಸುಮಾರು ಒಂದು ಕಾಲು ಶತಮಾನದ ಹಿಂದಿನ ಭಾಷೆಯ ಬಳಕೆ ಸಹ ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾರಣವಿರಬಹುದು)
ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ,
ಅಮಿತ್ ಕಾಮತ್
May 4, 2020
Ankhon Dekha Gadar (Diary of Vishnu Dutt Godse) by Amritlal Nagar-
The author of this Book Vishnu Dutt Godse is a Brahmin from Pune who was travelling round the country. On the way, he visited Jhansi during the period of Mutiny, first war of independence of India from British Rule 1857. The preparation of war had started. Thus, Vishnu Godse was unknowingly stuck and could not move out of Jhansi. He was provided lodging and food in the palace. Vishnu Godse wrote his diary in Mundi language which has been translated in Hindi by famous Hindi author Amritlal Nagar. Parts of the book was published in a newspaper in Nagpur where I read it. The diary narrates the daily incidents of preparation for war with British army. The author has mentioned in his diary about the society (life of a civilian) in Jhansi. the affluent people vied of beautiful women. Beautiful women planned to live as second wife if the rich person was able to provide her a separate house and spare time for him. After the falls of Jhansi, the British army looted Jhansi and burnt the library of rare handwritten books. Vishnu Godse left land with the money received by him gifts from the Rani. He walked towards Ganges river with a group of people. They were caught by the British army many times and whatever money they had was taken away by them. He reached the Ganges filled water in two tins and carried them on his shoulder southward towards Pune. On way at Hoshangabad at the bank of Narmada river, he stayed with brahmin whose daughter wanted to marry him. He did not want to marry and left. He reached Pune and bathed his father in the Ganga water which he carried such a long distance. His father blessed him. Suggestion for futher reading Book Jhansi Ki Rani Laxhmsi Bai by Duttatreya Balwant Parasnis can be read on the following link
https://ia801605.us.archive.org/29/it...
It is a worth reading description. A good read for all.
The author of this Book Vishnu Dutt Godse is a Brahmin from Pune who was travelling round the country. On the way, he visited Jhansi during the period of Mutiny, first war of independence of India from British Rule 1857. The preparation of war had started. Thus, Vishnu Godse was unknowingly stuck and could not move out of Jhansi. He was provided lodging and food in the palace. Vishnu Godse wrote his diary in Mundi language which has been translated in Hindi by famous Hindi author Amritlal Nagar. Parts of the book was published in a newspaper in Nagpur where I read it. The diary narrates the daily incidents of preparation for war with British army. The author has mentioned in his diary about the society (life of a civilian) in Jhansi. the affluent people vied of beautiful women. Beautiful women planned to live as second wife if the rich person was able to provide her a separate house and spare time for him. After the falls of Jhansi, the British army looted Jhansi and burnt the library of rare handwritten books. Vishnu Godse left land with the money received by him gifts from the Rani. He walked towards Ganges river with a group of people. They were caught by the British army many times and whatever money they had was taken away by them. He reached the Ganges filled water in two tins and carried them on his shoulder southward towards Pune. On way at Hoshangabad at the bank of Narmada river, he stayed with brahmin whose daughter wanted to marry him. He did not want to marry and left. He reached Pune and bathed his father in the Ganga water which he carried such a long distance. His father blessed him. Suggestion for futher reading Book Jhansi Ki Rani Laxhmsi Bai by Duttatreya Balwant Parasnis can be read on the following link
https://ia801605.us.archive.org/29/it...
It is a worth reading description. A good read for all.
September 5, 2012
This is the story of 1857 mutiny from the eyes of neutral common maratha man who for the motivation of money landed himself in chaos and became the witness of the greatest uprising india ever seen. The book is really brilliant. I really liked two parts of this book. One is the story of "Rani Lakskmi Bai" and another one is the description of various religious places of northern india.
I will recommend to those people who have the appetite for history that how our country looked from hinduism point of view at that time.
I will recommend to those people who have the appetite for history that how our country looked from hinduism point of view at that time.
August 7, 2021
Initially, this was not going to be 4 stars, but..
The British benefited vastly from the 1857 mutiny and their losses were minimal. Since luck favoured them, even their wrongdoings brought them victory and untold riches. The poor mutineers, on the other hand, paid for their bravery with their lives. The exploitative Angrez were now infinitely richer and stronger. In the process of crushing the revolt by the natives, they managed to loot vast amounts of wealth from Delhi, Chitrakoot, Lucknow, Bithur and Kanpur and cleaned out priceless collections of silver, gold and precious gems from royal treasuries. Most of the riches were shipped to Britain, which then prospered like the golden Lanka of Ravana, the demon king.
.. the mutiny of 1857 may not be as widely spoken or written about as the independence in 1947, however, it was one of the first acts of rebellion shown by the Indian forces against the British. The East India Company had stepped onto Indian soil for trade, but with the rise British Imperialism and favourable laws in the UK, they quickly gained traction and things totally got out of control. And this is what eventually paved way to British Colonialism.
The book is about the first hand experience of Vishnu Bhat Godse, a poor Brahmin from Thane who decides to travel across the Deccan to present-day Madhya Pradesh for better financial prospects by joining a certain yagna (an auspicious event). However, the minute he has reached a nearby village, the news of the mutiny is being discussed where Muslim and Hindu soldiers of the Company are planning to revolt against the use of cartridges made of pig and cow skin, where consuming/using both is offensive to their religion.
