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Rajmohan's Wife
HTML,,Rajmohan's Wife, first serialized in 1864, marked Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay's debut as a writer. He went on to write fourteen novels in Bengali, including the epochal Anandamath and the verse 'Vande Mataram', which became the national song of India. The beautiful and passionate Matangini, married to a villainous man and in love with her sister's husband, represents the vitality of women who remain strong in the face of brutality and the confining expectations of middle-class society. Bankimchandra's vivid descriptions of the routine of Bengali households provide a revealing portrait of life in the nineteenth century.Rajmohan's Wife continues to be relevant for its universal themes of love and romance and resonates even today for its portrayal of strong women.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1864
About the author
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
164 books315 followersBankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (Bengali: বঙ্কিম চন্দ্র চট্টোপাধ্যায়) ('Chattopadhyay' in the original Bengali; 'Chatterjee' as spelt by the British) was a Bengali poet, novelist, essayist and journalist, most famous as the author of Vande Mataram or Bande Mataram, that inspired the freedom fighters of India, and was later declared the National Song of India.
Complete works of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (বঙ্কিম রচনাবলী) is now available in this third party website (in Bengali):
https://bankim-rachanabali.nltr.org/
Chatterjee is considered as a key figure in literary renaissance of Bengal as well as India. Some of his writings, including novels, essays and commentaries, were a breakaway from traditional verse-oriented Indian writings, and provided an inspiration for authors across India.
Complete works of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (বঙ্কিম রচনাবলী) is now available in this third party website (in Bengali):
https://bankim-rachanabali.nltr.org/
Chatterjee is considered as a key figure in literary renaissance of Bengal as well as India. Some of his writings, including novels, essays and commentaries, were a breakaway from traditional verse-oriented Indian writings, and provided an inspiration for authors across India.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 12, 2025
Facts about the book:
✅ Written before and first serialised in 1864
✅ The author’s debut novel
✅ Represents the vitality of women amidst brutality and the restrictions of middle class society
I love the writing, despite the long sentences and the frustrating characters. Quite fitting for the plot I would say.
I would say it is a character driven story much directed to the arrogance of the male minds and the helplessness of the female during such times of a much restricted society.
Targeted for a much mature audience, this book is a much insightful read with distinctive adult characters who know what they want and what they must do to save themselves amidst wars of arrogance and violence.
The book is quite short with just a few more than a hundred pages. Perfect for a good evening/weekend reading session.
✅ Written before and first serialised in 1864
✅ The author’s debut novel
✅ Represents the vitality of women amidst brutality and the restrictions of middle class society
I love the writing, despite the long sentences and the frustrating characters. Quite fitting for the plot I would say.
I would say it is a character driven story much directed to the arrogance of the male minds and the helplessness of the female during such times of a much restricted society.
Targeted for a much mature audience, this book is a much insightful read with distinctive adult characters who know what they want and what they must do to save themselves amidst wars of arrogance and violence.
The book is quite short with just a few more than a hundred pages. Perfect for a good evening/weekend reading session.
January 10, 2018
More people should talk about this novel. Just finished this, and I am awestruck that I hadn't even heard of it until last week. This is the very first Indian English novel and even though it's far from perfection as a novel, it's exceedingly successful in portraying the image of "the new woman" emerging in 19th Century Bengal.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
April 29, 2026
Mein erster Ausflug in die indisch-bengalische Literatur erfolgte aufgrund von meinen mangelnden Englisch-Kenntnissen leider auf eher holprigen Wegen. Chattopadhyay's Roman "Rajmohan's Wife" wurde in englisch verfasst und soweit mir bekannt nie auf deutsch übersetzt. Fürderhin wurde mir indessen rasch bewusst, dass ein mittelmäßiger, gleichwohl solide schreibender indischer Romanschriftsteller aus dem 19.Jhr. mir herzlich wenig erzählen kann, was ich nicht schon wusste. Ich hoffte hier etwas mehr über die Sitten und Gebräuche Ostindiens zur Zeit der britischen Kolonisation zu lernen, doch wurden meine Erwartungen leider nicht erfüllt.
