What do you think?
Rate this book
The Walking Brahmin
In 1611, the English East India Company, established a factory in Machilipatnam, and gained its foothold in India. Within a century they had firmly entrenched themselves in multiple places such as Surat, Madras, Bombay and Calcutta, and the tentacles of their influence were being felt all over the Indian polity. After the decisive battles of Plassey and Buxar, under Robert Clive, the Company started consolidating its power and obtained the revenue collection rights in multiple kingdoms, becoming the de-facto rulers of northern India. After their success in the Anglo Maratha wars, their writ expanded to the whole subcontinent.
Soon enough, the Company had annexed numerous princely states under one pretext or the other.
By 1850, the local rulers formed a secret alliance. Traditional foes united in their endeavor to get rid of their common oppressor. The logical extension of this effort was the first War of Independence in 1857.
This book, replete with over 60+ images and maps, including photographs taken in 1858, offers a unique insight into this period of unrest. It narrates the travails and first hand experiences of a Brahmin from Maharashtra, who had ventured on a pilgrimage to the central regions of India. In spite of being unfortunate enough to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, he managed to cheat death multiple times, aided by his quick wit and silver tongue.
This is the record of his three year odyssey.
Soon enough, the Company had annexed numerous princely states under one pretext or the other.
By 1850, the local rulers formed a secret alliance. Traditional foes united in their endeavor to get rid of their common oppressor. The logical extension of this effort was the first War of Independence in 1857.
This book, replete with over 60+ images and maps, including photographs taken in 1858, offers a unique insight into this period of unrest. It narrates the travails and first hand experiences of a Brahmin from Maharashtra, who had ventured on a pilgrimage to the central regions of India. In spite of being unfortunate enough to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, he managed to cheat death multiple times, aided by his quick wit and silver tongue.
This is the record of his three year odyssey.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
203 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2020
6 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 3, 2022
First hand experience of a poor Brahmin vishnubhat godse and his uncle rambhat who on a pilgrimage to earn a dakshina to overcome their poverty caught inbetween the loyalist Bharatiya troops and British uncivilized creatures witness the first war of independence and the aftermath of the murderous yet savage forces of white Neanderthals who looted,plundered and commited a genocide of native people of this nation. Often ignored by Marxist distorians and anti-bharat brigade.
Hope they face the wrath of their karma..
A must read..
Hope they face the wrath of their karma..
A must read..
March 24, 2022
Sometimes I think why should Hindus get justice at all? I mean seriously, Hindus do not deserve justice. They hate fellow Hindus so much, in the History of Bharat they have drawn swords against other Hindus and worked in favour of foreign separatist forces, that the question keeps coming in my mind. So, even after watching The Kashmir Files when I see my fellow Hindu countrymen raising questions about the bias in the film, my own friends talking about Hindu-Muslim brotherhood etc. I keep asking the question. Why should Hindus get justice at all?
This book is a must read for all Hindus simply because it tells us one more time, how the native Bharatiyas helped the British forces plunder different Indian cities post the 1857 revolt. The stories of those massacre by our own countrymen is simply heart wrenching. Not sure whether even Muslim invaders could match that.
This is a story of a Hindu Brahmin who went to attend a Yagna at the time Indian revolted against the British. Little did they know what was in store for them. Thanks to that Brahmin Brhmabhat who wrote his story in Marathi, today we know what kind of pogroms, what kind of loot did the British unleash on Indians, followed by our own Indian soldiers in the British army and also from the Nizams troops.
A lucid writing style has made those stories even more vivid, more lively. I had to stop reading this book on several occasions as I kept crying at the fate of Indians. So, I was reading a few pages, sometime even one page in one single day and then crying for my fellow Indians.
Unfortunately, no one remembers the lost forces. But did our heroes like the Rani of Jhansi, Tatiya Tope or Nanasaheb really lost to British? No, after reading this book, I will say they lost to fellow Indians and mostly to fellow Hindus.