What transpires is the author's journey through present day central to North India escaping the claws of death.
What I liked:
1. The fact that there are very few first person accounts of the mutiny make this very unique. The book is one poor man's insight on what he had to face and the translator does a good job giving us a perspective.
2. It's more of a coming of age story than a revelation. The author was only twenty one when he experienced this, leaving his village in 1856 and returning as a changed man in 1859. The experiences that he describes are factual at many places but then he does not deep-dive into his emotions although you can gauge what he feels about a certain situation.
What I disliked:
1. It CAN be too narrow minded at times. But that's forgivable considering that this is one man who has lived in a small village all his life in the late 1800s. However, don't read it for a very historical perspective, you will not get any such information. Read it as this one man's experience/memoir.
2. It's been re-written. Fearing punishment the book was published by a friend of Godse after his death. This friend, Chintamani Vaidya, decided that it was too risky to publish it like the original text and hence decided to re-write the book with Godse as this heroic central character. But this exaggeration is something you see right through.
Inspite of the above points, I decided to give this a star extra (was 3 stars originally) because of the insight the translator, Mrinal Pande, could give us readers. She talks about Vishnu Bhat Godse, the Brahmin man, armed with scriptures in a very Hindu society, navigating through life by reading the vedas and reciting shlokas which is a very important part of the narrative. It gives you an insight into the author's life as a Brahmin, who was a knowledgeable person in this field. In today's India where Hindu nationalism might be frowned upon by many, this is one of those instances to understand the roots of the same through the eyes of Godse and how he looks at his religion. This was the most interesting part of the book for me.
Another thing I liked was Godse's experience in Jhansi. It was something I carried away from the book.
I realized then that the ultimate fear in this world is the fear of death and it crowds out everything else, including lust and desire.
History and memoirs go hand in hand, but this memoir is more of a coming of age story rather than a historical implication of the happenings during the rebellion of 1857.
In conclusion
Set your expectations right before you read this one, but it's an insightful read for sure.
The British benefited vastly from the 1857 mutiny and their losses were minimal. Since luck favoured them, even their wrongdoings brought them victory and untold riches. The poor mutineers, on the other hand, paid for their bravery with their lives. The exploitative Angrez were now infinitely richer and stronger. In the process of crushing the revolt by the natives, they managed to loot vast amounts of wealth from Delhi, Chitrakoot, Lucknow, Bithur and Kanpur and cleaned out priceless collections of silver, gold and precious gems from royal treasuries. Most of the riches were shipped to Britain, which then prospered like the golden Lanka of Ravana, the demon king.
.. the mutiny of 1857 may not be as widely spoken or written about as the independence in 1947, however, it was one of the first acts of rebellion shown by the Indian forces against the British. The East India Company had stepped onto Indian soil for trade, but with the rise British Imperialism and favourable laws in the UK, they quickly gained traction and things totally got out of control. And this is what eventually paved way to British Colonialism.
The book is about the first hand experience of Vishnu Bhat Godse, a poor Brahmin from Thane who decides to travel across the Deccan to present-day Madhya Pradesh for better financial prospects by joining a certain yagna (an auspicious event). However, the minute he has reached a nearby village, the news of the mutiny is being discussed where Muslim and Hindu soldiers of the Company are planning to revolt against the use of cartridges made of pig and cow skin, where consuming/using both is offensive to their religion.
What transpires is the author's journey through present day central to North India escaping the claws of death.
What I liked:
1. The fact that there are very few first person accounts of the mutiny make this very unique. The book is one poor man's insight on what he had to face and the translator does a good job giving us a perspective.
2. It's more of a coming of age story than a revelation. The author was only twenty one when he experienced this, leaving his village in 1856 and returning as a changed man in 1859. The experiences that he describes are factual at many places but then he does not deep-dive into his emotions although you can gauge what he feels about a certain situation.
What I disliked:
1. It CAN be too narrow minded at times. But that's forgivable considering that this is one man who has lived in a small village all his life in the late 1800s. However, don't read it for a very historical perspective, you will not get any such information. Read it as this one man's experience/memoir.
2. It's been re-written. Fearing punishment the book was published by a friend of Godse after his death. This friend, Chintamani Vaidya, decided that it was too risky to publish it like the original text and hence decided to re-write the book with Godse as this heroic central character. But this exaggeration is something you see right through.
Inspite of the above points, I decided to give this a star extra (was 3 stars originally) because of the insight the translator, Mrinal Pande, could give us readers. She talks about Vishnu Bhat Godse, the Brahmin man, armed with scriptures in a very Hindu society, navigating through life by reading the vedas and reciting shlokas which is a very important part of the narrative. It gives you an insight into the author's life as a Brahmin, who was a knowledgeable person in this field. In today's India where Hindu nationalism might be frowned upon by many, this is one of those instances to understand the roots of the same through the eyes of Godse and how he looks at his religion. This was the most interesting part of the book for me.
Another thing I liked was Godse's experience in Jhansi. It was something I carried away from the book.
I realized then that the ultimate fear in this world is the fear of death and it crowds out everything else, including lust and desire.
