Swarnalata

by Tilottoma Misra, Udayon Misra (Translator)

Set in mid-nineteenth century Assam when the forces of tradition were being challenged by new concepts of modernity, Swarnalata is the story of three women from very different social backgrounds each caught in the whirlpool of change, each trying to chart out her own course in life heroically, silently. As the intertwined lives of Swarnalata, Tora and Lakhi unfold, the reader is taken on a fascinating journey into the social milieu of the times where issues like women’s education and widow remarriage held centre stage. The plight of indentured labour, peasant resistance against colonial exploitation, the reformist initiatives of the Brahmo Samaj and the proselytizing efforts of the Christian missionaries are themes that run throughout the narrative. Real historical personages—such as Rabindranath Tagore—are presented side by side with fictional characers, resulting in a wonderful blend of history and fiction. Swarnalata was first published in Asomiya in 1991. It was awarded the Ishan Puraskar by the Bhartiya Bhasha Parishad in 1995 and translated into Bangla and Hindi under the ‘Adaan-Pradaan’ programme of the National Book Trust. The Asomiya original is now in its fourth edition and has received wide critical acclaim in the last 15 years.

293 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Bharathi Arunan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical novel, combining both fact and fiction, set during the mid-late 19th century Assam. The novel chronicles the life of Gunabhiram Barua (Assamese intellectual) his daughter Swarnalata and two of her friends Tora and Lakhi.

It brings into focus the Brahmo movement, issues related to child marriage, widow remarriage and women's education.

The author (and translator) has depicted how societal and religious norms can be challenged. It is never without backlash, but can always lead to something hopeful.

[Tejaswini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gunabhi ram Barua , a Govt official lives with his wife and children at Nagoan dist, Assam in his residence ' Bilwa Kutir'. Though Gurabhiram is well known for his sincerity in his duties and held at high esteem by the society, yet no one visits his house, because Gunabhiram follows Brahmo faith and more to that he had married a widow , Bishnupriya who is already a mother of two. Doing so he loses his cast and was cornered by the entire town.Swarnalata is elder daughter of Gunabhiram and Bishnupriya.
📓
The story of this book is set up at the end of the nineteenth century in Assam when people are strongly adhered to socio-evil practices like child marriages, polygamy etc, and prone to various superstitious beliefs; girl education is considered something as a sin.
•
Then Christian missionary schools headed by foreigners are being catered slowly to every nook and corner. But alongside it's liberal ideas to provide equal education to both girls and boys , they somehow intend proselytism at the end.
•
Brahmo Samaj was opposed by all conservative families and they often compare and mistake it as Christianity due to its liberty towards women and also because of the fact that its initial foundation was laid inspired from modern ideas of Western culture. One of the main objectives of the social revolution initiated by the Brahmos is to bring about a radical change in the marriage practices of the Hindus.
📓
In parallel, neighbouring state Bengal is witnessing active progress of many socio-reform movements with reformists striving to bring out people from their constricted shells. Whereas in Assam, Brahmo samaj followers aspired from their Bengali counter parts trying their best to educate youth and throw some light on the ignorant people of Assam by using literature as weapon. Then Assam is totally unlearned of its own literary treasure and a mere handful of literates used to rely on Bengali journals and newspapers.
📓
Swarnalata, more than a protoganist, is a connecting knot to all the riveting characters in the story. There are two strong female characters namely Toro and Lakhi Priya who leaves a deeper impression when compared to Swarnalata and in fact I admired both these characters more than Swarnalata.
📓
Focusing on the need of women education and widow re-marriages , the author has blended fiction and nonfiction so well showcasing social milieu of the bygone era. The author also kept intact about some of the confusions and differences amongst the Brahmo Samaj followers. Prominent social reformists like Devendranath Tagore, Kesav Chandra Sen & Shivandh Sastri and also Rabindranath Tagore, house of Jorasanko are imbibed into this finely woven fictional story. There are also references to real incidents that had taken place in the history of Assam like ' Phulaguri revolt' by peasants in 1861 ; police openly firing peasants at Rangia police station in 1894 and 1897 earth quake. I liked the way the book has ended with a note of optimism.
📓
I have been longing to read books on North Eastern states, about their history, culture and lifestyle. This was definitely a good start and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book and it's highly recommended to historical fiction lovers.
There are a few unavoidable editorial errors which disturbs and distracts from reading flow.
•
This book was first published in 1991 later translated to Hindi, Bangla & English. It is well acclaimed book on Assamese history and awarded 'Ishan Puraskar' by the Bharatiya Basha Parishad. I have seen this book in Zuban books site, thanks Zuban books for bringing out such lesser known gems into light.