I can't believe that the kings like Scindias were against the revolt too. I am heartbroken to read the anecdotes from our first independence war. If all Hindus read this book, they will at least understand why Hindus had been slaves of others for such a long time and still many of us behave like slaves.
I must not only congratulate the original Marathi writer who had penned down his account of 1857 war, but despite the huge atrocities he underwent he could pen down such a story; I should also congratulate the English translator who had done a very good job in detailing out the first person account for us. Otherwise this gem would have been lost in Marathi literature.
This book is a must read for all Hindus simply because it tells us one more time, how the native Bharatiyas helped the British forces plunder different Indian cities post the 1857 revolt. The stories of those massacre by our own countrymen is simply heart wrenching. Not sure whether even Muslim invaders could match that.
This is a story of a Hindu Brahmin who went to attend a Yagna at the time Indian revolted against the British. Little did they know what was in store for them. Thanks to that Brahmin Brhmabhat who wrote his story in Marathi, today we know what kind of pogroms, what kind of loot did the British unleash on Indians, followed by our own Indian soldiers in the British army and also from the Nizams troops.
A lucid writing style has made those stories even more vivid, more lively. I had to stop reading this book on several occasions as I kept crying at the fate of Indians. So, I was reading a few pages, sometime even one page in one single day and then crying for my fellow Indians.
Unfortunately, no one remembers the lost forces. But did our heroes like the Rani of Jhansi, Tatiya Tope or Nanasaheb really lost to British? No, after reading this book, I will say they lost to fellow Indians and mostly to fellow Hindus.
I can't believe that the kings like Scindias were against the revolt too. I am heartbroken to read the anecdotes from our first independence war. If all Hindus read this book, they will at least understand why Hindus had been slaves of others for such a long time and still many of us behave like slaves.
I must not only congratulate the original Marathi writer who had penned down his account of 1857 war, but despite the huge atrocities he underwent he could pen down such a story; I should also congratulate the English translator who had done a very good job in detailing out the first person account for us. Otherwise this gem would have been lost in Marathi literature.
February 8, 2022
The journey of Vishnubhat Godbhole commands nothing but immense respect and obeisance. I don't know how I missed this gem of a piece all these years. Saw someone recommending this book on Twitter. Glad I bought it and read it in one go. A must for everyone who wants to know the real 1857 uprising, the struggles, and the sacrifices our ancestors made.
June 29, 2022
What an amazing story this was. A personal adventure, as well as an insight into the political upheaval of one of the most pivotal period in the Indian Independence movement. It’s not a very large book, and I finished it in 3 days!
Vishnubhat Godse and his uncle Rambhat go on a pilgrimage from a small village in Maharashtra to Kashi, in order to earn some dakshina to help the financial status of their large, poor family. Not long into their travel, they get caught right in the thick of the 1857 war. They almost lose their lives twice during the looting and pillaging in the aftermath of wars, get robbed several times of all their belongings including the dakshina they had earned until then, and meanwhile even get to meet Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi.
They do manage to complete their teerthyatra, also visiting Ayodhya on the way before finally reaching Kashi. They return safely 3 years after they left home. The journey changed Vishnubhat’s perspective, worldview and his lifestyle, and he gives up the idea of a life of luxury. He spends the rest of his life in austerity. He pens down their adventure in detail several years later for his descendants, and one of his disciples gets it published in Marathi a few years after his death.
The book has details about the Jhansi war that I found most fascinating, but also left me disgusted at the way the British systematically looted the city afterwards. This knowledge is not new, but reading about it from the perspective of a commoner hits you anew. Thousands of men between the age of 5-60 were slaughtered mindlessly just for the mistake of having lived in that city. Crores of rupees worth of riches were taken from Jhansi and Kalpi alone! Vishnubhat was a witness to all this.
I’m thankful to Maneesh Godbole for discovering this book and then deciding to translate it in English. The story has been narrated largely in just the way Vishnubhat had written it, with some commentaries of his own. It makes for a very interesting, illuminating read.