History and memoirs go hand in hand, but this memoir is more of a coming of age story rather than a historical implication of the happenings during the rebellion of 1857.
In conclusion
Set your expectations right before you read this one, but it's an insightful read for sure.
January 23, 2015
Almost two years ago, when I reviewed The Ranee of Jhansi, D. V. Tahmankar, I had expressed a strong desire to lay my hands on Vishnu Bhatt Godse’s Majha Pravas (My Travels), published in 1907, by Chitrashala Press, Pune. While I was quite determined to get my hand on the book - I'll admit, I wondered if I'd be able to ever get to read that book - it was in Marathi.
I was happily surprised when I saw 1857: The Real Story Of The Great Uprising at Crosswords in Pune - the English translation of Vishnu Bhatt Godse’s Majha Pravas (My Travels). Since I do not take the effort of reading Marathi books, I had to make do with the translation. Some of you may know my thoughts on translations. Having read this book now, I feel the need to go back the beautiful book by DV Tamhankar.
1857: The Real Story Of The Great Uprising is a well-translated book. Given that I haven't read the original Marathi book, this statement is open to conjecture. Yet, I have heard about this book and its content from family and friends who have read the original - that's the first premise. The fact that the original was actually written in the Modi Script and translated into Marathi, with some liberties and that Mrinal Pande alludes to using the original, is the second premise. Finally, my own understanding from reading of the book and the uneven granularity of the book, makes me believe that the English translation has not taken (m)any liberties.
Vishnu Bhatt Godshe Versaikar (the original author of the book) doesn't come across as a very good writer (at least not in the English version, the original may some fantastic idioms and nuances that cannot be captured in English), however he has done a great service to history by this book. The book follows his travels for the most part - and therefore the accounts in the book may be treated as authentic. At times however, he seems to rely on hearsay, and it may be worth noting that these are the parts which actually provide the necessary links to the story of the mutiny - and causes the bumpy texture of the presentation.
Having said all the above, it is a great read - especially if you are interested in history beyond a story (though this one is written more like a story; a travelogue). The text creates stunning visual imagery, which, in my opinion is very necessary when writing historical accounts. Facts and dates may be gleaned from Wikipedia, but a visual presentation is key for non-fictional historical presentations.
That - this book achieves with great aplomb.
I was happily surprised when I saw 1857: The Real Story Of The Great Uprising at Crosswords in Pune - the English translation of Vishnu Bhatt Godse’s Majha Pravas (My Travels). Since I do not take the effort of reading Marathi books, I had to make do with the translation. Some of you may know my thoughts on translations. Having read this book now, I feel the need to go back the beautiful book by DV Tamhankar.
1857: The Real Story Of The Great Uprising is a well-translated book. Given that I haven't read the original Marathi book, this statement is open to conjecture. Yet, I have heard about this book and its content from family and friends who have read the original - that's the first premise. The fact that the original was actually written in the Modi Script and translated into Marathi, with some liberties and that Mrinal Pande alludes to using the original, is the second premise. Finally, my own understanding from reading of the book and the uneven granularity of the book, makes me believe that the English translation has not taken (m)any liberties.
Vishnu Bhatt Godshe Versaikar (the original author of the book) doesn't come across as a very good writer (at least not in the English version, the original may some fantastic idioms and nuances that cannot be captured in English), however he has done a great service to history by this book. The book follows his travels for the most part - and therefore the accounts in the book may be treated as authentic. At times however, he seems to rely on hearsay, and it may be worth noting that these are the parts which actually provide the necessary links to the story of the mutiny - and causes the bumpy texture of the presentation.
Having said all the above, it is a great read - especially if you are interested in history beyond a story (though this one is written more like a story; a travelogue). The text creates stunning visual imagery, which, in my opinion is very necessary when writing historical accounts. Facts and dates may be gleaned from Wikipedia, but a visual presentation is key for non-fictional historical presentations.
That - this book achieves with great aplomb.
May 27, 2023
Majha Pravas (My travels) was written by Vishnu Bhatt Godshe Versaikar sometime in 1859 but was published much later in 1907 after his demise. This was done as per Vishnu's wishes for he feared prosecution by the British for writing about the events of 1857. This book has been translated into English by Mrinal Pande.
This book is a first person account of the uprising which took place in 1857. Vishnu Bhatt along with his uncle got caught in this crossfire.
The first part of the book talks about his travels from his home to increase his earnings so he can pay off the family debt. But soon he gets stuck in the war ravaged zones. His account gives the uprising of 1857 another perspective. That of a common man. So much of it could sound similar in worn zones even today. It is the man on the streets who suffers the most. What I really loved about this book was the simplicity of the language and the simple yet effective depiction of what happened.
Unfortunately , the second half of the book deals with only his journeys with little or indirect reference to the uprising. It reads more like an simple travelogue of Vishnu Bhatt. This is why I feel that the the title of the book is misleading. This first person account of the uprising of 1857 and can no way be proclaimed to be the true story of the uprising. Not much can be gauged of the authenticity of Vishnu Bhatt's sources. However, I do not mean to take away anything from Vishnu Bhatt's personal experiences.
This book gives us a lovely insight into the way life was in those days. It was interesting to note that the locals from the Konkan region referred to the other side of the western ghats as Hindustan. I found this aspect quite intriguing. Did they not consider themselves to be a part of India in those days? Did they even know we were all a part of the same country? These aspects do make you contemplate.
This book is a great source of information for students of history. I would highly recommend they read this book.
This book is a first person account of the uprising which took place in 1857. Vishnu Bhatt along with his uncle got caught in this crossfire.
The first part of the book talks about his travels from his home to increase his earnings so he can pay off the family debt. But soon he gets stuck in the war ravaged zones. His account gives the uprising of 1857 another perspective. That of a common man. So much of it could sound similar in worn zones even today. It is the man on the streets who suffers the most. What I really loved about this book was the simplicity of the language and the simple yet effective depiction of what happened.
Unfortunately , the second half of the book deals with only his journeys with little or indirect reference to the uprising. It reads more like an simple travelogue of Vishnu Bhatt. This is why I feel that the the title of the book is misleading. This first person account of the uprising of 1857 and can no way be proclaimed to be the true story of the uprising. Not much can be gauged of the authenticity of Vishnu Bhatt's sources. However, I do not mean to take away anything from Vishnu Bhatt's personal experiences.
This book gives us a lovely insight into the way life was in those days. It was interesting to note that the locals from the Konkan region referred to the other side of the western ghats as Hindustan. I found this aspect quite intriguing. Did they not consider themselves to be a part of India in those days? Did they even know we were all a part of the same country? These aspects do make you contemplate.
This book is a great source of information for students of history. I would highly recommend they read this book.
November 21, 2018
The book was really a drag for me. I had picked it up with high expectations expecting to know more about the pedestrian lives of people of India during the second half of nineteenth century. Well, to be fair, there existed no such entity as "India" during that time. The book was edifying about the same in a lot of ways such as how people used to measure distances in kos (3.2km), depth or length in arm-lengths and weight in seers.
It is a book about how a Brahmin ordinary man, takes a peripatetic pilgrimage across the then-Indian-subcontinent and a major chunk of the book comprises of his encounters with the various fracas of the 1857 Rebellion. It is surprising to observe that for a Brahmin from Thane (North of Bombay), places in further north India like Gwalior, Jhansi, Lucknow, Kashi, Prayag were all foreign land which is difficult to imagine in the current Indian setting. Although the Brahmin is seen as a foreigner in these places, he is not treated like one. It is because of the common Indian (Hindu) culture which has strongly bound the Indian nation all throughout history. He quickly adjusts and settles into the lifestyles of these places.
What is good about this book is that it is perhaps the only first person account of the happenings of the 1857 rebellion. It feels really inspiring to view the picaresque image of Rani Lakshmibai putting up a tough fight against the British through the eyes of someone who actually witnessed it rather than your history textbooks.
Also, one more vivid feature which I observed in people of that time was, they were more connected to the nature and it is quite evident from Vishnubhat's accounts of the detailed flora and fauna of each place he visits.
The translators have done a fantastic job but the book just didn't work for me. I just didn't feel motivated to read the book because at places it felt incoherent, monotonous and dull. I had to really push myself to read this short book.
It is a book about how a Brahmin ordinary man, takes a peripatetic pilgrimage across the then-Indian-subcontinent and a major chunk of the book comprises of his encounters with the various fracas of the 1857 Rebellion. It is surprising to observe that for a Brahmin from Thane (North of Bombay), places in further north India like Gwalior, Jhansi, Lucknow, Kashi, Prayag were all foreign land which is difficult to imagine in the current Indian setting. Although the Brahmin is seen as a foreigner in these places, he is not treated like one. It is because of the common Indian (Hindu) culture which has strongly bound the Indian nation all throughout history. He quickly adjusts and settles into the lifestyles of these places.
What is good about this book is that it is perhaps the only first person account of the happenings of the 1857 rebellion. It feels really inspiring to view the picaresque image of Rani Lakshmibai putting up a tough fight against the British through the eyes of someone who actually witnessed it rather than your history textbooks.
Also, one more vivid feature which I observed in people of that time was, they were more connected to the nature and it is quite evident from Vishnubhat's accounts of the detailed flora and fauna of each place he visits.
The translators have done a fantastic job but the book just didn't work for me. I just didn't feel motivated to read the book because at places it felt incoherent, monotonous and dull. I had to really push myself to read this short book.
April 18, 2012
The real life experiance of a common man who is struck in the happenings in the period of the great mutiny is really compelling. It clearly brings out the difference in expriance of a common man and a writer who is out of the box( not in the actual situation). When a writer writes about the mutiney he writes about the murders, killing of people, assult, mis behavious with women, looting , destroying the cultural symbols, status, monunments as just a common occurance which happens when a place is invaded by a powerful king. But, when Vishnu Bhatt( the Author) writes about the mutiny he writes as a common man. The intention of his journey towards India was to earn money to support his family but he land in epicenter of the mutiny. His experiance - way he hides from the invadors, the hiding places they used, the days which went without food, seeing innocents murdered, womens molested, food gains looted, kingdom being destroyed, kings and queens being reduced to common man and facing common situations, long journey on foot, long wars which lasted upto 11 days. These experiance are ones which are faced by common innocent country men who have nothing to do with war. They are taken by surprise by happenings and they have nothing to do to escape from it and yet they struggle to survive.
It was good read for me. Felt a chill down the spine when the author explained the experiances of Tatya topy, Rani Laxmi bai and Nana sahib. Great patriots.
It was good read for me. Felt a chill down the spine when the author explained the experiances of Tatya topy, Rani Laxmi bai and Nana sahib. Great patriots.
September 22, 2016
A rare, first-hand historical account of the Revolt of 1857; as documented by a Marathi Brahmin who was on travel with his uncle to Kashi and knew Nana Sahib and Rani of Jhansi personally; and translated by Mrinal Pande. The book has several details about traditional Brahmin rituals and beliefs, along with detailed, gory descriptions of the 1857 mutiny. This book makes it difficult for the reader to be non-judgmental, and certainly has several WTF moments that fill you with sadness, disgust, helplessness and agony.
(On Rani Laxmibai, after losing Jhansi to the British)
"But early in the morning, while performing her daily ablutions, the Rani found that she had begun menstruating, which made her untouchable, and she was overcome by shame and anger.
What use is such extraordinary bravery to a woman at a moment like this, she must have thought, when her own body turns against her like an enemy? The situation was further complicated by the fact that she was carrying no rags to soak the flow, nor could she purchase any...They say the Rani, who had remained unmoved by the greatest challenges on the battlefield, wept bitterly like a helpless woman..."
(On Rani Laxmibai, after losing Jhansi to the British)
"But early in the morning, while performing her daily ablutions, the Rani found that she had begun menstruating, which made her untouchable, and she was overcome by shame and anger.
What use is such extraordinary bravery to a woman at a moment like this, she must have thought, when her own body turns against her like an enemy? The situation was further complicated by the fact that she was carrying no rags to soak the flow, nor could she purchase any...They say the Rani, who had remained unmoved by the greatest challenges on the battlefield, wept bitterly like a helpless woman..."
April 29, 2013
This is the personal memoirs of a Poor but literate Konkansth Chitpavan Brahmin who , along with his uncle, has gone to various parts of North India to get some good earning. However within few months of Vishnu Bhatt's travel Indian Uprising of 1857 began and Vishnu Bhatt was caught in the turmoil but nevertheless managed to complete his travel as planned. He came very close to death a few times (Both from Mutineer's and British). So this Book is also an eyewitness account of Indian Uprising.
Book gives a glimpse into lives and troubles of Poor but learned konkansth Brahmins during the mid-19th century. It also gives an eyewitness account of a good chunk of events that occurred during that time. Major places which author goes to are Indore, Ujjain, Jhansi, Gwalior, Kanpur/Bithur, Lucknow and some more towns of UP and central India. Author's description is clear and insightful.
Mrinal Pande's translation is highly readable. This book is Recommended for anyone interested in Gadar(uprising) events and/or in historical events.
Book gives a glimpse into lives and troubles of Poor but learned konkansth Brahmins during the mid-19th century. It also gives an eyewitness account of a good chunk of events that occurred during that time. Major places which author goes to are Indore, Ujjain, Jhansi, Gwalior, Kanpur/Bithur, Lucknow and some more towns of UP and central India. Author's description is clear and insightful.
Mrinal Pande's translation is highly readable. This book is Recommended for anyone interested in Gadar(uprising) events and/or in historical events.
January 2, 2017
Even though the original work was written in Marathi, Mrinal Pandey has done a translation and has not only tried to convey the meaning but also the emotions of the narrator.
This book even though written from the perspective of the Brahmin traveler provides important information about the state of affairs leading up to and post the uprising of 1857. It also offers important clues leading to the failure of the uprising. Important information that is not covered in our history textbooks.
This is a must read book for anyone who has an interest in India's history during the British Raj.
The last section in the Kindle edition is skewed and is not readable at all. I wished they fixed it.
This book even though written from the perspective of the Brahmin traveler provides important information about the state of affairs leading up to and post the uprising of 1857. It also offers important clues leading to the failure of the uprising. Important information that is not covered in our history textbooks.
This is a must read book for anyone who has an interest in India's history during the British Raj.
The last section in the Kindle edition is skewed and is not readable at all. I wished they fixed it.
June 10, 2012
a commoner's account of the revolt of 1857 told by a poor brahmin who was there in the thick of it all , gives some glimpses in the life of commoners though one wishes he had focused a little more there , still precious ...Mrinal Pande's translation from the original Marathi is very readable , also interesting are the post script and a sample of letters between an exiled Wajid Ali shah and his wives ..
December 12, 2012
Very interesting behind the scenes story of a violent period in India's history. As a frequent traveler to India I only learned of the mutiny 2 years ago when I was told about it from my Indian brother Amod. If you want a better understanding of how the British monarchy moved into India this book is a good source.
August 7, 2016
Finished in just about one sitting, a must read for all history aficionados!!! Read about the first war of independence from an Indian perspective!!! Lies thread-bare events as they unfolded by a first hand observer!
November 18, 2013
It was indeed fascinating to read a first hand report by an ordinary Indian of our first united struggle against the British. If only we had more of such reportage and not have to rely on British perspectives of our history.
June 1, 2019
I found Adventures of a Brahim Priest to be a different sort of read. While Vishnubhat Godse did not mention the Rebellion much in his book, it was interesting to learn about how the some people went about their travels in that period.