Die Geschichte rundum der Frau des Rajmohan, einem tyrannischen und hinterlistigen Mann, die eine geheime Zuneigung zu Madhav hat, diese aber aufgrund von überraschend europäischen gesellschaftlichen Konventionen nicht ausleben darf, hätte genauso gut in England spielen und von einem Engländer geschrieben werden können. Alles typisch regional indische lässt sich hier nicht ersehen. Die Figuren verhalten sich und reden miteinander ganz so als ob da keine typisch indische Mentalität besteht. Wer auf eine Charakter-Studie eines Volkes gehofft hat wird hier nicht fündig werden; alle Geschehnisse und Dialoge im Roman entbehren jeglicher Merkmale eines uralten Volkes.
Chattopadhyay schrieb diesen Roman wohl nur um davon zu leben. Der Roman behandelt Themen wie Ehe, Moral, Pflicht, Liebe und gesellschaftliche Zwänge auf oberflächliche Weise. Es entfaltet sich eine Erzählung von geringer sittlicher Bedeutung, welche den Leser nicht wie erwartet in die typisch häuslichen Verhältnisse des indischen Lebens einzuführen weiß und stattdessen nationalfreie Charaktere zeichnet die man überall antreffen kann. Alles was passiert, alle Handlungen hätten überall auf der Welt spielen können. Mit wenig Gespür schildert der Verfasser die Leiden der tugendhaften Matangini, deren eheliches Dasein von Härte und Unbill überschattet ist.
Die Darstellung des Rajmohan erscheint als das Bild eines rohen und ungestümen Charakters, wohingegen Matangini als Inbegriff weiblicher Duldsamkeit und moralischer Festigkeit hervortritt. Die innere Zerrissenheit der Heldin, die zwischen Pflichtgefühl und verbotener Neigung hin- und hergerissen ist lässt sich zwar ab der soliden Sprachgewandtheit des Schriftstellers ganz hübsch lesen, tiefere Einblicke fehlen indessen gänzlich. Das Thema der verbotenen Neigung wurde literarisch ohnehin ausgepresst. Und diese seelischen Kämpfe der Hauptprotagonistin sind mit sehr geringer Eindringlichkeit gezeichnet, so dass sie einen Menschen mit Lebenserfahrung kaum zu ernstlicher Betrachtung anregen.
Der Stil des Werkes ist, obgleich bisweilen schlicht, von einer gewissen Anmut getragen und lässt zwar eine literarische Begabung des Autors erkennen, doch ist dieses Talent keineswegs von weltliterarischer Bedeutung. Die Sprache ist klar und von einer angenehmen Zurückhaltung, welche den tragischen Gehalt der Handlung jedoch überhaupt nicht wirkungsvoller hervortreten lässt, ja diesen sogar noch eher abschwächt.
Der Roman sollte wohl als sittliche Belehrung dienen und die Notwendigkeit einer solchen mag in Indien indessen durchaus notwendig gewesen sein, doch die Vorhersehbarkeit der ganzen Handlung nimmt dem Roman alle Schärfe.
Die Geschichte rundum der Frau des Rajmohan, einem tyrannischen und hinterlistigen Mann, die eine geheime Zuneigung zu Madhav hat, diese aber aufgrund von überraschend europäischen gesellschaftlichen Konventionen nicht ausleben darf, hätte genauso gut in England spielen und von einem Engländer geschrieben werden können. Alles typisch regional indische lässt sich hier nicht ersehen. Die Figuren verhalten sich und reden miteinander ganz so als ob da keine typisch indische Mentalität besteht. Wer auf eine Charakter-Studie eines Volkes gehofft hat wird hier nicht fündig werden; alle Geschehnisse und Dialoge im Roman entbehren jeglicher Merkmale eines uralten Volkes.
Chattopadhyay schrieb diesen Roman wohl nur um davon zu leben. Der Roman behandelt Themen wie Ehe, Moral, Pflicht, Liebe und gesellschaftliche Zwänge auf oberflächliche Weise. Es entfaltet sich eine Erzählung von geringer sittlicher Bedeutung, welche den Leser nicht wie erwartet in die typisch häuslichen Verhältnisse des indischen Lebens einzuführen weiß und stattdessen nationalfreie Charaktere zeichnet die man überall antreffen kann. Alles was passiert, alle Handlungen hätten überall auf der Welt spielen können. Mit wenig Gespür schildert der Verfasser die Leiden der tugendhaften Matangini, deren eheliches Dasein von Härte und Unbill überschattet ist.