Vishnubhat Godse and his uncle Rambhat go on a pilgrimage from a small village in Maharashtra to Kashi, in order to earn some dakshina to help the financial status of their large, poor family. Not long into their travel, they get caught right in the thick of the 1857 war. They almost lose their lives twice during the looting and pillaging in the aftermath of wars, get robbed several times of all their belongings including the dakshina they had earned until then, and meanwhile even get to meet Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi.
They do manage to complete their teerthyatra, also visiting Ayodhya on the way before finally reaching Kashi. They return safely 3 years after they left home. The journey changed Vishnubhat’s perspective, worldview and his lifestyle, and he gives up the idea of a life of luxury. He spends the rest of his life in austerity. He pens down their adventure in detail several years later for his descendants, and one of his disciples gets it published in Marathi a few years after his death.
The book has details about the Jhansi war that I found most fascinating, but also left me disgusted at the way the British systematically looted the city afterwards. This knowledge is not new, but reading about it from the perspective of a commoner hits you anew. Thousands of men between the age of 5-60 were slaughtered mindlessly just for the mistake of having lived in that city. Crores of rupees worth of riches were taken from Jhansi and Kalpi alone! Vishnubhat was a witness to all this.
I’m thankful to Maneesh Godbole for discovering this book and then deciding to translate it in English. The story has been narrated largely in just the way Vishnubhat had written it, with some commentaries of his own. It makes for a very interesting, illuminating read.
August 4, 2022
This is a story of a poor Brahmin travelling from Varsai to Kashi on foot for dakshina and theerthayatra during 1857-59 (when the first independence war broke out)
Vishnubhat Godse, the Brahmin, managed to survive the war, had pen down his travelogue! Thanks to him, we now have a first hand account(a common man’s perspective) of what happened before, during and aftermath of war.
The book gives insights on how our ancestors lived, the hardships they faced, their beliefs and responsibilities, real cause for the uprising, loots and massacre by the British; particularly in Jhansi and Kalpi.
Do read it.
Vishnubhat Godse, the Brahmin, managed to survive the war, had pen down his travelogue! Thanks to him, we now have a first hand account(a common man’s perspective) of what happened before, during and aftermath of war.
The book gives insights on how our ancestors lived, the hardships they faced, their beliefs and responsibilities, real cause for the uprising, loots and massacre by the British; particularly in Jhansi and Kalpi.
Do read it.
December 2, 2022
Brilliant read.
February 9, 2022
An amazing glimpse into both the personal travails as well as the social and political upheavel that was happening around the time of the First war of independence. Godses' travels seem remarkable and the sheer fact that they survived and lived to tell their tale - I am only grateful to be able to read this account. Great work by the author in ensuring that the translation flows naturally without losing it's essence as well as historicity.
December 29, 2022
This book gives a first hand description of first war of Indian Independence from an Indian perspective. It is an awesome book. Must read book.
My admiration for Rani Lakshmi Bai went up after reading this book. The author's personality is very very inspiring. Do read the book it is awesome.
My admiration for Rani Lakshmi Bai went up after reading this book. The author's personality is very very inspiring. Do read the book it is awesome.
July 18, 2025
The walking Brahmin is a summary account of Vishnu Bhat, a poor Brahmin and his journey during India's first war of Independence. Written in Marathi over a hundred years ago, this has been summarised and translated to English.
The book is a simple read with a straightforward account of the events that Vishnubhat witnessed during the periods of turmoil. While this book doesn't shed light on any new unknown events of significance, it acts as a reminder of two things. First, The unbridled cruelty of the British which they now pretend never existed. Second, how so many Indians actively supported the British against their own people due to shortsightedness and refusal to learn from a thousand years of invasion.