May 9, 2018
Fascinating read - a perspective of India in 1857 (First War of Independence) from the eyes of a wandering Brahmin from the Konkan.
April 17, 2015
A travelogue around India during the great revolt which explains the incidents of the great revolt. Unbiased and also blames Indian rulers at some point. A must read.
January 1, 2018
Sheer brilliance. Never read anything like this.
January 23, 2025
1857 - The Real Uprising. (Majha Pravaas)
Vishnu Bhatt Godse Versaikar
Translated by Mrinal Pande
Rating 4/5
Going back to reading history is more like a nostalgia for me. It not only encompasses Indian history [of which, deeply moved I am, each time I read], but also my own history, my past experiences of studying history at school many moons ago, memorizing stuffs just to get grades [much oblivious to what we miss out just by keeping our eyes, ears and imagination open]. It could be attributed to our education system or my own maturity kicking in late - very late rather.
This particular book written by Vishnu Bhatt is indeed special. Not only Vishnu Bhatt witnessed The Great Sepoy Mutiny, he witnessed it in multiple places, heard tales from people, soldiers, met the rebellion army campers who were mutineering against the British and he managed to recollect the events and write about them many moons later. It took some more time to be published - but it did, sadly with many modifications aided to keep many of the original details under wraps. This was done as India was still under British rule and publication of such a material could have caused serious punishment.
We indeed have lost quite a bit of literature owing to the modifications - but none the less, it is a piece of history which we get to witness first hand.
A debt ridden Brahmin beggar priest from South West India decides to leave village and travel to Central India to earn some money. Along with his uncle, he travels over a period of three years, in the book he recalls his travels, his journey, places of visit, stay, his encounters with people as well as the natural landscapes, his joys and sorrows.
Vishnu Bhatt along with his uncle get caught up amidst the Sepoy revolt and thus emerge details of the rulers, their armies, their preparation and the plundering, killing - all the by products of the revolt.
The reason for the mutiny is the one which we read in our school textbooks, what interesting is how the conversation between a Chamar leather operator and Brahmin led to a skeptical outcome of usage of lard and beef fat for greasing bullet cartridges.
The point of religious conversion of Hindus and Muslims to Christianity has been highlighted which indeed was deduced as the main motive behind the usage of pig and beef.
After witnessing Mutiny, getting robbed by dacoits, coming face to face with cholera epidemic, meeting Rani of Jhansi, watching Nana Saheb, Tantya Tope - eventually when the mutiny ended - Vishnu Bhatt and his uncle head to Kashi.
Post this they make their way home to Vasai. The route taken by Vishnu Bhatt has been documented fairly well. It indeed was very brave during those days to undertake such a arduous journey. With less money, absolutely none medications, no guaranteed shelter, modes of transport being walk most of the times, it was remarkable what grit and determination could unfold during testing times.
The description of the mutiny may have been mellowed down owing to the prevalent British rule during the time of the publication of the book. But overall a fine piece of treasure and literature, worthwhile read evoking a deep appreciation and respect for all our countrymen of that generation alongside Vishnu Bhatt who chose the path of religion and its protection over British rule.
Cheers,
Vishnu Bhatt Godse Versaikar
Translated by Mrinal Pande
Rating 4/5
Going back to reading history is more like a nostalgia for me. It not only encompasses Indian history [of which, deeply moved I am, each time I read], but also my own history, my past experiences of studying history at school many moons ago, memorizing stuffs just to get grades [much oblivious to what we miss out just by keeping our eyes, ears and imagination open]. It could be attributed to our education system or my own maturity kicking in late - very late rather.
This particular book written by Vishnu Bhatt is indeed special. Not only Vishnu Bhatt witnessed The Great Sepoy Mutiny, he witnessed it in multiple places, heard tales from people, soldiers, met the rebellion army campers who were mutineering against the British and he managed to recollect the events and write about them many moons later. It took some more time to be published - but it did, sadly with many modifications aided to keep many of the original details under wraps. This was done as India was still under British rule and publication of such a material could have caused serious punishment.
We indeed have lost quite a bit of literature owing to the modifications - but none the less, it is a piece of history which we get to witness first hand.
A debt ridden Brahmin beggar priest from South West India decides to leave village and travel to Central India to earn some money. Along with his uncle, he travels over a period of three years, in the book he recalls his travels, his journey, places of visit, stay, his encounters with people as well as the natural landscapes, his joys and sorrows.
Vishnu Bhatt along with his uncle get caught up amidst the Sepoy revolt and thus emerge details of the rulers, their armies, their preparation and the plundering, killing - all the by products of the revolt.
The reason for the mutiny is the one which we read in our school textbooks, what interesting is how the conversation between a Chamar leather operator and Brahmin led to a skeptical outcome of usage of lard and beef fat for greasing bullet cartridges.
The point of religious conversion of Hindus and Muslims to Christianity has been highlighted which indeed was deduced as the main motive behind the usage of pig and beef.
After witnessing Mutiny, getting robbed by dacoits, coming face to face with cholera epidemic, meeting Rani of Jhansi, watching Nana Saheb, Tantya Tope - eventually when the mutiny ended - Vishnu Bhatt and his uncle head to Kashi.
Post this they make their way home to Vasai. The route taken by Vishnu Bhatt has been documented fairly well. It indeed was very brave during those days to undertake such a arduous journey. With less money, absolutely none medications, no guaranteed shelter, modes of transport being walk most of the times, it was remarkable what grit and determination could unfold during testing times.
The description of the mutiny may have been mellowed down owing to the prevalent British rule during the time of the publication of the book. But overall a fine piece of treasure and literature, worthwhile read evoking a deep appreciation and respect for all our countrymen of that generation alongside Vishnu Bhatt who chose the path of religion and its protection over British rule.
Cheers,
November 19, 2019
"Na Iran ne kiya, na Shah-e-Roos ne, Angrez ko tabaah kiya kartoos ne"- Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor
Exactly neither did the Shah of Iran nor the machinations of Russia could topple the EIC and later the Crown but for a period,it seemed,the humble but deadly cartridge could overturn the The Empire.
Just as the British had lost their dominions in North America a mere 80 years ago,to egoism and rampant subjugation of citizens,they unleashed the most corrupt,organized rapine and loot of a whole sub-continent with no regard for the people.
They enlisted soldiers from the natives but never thought of their true needs and used them as killing machines to subjugate their own countrymen and common folk.
The cartridge,western historians would say allegedly,but were,most probably,seem like treated with not only cow but also porcine fat,to humiliate the religious affiliations of a largely native sepoy force.
The British foolishly played with religion and paid a heavy price for it.
This gripping,many times too detailed account of the rituals,tale written by Vishnu Pant Godshe is a true work of art that everyone,irrespective of whether are are history buffs or not,should read.It is an intimate,detailed account of the trials and tribulations faced by the common people both from the British and the 'mutineers' during our first and only war for independence.
Vishnu Bhat also gives us a detailed report of the beginning and aftermath of the revolt as witnessed in Jhansi,Bithur and few other places.
The most riveting part is his detailed account of the fall of Jhansi to the British,his many encounters with the great warrior,Jhansi of Laxmi,herself and the general aftermath of the destruction of Jhansi.
The tale is told from the point of view of itinerant brahmin scholar beggars who undertake a perilous but utterly necessary journey through south west and north india looking for much needed money to pay off debts but little do they know the cesspool they are unwittingly entering into.
After various narrow escapes,first hand gruesome witnessing of massacre,rape,loot and blood letting the travel hardy duo of uncle and nephew return to their village,unscathed to write down their adventures.
A must read for all real history buffs,not the glossed over anglicised version of our history. Highly recommend it
Exactly neither did the Shah of Iran nor the machinations of Russia could topple the EIC and later the Crown but for a period,it seemed,the humble but deadly cartridge could overturn the The Empire.
Just as the British had lost their dominions in North America a mere 80 years ago,to egoism and rampant subjugation of citizens,they unleashed the most corrupt,organized rapine and loot of a whole sub-continent with no regard for the people.
They enlisted soldiers from the natives but never thought of their true needs and used them as killing machines to subjugate their own countrymen and common folk.
The cartridge,western historians would say allegedly,but were,most probably,seem like treated with not only cow but also porcine fat,to humiliate the religious affiliations of a largely native sepoy force.
The British foolishly played with religion and paid a heavy price for it.
This gripping,many times too detailed account of the rituals,tale written by Vishnu Pant Godshe is a true work of art that everyone,irrespective of whether are are history buffs or not,should read.It is an intimate,detailed account of the trials and tribulations faced by the common people both from the British and the 'mutineers' during our first and only war for independence.
Vishnu Bhat also gives us a detailed report of the beginning and aftermath of the revolt as witnessed in Jhansi,Bithur and few other places.
The most riveting part is his detailed account of the fall of Jhansi to the British,his many encounters with the great warrior,Jhansi of Laxmi,herself and the general aftermath of the destruction of Jhansi.
The tale is told from the point of view of itinerant brahmin scholar beggars who undertake a perilous but utterly necessary journey through south west and north india looking for much needed money to pay off debts but little do they know the cesspool they are unwittingly entering into.
After various narrow escapes,first hand gruesome witnessing of massacre,rape,loot and blood letting the travel hardy duo of uncle and nephew return to their village,unscathed to write down their adventures.
A must read for all real history buffs,not the glossed over anglicised version of our history. Highly recommend it
December 10, 2019
1857 – The Real Story of the Great Uprising, translated from Marathi by Mrinal Pande contains an eyewitness account of the 1857 war variously known as the Sepoy Mutiny, the First War for Independence and the Great Uprising. The original work by the eyewitness, Vishnu Bhatt Godshe Versaikar is titled as Majha Pravas which loosely translates to My Travels in English. It is a travelogue on one hand and an account of the 1857 uprising on the other, due to the peculiar circumstances Vishnu Bhatt found himself in during those fateful years.
Full review available in blog HTTPS:// bongbooksandcoffee.com
Full review available in blog HTTPS:// bongbooksandcoffee.com
May 1, 2018
"One must praise the lone woman, our great Rani, who roamed the fort and defended the city constantly for eleven days while the British bombarded us..."
History... the word conjures up images of drab dates, reams upon reams of uninteresting narrative etc. Only those who are interested in the subject will find it appealing. Thus it was that I, a history buff, spotted this lovely title on the book shelf. It seemed quite interesting from the title, and the aficionado in me was intrigued. I turned a few pages to see what it was all about, having recently burned my fingers on Alberuni's India. It came across as something off the beaten track, so I picked it up.
The book was originally written in Marathi around 1883 AD, and chronicles the travels of Vishnu Bhatt Varsaikar from 1857 - 1859 during the time of the uprising. The translation is by Mrinal Pande. This is what makes it a very different book, and very entertaining. It is an eyewitness account of the events of 1857 from the perspective of a normal citizen. It is this approach that feels like a breath of fresh air. It was first printed in 1903 in Marathi
I shall not deal with the content covered by the book - you can look it up in a simple google search. To summarise, a Marathi Brahmin living in Konkan leaves his native village 3 days before the start of the 1857 uprising, travelling to Ujjain, Dhar, Gwalior, Jhansi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Indore, Mhow in the course of his travels. His destination is a major pooja to performed by the royal family of Gwalior. What he goes through, his travails are what constitute the rest of the story told against the backdrop of the independence struggle, which has been dealt with in detail but from a very different perspective.
Read More : https://reflectionsvvk.blogspot.in/20...
History... the word conjures up images of drab dates, reams upon reams of uninteresting narrative etc. Only those who are interested in the subject will find it appealing. Thus it was that I, a history buff, spotted this lovely title on the book shelf. It seemed quite interesting from the title, and the aficionado in me was intrigued. I turned a few pages to see what it was all about, having recently burned my fingers on Alberuni's India. It came across as something off the beaten track, so I picked it up.
The book was originally written in Marathi around 1883 AD, and chronicles the travels of Vishnu Bhatt Varsaikar from 1857 - 1859 during the time of the uprising. The translation is by Mrinal Pande. This is what makes it a very different book, and very entertaining. It is an eyewitness account of the events of 1857 from the perspective of a normal citizen. It is this approach that feels like a breath of fresh air. It was first printed in 1903 in Marathi
I shall not deal with the content covered by the book - you can look it up in a simple google search. To summarise, a Marathi Brahmin living in Konkan leaves his native village 3 days before the start of the 1857 uprising, travelling to Ujjain, Dhar, Gwalior, Jhansi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Indore, Mhow in the course of his travels. His destination is a major pooja to performed by the royal family of Gwalior. What he goes through, his travails are what constitute the rest of the story told against the backdrop of the independence struggle, which has been dealt with in detail but from a very different perspective.
Read More : https://reflectionsvvk.blogspot.in/20...
August 25, 2014
This is an invaluable book for those interested in Indian colonial history and particularly the 1857 rebellion. There's nothing as gripping as an eye witness account, particularly a rare one by an Indian who actually lived through the seige of Jhansi. It's worth noting that many of the writers who have written biographies of Rani Lakshmibai have used many facts from this memoir. I certainly wish I had access to it when I was writing my book "Rani Lakshmibai, the Valiant Queen of Jhansi". Vishnubhat Godse shares some heart rending memories of the Rani, particularly her plight when she escaped with her life from Jhansi with barely the clothes on her back. Also, certain facts about her husband Gangadhar Rao which many biographers prefer to ignore. Vishnubhat's experiences after the fall of Jhansi are fascinating--like the time when he was hiding from the victorious British forces in the hollow walls of a house in close proximity with a young woman. Very honestly he comments that fear tends to banish sexual desire!
The travails of this intrepid traveller in troubled times are a compelling read--so many narrow escapes, so many temptations for a young man, some resisted and some not. The life of a Brahmin priest in those times--the general obsession with ritual and the constant struggle to earn a living, is vividly etched. It is revealing too that he wanted the book to be published only after his death.
The translation reads very smoothly and the introductions must not be skipped because they provide an essential background for the book.I would like to congratulate the translators and the publishers for making this extraordinary memoir accessible to a wider audience.
The travails of this intrepid traveller in troubled times are a compelling read--so many narrow escapes, so many temptations for a young man, some resisted and some not. The life of a Brahmin priest in those times--the general obsession with ritual and the constant struggle to earn a living, is vividly etched. It is revealing too that he wanted the book to be published only after his death.
The translation reads very smoothly and the introductions must not be skipped because they provide an essential background for the book.I would like to congratulate the translators and the publishers for making this extraordinary memoir accessible to a wider audience.
September 10, 2019
This book is a classic and deserves to be read by many Indians. It is, probably, one of the first travelogues from an Indian author. It is not only a travelogue, but it also provides some insight into the Mutiny of 1857 and the character of Lakshmi Bai. The venerable queen comes away with more respect than ever.
When you read the book carefully, you realise once again, that there was no real unified concept of India, or Hindustan, at that time. Vishnubhat Godse talks of making a trip to a distant land, Hindustan.
It is indeed rare to read a manuscript written by someone who was a witness to the tumultous events of the times. It is a very good book, and I think that Indians should read. Will they?
The translation is excellent. Kudos to the translators.
When you read the book carefully, you realise once again, that there was no real unified concept of India, or Hindustan, at that time. Vishnubhat Godse talks of making a trip to a distant land, Hindustan.
It is indeed rare to read a manuscript written by someone who was a witness to the tumultous events of the times. It is a very good book, and I think that Indians should read. Will they?
The translation is excellent. Kudos to the translators.
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