Die Darstellung des Rajmohan erscheint als das Bild eines rohen und ungestümen Charakters, wohingegen Matangini als Inbegriff weiblicher Duldsamkeit und moralischer Festigkeit hervortritt. Die innere Zerrissenheit der Heldin, die zwischen Pflichtgefühl und verbotener Neigung hin- und hergerissen ist lässt sich zwar ab der soliden Sprachgewandtheit des Schriftstellers ganz hübsch lesen, tiefere Einblicke fehlen indessen gänzlich. Das Thema der verbotenen Neigung wurde literarisch ohnehin ausgepresst. Und diese seelischen Kämpfe der Hauptprotagonistin sind mit sehr geringer Eindringlichkeit gezeichnet, so dass sie einen Menschen mit Lebenserfahrung kaum zu ernstlicher Betrachtung anregen.
Der Stil des Werkes ist, obgleich bisweilen schlicht, von einer gewissen Anmut getragen und lässt zwar eine literarische Begabung des Autors erkennen, doch ist dieses Talent keineswegs von weltliterarischer Bedeutung. Die Sprache ist klar und von einer angenehmen Zurückhaltung, welche den tragischen Gehalt der Handlung jedoch überhaupt nicht wirkungsvoller hervortreten lässt, ja diesen sogar noch eher abschwächt.
Der Roman sollte wohl als sittliche Belehrung dienen und die Notwendigkeit einer solchen mag in Indien indessen durchaus notwendig gewesen sein, doch die Vorhersehbarkeit der ganzen Handlung nimmt dem Roman alle Schärfe.
July 20, 2016
One of the resolutions that I had taken for this year was to improve my reading habits and expand the range of topics and authors. Bengali literature was one of the targets that I had kept for myself. Though I have already dabbled a bit with Tagore’s writings, this book of Bankim Chandra is my first proper foray into this much romanticized portion of Indian literature. I am happy in the end for having taken up this book.
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay is one of the leading names in Bengali Classical literary stage and this novel ‘Rajmohan’s Wife’ is his only work in English. There are quite a lot of debates about why he didn’t continue writing in English choosing instead to write only in his mother tongue, Bengali. Let’s leave the debate for others and get into knowing about this much-acclaimed work of his.
Matangini, the character that lends the title to the book, is the wife of Rajmohan, a good-for-nothing brute, incapable of earning a living in honest and proper ways. Matangini, being a woman of virtues, bears his oppressive nature silently. Madhav Ghose, the heir of a rich family, is the husband of Matangini’s sister Hemangini. Caring for Matangini’s family, he takes them with him to his native place where he offers a job to Rajmohan, thus providing for his family. Rajmohan is paranoid, unethical, and of the nature that can bite the very hands that feed him. One day when Rajmohan conspires against Madhav, joining with some other forces that want to grab the wealth of Madhav, Matangini makes an uncharacteristic journey alone in the dark and dangerous night to Madhav’s place to warn him, thus warding off the calamity that could have befallen Madhav. It turns out also to be the night when her love and pent up passions for her brother-in-law Madhav are expressed for the first time. What happens after these two events is what the novel is all about.
As for the quality of writing, there was never a dull moment in the book. Starting from the portrayal of the characters to the climax, it is an absolute roller-coaster of a book. Emotions, virtues, melodrama, peeks into the culture of bygone days, thrill, humor, sarcasm – it is all there in this book. But there are some occasional grammatical errors, which, when pointed out by English readers, could have been a cause in Bankim’s dropping his attempts to write in English. Remember, this book was written in 1864, more than 150 years ago, when it was a thing of astonishment to see an Indian using the language of his rulers to express his ideas and opinions, let alone attempt a full-length novel.
There are some negative points though. This is not a ‘full-length’ novel, in fact. For all his vivid ways of depicting characters, building up the tempo and portrayal of the emotions, Bankim ends the novel in an abrupt fashion. Just as you start warming up for a more delicious feast, the climax is brought up, as if somebody waved the checkered flag just on the tenth lap of a Formula One race. He finishes the book in a hurry, noting down the fate of the characters in a line or two. Just imagine! Having the chance to dwell on the emotional high-drama of the pure love between Madhav and Matangini, the possibility of setting an example for the womenfolk of those days by letting us know the decision of Matangini about her relationship with the villainous Rajmohan, are just two reasons that could have added at least another couple of interesting chapters to the book.
But the book having come at a time it did, it wouldn’t have been possible for Bankim to portray the heroine as anything less than the highly noble and virtuous female that she is. Not just Matangini, some of the other characters in the book, Kanak and Tara, are also portrayed to be women of virtue and moral courage, who nevertheless abide by the customs of the time, leading silent and submissive lives in the shadows of their unworthy husbands. Also, the way in which the author finishes off his note on the life and future of our lovable Matangini, proves that this was not a book that intended to break a new path for the women of high character stuck in a moral dilemma, but a book that wanted to glorify the oft-praised qualities of women – sacrifice and chastity.
All in all, this book will be a breezy read and a worthy addition to your collection.
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay is one of the leading names in Bengali Classical literary stage and this novel ‘Rajmohan’s Wife’ is his only work in English. There are quite a lot of debates about why he didn’t continue writing in English choosing instead to write only in his mother tongue, Bengali. Let’s leave the debate for others and get into knowing about this much-acclaimed work of his.
Matangini, the character that lends the title to the book, is the wife of Rajmohan, a good-for-nothing brute, incapable of earning a living in honest and proper ways. Matangini, being a woman of virtues, bears his oppressive nature silently. Madhav Ghose, the heir of a rich family, is the husband of Matangini’s sister Hemangini. Caring for Matangini’s family, he takes them with him to his native place where he offers a job to Rajmohan, thus providing for his family. Rajmohan is paranoid, unethical, and of the nature that can bite the very hands that feed him. One day when Rajmohan conspires against Madhav, joining with some other forces that want to grab the wealth of Madhav, Matangini makes an uncharacteristic journey alone in the dark and dangerous night to Madhav’s place to warn him, thus warding off the calamity that could have befallen Madhav. It turns out also to be the night when her love and pent up passions for her brother-in-law Madhav are expressed for the first time. What happens after these two events is what the novel is all about.
As for the quality of writing, there was never a dull moment in the book. Starting from the portrayal of the characters to the climax, it is an absolute roller-coaster of a book. Emotions, virtues, melodrama, peeks into the culture of bygone days, thrill, humor, sarcasm – it is all there in this book. But there are some occasional grammatical errors, which, when pointed out by English readers, could have been a cause in Bankim’s dropping his attempts to write in English. Remember, this book was written in 1864, more than 150 years ago, when it was a thing of astonishment to see an Indian using the language of his rulers to express his ideas and opinions, let alone attempt a full-length novel.
There are some negative points though. This is not a ‘full-length’ novel, in fact. For all his vivid ways of depicting characters, building up the tempo and portrayal of the emotions, Bankim ends the novel in an abrupt fashion. Just as you start warming up for a more delicious feast, the climax is brought up, as if somebody waved the checkered flag just on the tenth lap of a Formula One race. He finishes the book in a hurry, noting down the fate of the characters in a line or two. Just imagine! Having the chance to dwell on the emotional high-drama of the pure love between Madhav and Matangini, the possibility of setting an example for the womenfolk of those days by letting us know the decision of Matangini about her relationship with the villainous Rajmohan, are just two reasons that could have added at least another couple of interesting chapters to the book.
But the book having come at a time it did, it wouldn’t have been possible for Bankim to portray the heroine as anything less than the highly noble and virtuous female that she is. Not just Matangini, some of the other characters in the book, Kanak and Tara, are also portrayed to be women of virtue and moral courage, who nevertheless abide by the customs of the time, leading silent and submissive lives in the shadows of their unworthy husbands. Also, the way in which the author finishes off his note on the life and future of our lovable Matangini, proves that this was not a book that intended to break a new path for the women of high character stuck in a moral dilemma, but a book that wanted to glorify the oft-praised qualities of women – sacrifice and chastity.
All in all, this book will be a breezy read and a worthy addition to your collection.
October 12, 2021
Two things I gathered when I read (well…as much as I could) this book.
a) When I am on the hot seat of 'Who wants to be a millionaire' and the final question is - what is the first novel in English ever written by an Indian, I will come home with a million dollars.
b) Bankim Chandra must have realized when he proof read his first novel, that next book onwards he should write in his mother tongue. And, thankfully he did.
a) When I am on the hot seat of 'Who wants to be a millionaire' and the final question is - what is the first novel in English ever written by an Indian, I will come home with a million dollars.
b) Bankim Chandra must have realized when he proof read his first novel, that next book onwards he should write in his mother tongue. And, thankfully he did.
July 9, 2020
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay is one of the legendary names of Bengali literature. His debut novel, surprisingly enough, was written in English in the year 1864. It was published not as a novel but as a series in a weekly periodical called The Indian Field. The story of how the novel was put together much later (in 1935) - when the first three chapters were not to be found in the files - is another story !
As for the novel itself, which is believed to be the first ever English novel written by an Indian, it tells the story of Matangini, a much abused housewife who struggles to do the right thing - stand for the truth even though it means defying her husband. The novel is replete with vivid descriptions of a period in Indian history when zemindars ruled the roost. Despite the archaic language, the story is engrossing enough to hold the modern reader's interest. The turns and twists in the story make it fast paced. But a major flaw is the ending which seems a little rushed and abrupt. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that it was serialised for a periodical which may have had space constraints.
The characters - particularly the protagonist Matangini - are well etched. Given that the book was written in the late 19th century, its sweep and feel is modern and Matangini could well be today's modern woman fighting for her own voice in a stifling marriage.
As for the novel itself, which is believed to be the first ever English novel written by an Indian, it tells the story of Matangini, a much abused housewife who struggles to do the right thing - stand for the truth even though it means defying her husband. The novel is replete with vivid descriptions of a period in Indian history when zemindars ruled the roost. Despite the archaic language, the story is engrossing enough to hold the modern reader's interest. The turns and twists in the story make it fast paced. But a major flaw is the ending which seems a little rushed and abrupt. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that it was serialised for a periodical which may have had space constraints.
The characters - particularly the protagonist Matangini - are well etched. Given that the book was written in the late 19th century, its sweep and feel is modern and Matangini could well be today's modern woman fighting for her own voice in a stifling marriage.
February 22, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was very straight forwards storytelling rich with details it was like listening to someone tell you a story in vivid details about something that happened to someone they knew without all the frills of modern novels.
The only issue I had with the book was that it contained a lot of footnotes that you then had to flip to the back of the page to find the meaning when the could have just put it at the bottom of the page. All in all a good solid afternoon read.
The only issue I had with the book was that it contained a lot of footnotes that you then had to flip to the back of the page to find the meaning when the could have just put it at the bottom of the page. All in all a good solid afternoon read.
August 26, 2010
Surprisingly, Bankim Chandra' first book is in English. (He later went on to write classics in Bengali.) Am sure the theme was bold for his time. Only deterrent, a very archaic language which made the book for a tedious reading. Plot is just reflection of the times, otherwise not much in there by way of entertainment.
May 22, 2016
As its the very first Indian novel in English, very excited about the narratives in the novel as there's no previous model for Indian writing in English. Bankimchandra gave a combo of Victorian & Sanskrit narrative style.
The edition I read also has a lot of notes on the history of Indian writing contributed by other authors which is a good read.
The edition I read also has a lot of notes on the history of Indian writing contributed by other authors which is a good read.
February 19, 2026
More interesting for its context than for its text.
December 11, 2016
it was such a joy to read first Indian novel written in English way back in 1864!
this novel undoubtedly depicted one simple fact of life that women are much stronger and rebel than men to tackle any life situations!
this novel undoubtedly depicted one simple fact of life that women are much stronger and rebel than men to tackle any life situations!
April 25, 2020
It was really a pleasant read. The way Bakim presented in his writing the desires and courage of a woman of the time when women's bravery was not encouraged much is commendable! It was a bit elaborative though but the narration was excellent. The writing isn't very easy so read it if you are comfortable reading a bit difficult English.
Surely I would recommend this! Go grab the book and enjoy the rich Bengali literature.❤️
Surely I would recommend this! Go grab the book and enjoy the rich Bengali literature.❤️
February 15, 2024
3.25
SUCH an exciting story! even though the family tree was the most confusing thing ever, I really loved learning about all of the characters and what their motives were. I wish this was longer so we could see the characters get completely fleshed out (what is the deal with Rajmohan omg) and I would love to understand why (there) were (so) many parentheses.
SUCH an exciting story! even though the family tree was the most confusing thing ever, I really loved learning about all of the characters and what their motives were. I wish this was longer so we could see the characters get completely fleshed out (what is the deal with Rajmohan omg) and I would love to understand why (there) were (so) many parentheses.
January 19, 2016
This book, as the Introduction and the Afterword present in this edition take pains to inform us, was the first attempt of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (Chatterjee) to write a book in English, along the lines of those that he was exposed to during his years of learning in the medium that was English.
Chattopadhyay who was among the very few to graduate in the first of such ceremony held at the then recently established University of Calcutta (founded 1857) had been learning in English even before his years at college, and had been well-acquainted with the form and ways of the english novels. And that style he has tried to emulate in this book as well. There are numerous references which would only make any sense to the English; or if any Indian understands them, he/she must be one of the 'educated' elite; education, here, referring to English education, and proficiency in knowledge. One can, therefore, infer that Chattopadhyay was trying to imitate his masters, perhaps he felt liberated, as now the likes of him were not confined to the Bengali (and Indian) culture, but were accustomed to the ways of the ruler, the better. But, as we very well know, this stint in English writing, which is considered to be the first Indian novel in English, was very short-lived. Although, he continued writing essays and articles in English, his primary language of addressing his audience of poetry and novels became Bangla, for which he is today immensely popular.
This novel gains importance, though, because it brings to forefront the strata that the English language created in the Indian society, creating another line of separation between the groups already clustered along the lines of religion and caste. The Afterword present in this edition can explain the interpretations and possible reasons in the context of pre-independence India much better than I can summarize here, and I would urge anyone interested in knowledge of such kind, to kindly look at the mentioned text.
After reading the book it is abundantly clear that this is not a masterpiece in any sense. Neither is the story very compelling, nor the style of writing. I, however, am very attached to the books describing the rural India of the later-20th century, and any part of the older India (or the land that it was). And hence, I would always be biased towards this, like I am towards R.K. Narayan.
Chattopadhyay who was among the very few to graduate in the first of such ceremony held at the then recently established University of Calcutta (founded 1857) had been learning in English even before his years at college, and had been well-acquainted with the form and ways of the english novels. And that style he has tried to emulate in this book as well. There are numerous references which would only make any sense to the English; or if any Indian understands them, he/she must be one of the 'educated' elite; education, here, referring to English education, and proficiency in knowledge. One can, therefore, infer that Chattopadhyay was trying to imitate his masters, perhaps he felt liberated, as now the likes of him were not confined to the Bengali (and Indian) culture, but were accustomed to the ways of the ruler, the better. But, as we very well know, this stint in English writing, which is considered to be the first Indian novel in English, was very short-lived. Although, he continued writing essays and articles in English, his primary language of addressing his audience of poetry and novels became Bangla, for which he is today immensely popular.
This novel gains importance, though, because it brings to forefront the strata that the English language created in the Indian society, creating another line of separation between the groups already clustered along the lines of religion and caste. The Afterword present in this edition can explain the interpretations and possible reasons in the context of pre-independence India much better than I can summarize here, and I would urge anyone interested in knowledge of such kind, to kindly look at the mentioned text.
After reading the book it is abundantly clear that this is not a masterpiece in any sense. Neither is the story very compelling, nor the style of writing. I, however, am very attached to the books describing the rural India of the later-20th century, and any part of the older India (or the land that it was). And hence, I would always be biased towards this, like I am towards R.K. Narayan.
July 17, 2019
The first English novel in India uses the language exactly like one could assume the first English novel to use the language. The language is overwrought, though not as much as one could see in the English Novel from the English but to an ignorable level. There is, of course-as is the unbreakable rule in English writing in India- the use of words from the author's native language (Bengali). These add a kind of sensualness to the text, a foray into the language of Bengal. Admissible and desirable as that is in the first English novel of India, it is, to me, nothing but cringeworthy to come across native words in predominantly English texts. Usually, in contemporary Indian Literature, the use of such native words is in no way adding to the narrative, they are used basically as fancy things. But in this book, it makes sense to use certain Bengali words. I'm no expert of semantics, but if a two-word description of a thing in English can be reduced to a one-word description in another language, I'd chose the leaner language for my descriptions. This is exactly what BCC does here.
As to the plot, it is as slow-burning as one could expect an English novel of the 1800s to be. There's a nice focus on realism here. To depict the conflicts of society as truly as possible. The introduction says that, at that time, it was a groundbreaking thing to resort such realism. I have absolutely no insight into the 19th century Bengal social or art culture, so, I'll reserve my judgement. I leave this by saying that if this were not to have the phrase: 'the first Indian novel in the English language;' I could have not read it.
As to the plot, it is as slow-burning as one could expect an English novel of the 1800s to be. There's a nice focus on realism here. To depict the conflicts of society as truly as possible. The introduction says that, at that time, it was a groundbreaking thing to resort such realism. I have absolutely no insight into the 19th century Bengal social or art culture, so, I'll reserve my judgement. I leave this by saying that if this were not to have the phrase: 'the first Indian novel in the English language;' I could have not read it.
October 28, 2023
show stopping, jaw dropping and absolutely incredible. the plot was sooo good and the writing was incredible like this is the original page turner.
January 20, 2014
Rajmohan's wife the first foray of the author into the English literature leaves much to be desired, the protagonist is a static figure who is always bending to the caprices of the society, maybe this is what he had intended to portray, but on a personal level I felt that she was too static and could have more spine rather than just be a continuous victim of her husband's ire. The author creates a surreal ambiance with his clever use of words, and this was the only thing which was a bit satisfying in the entire narrative. Though I haven't had a chance to explore his more popular works, I find that this novella was more of an experimental start rather than the work of the phenomenal author that he went on to become in Bangla. I would say the story has more of a sociological and historical value rather than a literary one.
June 2, 2018
While not exactly Bankimji's magnum opus, 'Rajmohan's Wife' is still a great experiment in the field of Indian Writing in English although the excess influence of Victorian novels is evident in it. It is still an engaging read with a story that proceeds rapidly although the narrative does get a little slow towards the middle. The concluding chapters had an almost gothic feel to them and the suspense was well maintained. But the ending of the novel was really disappointing and seems to be done in a haste. Maybe Bankimji was himself tired of the project- the reason he never wrote in English again.
I read the penguin edition of the book and will advice anyone to follow the same as it has nice notes and commentaries well analysed by literary scholar Meenakshi Mukherjee. Overall, a novel that can be read for its historical importance but not as a regular read!
I read the penguin edition of the book and will advice anyone to follow the same as it has nice notes and commentaries well analysed by literary scholar Meenakshi Mukherjee. Overall, a novel that can be read for its historical importance but not as a regular read!
April 9, 2019
An experiment in cultural understanding...a Bengali writer producing a novel in English...to a deafening silence...& turning to his own native tongue to become one of India's first acclaimed novelists. This book is of historical interest only: a curiosity, a slow read...but enlightening nonetheless.
February 16, 2013
Besides having Bakim's legendary history supporting this book, it is a master piece. It has an element of suspense, romance and most importantly reality. Indian society of 19th century has been highlighted well.
October 4, 2013
It is a delightful book to read...both in terms of the story as well as its place in the history of Indian Writing in English. More of what I thought about this book may be found here:
http://letbeautybeyourconstantideal.b...
http://letbeautybeyourconstantideal.b...
March 14, 2010
BC's first attempt at writing... he starts with english..
What a great thing that he moved to Bengali..
What a great thing that he moved to Bengali..
September 16, 2012
story seemed incomplete for some reason.
March 27, 2014
This book is trippy as hell and the plot is all over the place but it entertained me, so it's got that going for it.
January 3, 2019
The story is really good but I couldn't connect with the writing style.
June 7, 2019
It's an interesting work. Maybe because it's the first Indian English Novel, my expectations were very high... However, I'd still say that it can be firmly situated in its milieu...
May 1, 2024
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Rajmohan's Wife (1864).
:
The first English novel written by an India. Published weekly in the periodical, 'Indian Field.' The story is situation in the village of Radhaganj by the river Madhumati.
The plot tanks toward the middle of the novel. Half of the characters are undeveloped, the ending is abrupt, there's an excess use of deus-ex-machina on top of which many important characters suddenly vanish in the midst of the narrative. This is not a critique of Bankim as a novelist but rather a matter of enormous historical value for two reasons: firstly, it tells us about the effect of readers' subscription to those issues of the periodical which had their favorite characters, and therefore Bankim had to cater to the audience's demand, which led him to shape the plot accordingly; secondly, Bankim was teaching himself to write this strange and alien literary form called the "novel," in English and in the region of Bengal, because no one before him had ever tried writing this literary form.
Anyway, the novel can be broken down into a triangulated conflict story among Hindu upper-caste landowning propertied men, their wives mothers, maid servants, and dacoits! The women have their own quarters in the household which again follows a power hierarchy based on seniority! In these quarters and throughout the household, the purdah system (veiling) that we see here is important as it acts like an extreme form of sexual segregation. If a woman is vulnerable veiling protects her. If she is sexually aggressive then veiling checks her and protects others! No matter whatever you do you are fucked by patriarchy because it tries to preserve the purity of its women who must be untouched by colonial education or the gaze of other men. The brother-in-law (here Madhav) is a contentious character in Bengali fiction as the veiling protects the housewife from advances of her brother-in-law. It plays an important role in the novel, as within this (in-law) relationship lies the taste for transgression!
_
#bankim #rajmohanswife #indianliterature #postcolonial #indianenglish #southasianart #bengalinovel #bookworm #bookphoto #booknerd #bookreview
:
The first English novel written by an India. Published weekly in the periodical, 'Indian Field.' The story is situation in the village of Radhaganj by the river Madhumati.
The plot tanks toward the middle of the novel. Half of the characters are undeveloped, the ending is abrupt, there's an excess use of deus-ex-machina on top of which many important characters suddenly vanish in the midst of the narrative. This is not a critique of Bankim as a novelist but rather a matter of enormous historical value for two reasons: firstly, it tells us about the effect of readers' subscription to those issues of the periodical which had their favorite characters, and therefore Bankim had to cater to the audience's demand, which led him to shape the plot accordingly; secondly, Bankim was teaching himself to write this strange and alien literary form called the "novel," in English and in the region of Bengal, because no one before him had ever tried writing this literary form.
Anyway, the novel can be broken down into a triangulated conflict story among Hindu upper-caste landowning propertied men, their wives mothers, maid servants, and dacoits! The women have their own quarters in the household which again follows a power hierarchy based on seniority! In these quarters and throughout the household, the purdah system (veiling) that we see here is important as it acts like an extreme form of sexual segregation. If a woman is vulnerable veiling protects her. If she is sexually aggressive then veiling checks her and protects others! No matter whatever you do you are fucked by patriarchy because it tries to preserve the purity of its women who must be untouched by colonial education or the gaze of other men. The brother-in-law (here Madhav) is a contentious character in Bengali fiction as the veiling protects the housewife from advances of her brother-in-law. It plays an important role in the novel, as within this (in-law) relationship lies the taste for transgression!
_
#bankim #rajmohanswife #indianliterature #postcolonial #indianenglish #southasianart #bengalinovel #bookworm #bookphoto #booknerd #bookreview
May 30, 2024
Rajmohan's wife was the first ever novel written in English by an Indian. It also happens to be the debut novel by Shri Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay but it is talked about so less that it is on the verge being forgotten I feel.
Now I am no expert on writings of 19th century writers so I will express what someone reading a novel from 1864 in 2024 actually feels about it.
I think the story is surprisingly gripping. Honestly I had expected a domestic tale of relationships and family drama, but it's nothing like that. It's exhilarating, exciting and has a sense of thrill to it. This was the first novel in English? It's way way ahead of its time.
The central Character Matangini, Rajmohan's wife is a clever and fearless woman. I loved her character, she is practical and knows how to put up a fight. The supporting characters are all written very well and they have their separate arcs going for them.
The language is a little archaic for me and it was a bit difficult for me to read quickly. At times, the author sort of floats out of the story and directly addresses the reader, sort of like breaking the fourth wall. Talk about modern ideas in not so modern times.
Only qualm is that something happened to the author in the end and he kind of wrapped everything up in a jiffy. It was beginning to look like a proper drawn out story with a satisfying ending and then it just abruptly ends. I suppose another 100 pages were easily warranted.
I think they were really harsh on this book at that time which is why he never wrote anything in English again. Maybe he understood it was too ahead of its time. But I'm glad he wrote it.
It would be a prized collection in my bookshelf now.
Now I am no expert on writings of 19th century writers so I will express what someone reading a novel from 1864 in 2024 actually feels about it.
I think the story is surprisingly gripping. Honestly I had expected a domestic tale of relationships and family drama, but it's nothing like that. It's exhilarating, exciting and has a sense of thrill to it. This was the first novel in English? It's way way ahead of its time.
The central Character Matangini, Rajmohan's wife is a clever and fearless woman. I loved her character, she is practical and knows how to put up a fight. The supporting characters are all written very well and they have their separate arcs going for them.
The language is a little archaic for me and it was a bit difficult for me to read quickly. At times, the author sort of floats out of the story and directly addresses the reader, sort of like breaking the fourth wall. Talk about modern ideas in not so modern times.
Only qualm is that something happened to the author in the end and he kind of wrapped everything up in a jiffy. It was beginning to look like a proper drawn out story with a satisfying ending and then it just abruptly ends. I suppose another 100 pages were easily warranted.
I think they were really harsh on this book at that time which is why he never wrote anything in English again. Maybe he understood it was too ahead of its time. But I'm glad he wrote it.
It would be a prized collection in my bookshelf now.
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