The however takes too cavalier an approach to narration and often feels casual considering the importance of events. (Even Jon Snow makes an appearance!) The book would have worked much better if the narration was a bit tighter (This is a summary of accounts and not a word to word translation of the original diary)
Overall a good casual read about some first hand accounts of a major historical event of our country.
The book is a simple read with a straightforward account of the events that Vishnubhat witnessed during the periods of turmoil. While this book doesn't shed light on any new unknown events of significance, it acts as a reminder of two things. First, The unbridled cruelty of the British which they now pretend never existed. Second, how so many Indians actively supported the British against their own people due to shortsightedness and refusal to learn from a thousand years of invasion.
The however takes too cavalier an approach to narration and often feels casual considering the importance of events. (Even Jon Snow makes an appearance!) The book would have worked much better if the narration was a bit tighter (This is a summary of accounts and not a word to word translation of the original diary)
Overall a good casual read about some first hand accounts of a major historical event of our country.
November 2, 2025
The Walking Brahmin by Maneesh Madhukar Godbole tells us the story of Vishnubhat Baalkrishna Godse, a destitute Brahmin from Maharashtra who, along with his uncle, went to a tirth yatra and also to attend a Yagna in Gwalior, organized by the then queen of the Gwalior kingdom, Baijabai Shinde. But the tumultuous circumstances in 1857 caught the nephew and uncle duo because of the rebellion of the Indian soldiers against the English East India Company. Vishnubhat Godse saw the destruction and plunder of Jhansi with his own eyes. In fact, Vishnubhat and his uncle escaped from death a few times. This book is a testament from the eyes of an ordinary Indian man who himself experienced the revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, and saw the way the British, along with their Indian counterparts, quelled the revolt and killed and plundered those kingdoms that participated in the revolt of 1857. I highly recommend this book.
December 25, 2023
This is not the most interesting book! Certainly, there is a lot of scope for improvement. But still, it is a precious piece, because it written by an Indian native non-combatant. This is rare!
We have a reasonable understanding about the crisis the warriors faced during the revolution. Also, about their bravery. But what were the civilians facing? Not too much is known about them. This is why this book is so important.
Eye opener: The barbarism of the British army over the civilians of Jhansi after Rani Laxmibai's escape.
We have a reasonable understanding about the crisis the warriors faced during the revolution. Also, about their bravery. But what were the civilians facing? Not too much is known about them. This is why this book is so important.
Eye opener: The barbarism of the British army over the civilians of Jhansi after Rani Laxmibai's escape.
July 16, 2025
It's not just a translation of the Marathi book. The author has provided snippets of background information as well. This makes the book very interesting to read. I learnt a lot about the mutiny and the roles that Tatya Tope and Rani Laxmibai played in the war.
The maps are meaningless though... Because printed in greyscale and scaled down to not even half a page in size the text on it is mostly impossible to read. You're better off keeping google maps open and finding the locations yourself.
The maps are meaningless though... Because printed in greyscale and scaled down to not even half a page in size the text on it is mostly impossible to read. You're better off keeping google maps open and finding the locations yourself.
December 7, 2025
This is a must read for all Bharatiyas. Possibly the only 1st hand, unbiased account of our 1st war for Independence from the British. An excellent translation too. The story is his experience. Nothing more, nothing less, an experiential account of history. Such a rare gem! Thank you Maneesh Godbole for this book!
July 21, 2025
This book is an eye opening book for me
Such a good writing, you will understand every bit of it
You will feel patriotic, emotional empathetic everything at the same time.
Short book,easy read.
Good recommendation for a person who is interested in historical stories
Such a good writing, you will understand every bit of it
You will feel patriotic, emotional empathetic everything at the same time.
Short book,easy read.
Good recommendation for a person who is interested in historical stories
August 16, 2024
An awesome book detailing the events of 1857 mutiny. There are many things in the book that give you a first hand experience of the 1857 mutiny time.
May 12, 2025
loved the style of narration. Good to know what's happening during the first war of independence from an outsider or a 3rd party, common citizens perspective
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews