Book Review: Krishnasindhuki
One of the most memorable books I have read recently is the Bengali book Narach by Debarati Mukherjee. After that, I collected three more of her books, have already read two, and am currently reading another one. I have noticed that her historical books, which lack modern context and storyline, are the ones I enjoy the most. Today, I will be reviewing another one of her books, Krishnasindhuki.
About the Author
One of the most celebrated figures in contemporary Bengali literature, Debarati Mukhopadhyay is a high-level Government officer whose literary works have been highly praised and awarded. Her works include vivid research and easy language that resonates with every reader.
Synopsis
Kalapani, a brutal punishment imposed by British India on criminals and freedom fighters in the Andaman Islands, encompassed more than we typically recognise. Many women prisoners endured conditions that were even harsher than those faced by their male counterparts. "Krishnasindhuki" offers an in-depth exploration of their suffering—lives stripped of dignity, individuality, and freedom.
Review
Krishnasindhuki is a term coined by a learned freedom fighter who was imprisoned on the island to describe the Andaman Islands. The term combines "Krishna," meaning dark, and "Sindhu," meaning sea—a poetic description of the plight faced by unfortunate prisoners, especially women. Many of these women were trafficked under false charges, serving to satisfy the soldiers’ lust and perverted desires. Even when given the rare opportunity to choose their own husbands among the prisoners, they could not escape disgrace. Their lives were marked by hardship, deceit, false promises, neglect, and lost love, all while they awaited freedom, which became a central part of their identity.
This is the story of a woman named Nilamani, who endured tremendous suffering in her desire to reunite with the person she loved. However, fate had different plans for her.
The author's extensive knowledge and research on the topic are truly remarkable. The references to real historical figures from that time, combined with fictional characters, feel seamless and effortless. The spontaneous flow of the narration makes the events feel genuine and real. This authentic writing style has made "Narach" an unparalleled experience for readers. Similarly, "Krishnasindhuki" also exceeds all expectations.
Amazon link here
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I was not even aware that cellular jail housed women inmates and I can imagine the greater hardships of being a woman in captivity. The book comes across as a hard hitting historical fiction with a lot of research and emotional appeal.
ReplyDeleteI am looking foraward to a translated version of the book, just like the author's previous book Narach. As Indians, especially women, we should know what the women of those times had to go through
DeleteKrishnasindhuki sounds like a well-researched fiction.I have been to the Cellular jail and it was a spine-chilling experience. Imagine how the inmates lived in Kaala Pani.
ReplyDeleteIt was heartbreaking to read the book
DeleteSuch a thoughtful review! Really intrigued by how Krishnasindhuki brings untold stories of women in Kalapani to the forefront. Sounds like a powerful and necessary read—adding it to my list!
ReplyDeleteI wish it was translated to English for everyone to read
DeleteThe way Krishnasindhuki is described here—it doesn’t feel like just a book, but an emotional journey. Debarati Mukhopadhyay’s writing sounds powerful and deeply moving. Haven’t read her work yet, but this has definitely piqued my interest. Thanks for sharing such a heartfelt reflection.
ReplyDelete- Anjali/ Messymom
Try reading her earlier book Narach's translated work, Chonicles of the Lost Daughters
DeleteThis sounds so dark and intense. A well-researched fiction from the pen of Debarati Mukherjee is truly invaluable. It offers a poignant glimpse into the hardships women endured in those times. Adding it to my TBR! But first, I’ll dive into Narach.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you will like both
DeleteI haven’t read Krishnasindhuki yet, but your review moved me. Stories that honor forgotten women’s struggles during colonial times always stay with me long after I close the book.
ReplyDeleteTrue that, the plight of these women from those days were beyond our imagination
DeleteSo dark, yet so profound, like its name. I don't even want to imagine the grief, the distress and the anguish. Sounds like a book that would make one cry. I read Sarah's Key and ended up with tears, that was based on the Holocaust.
ReplyDeleteI have to read the book now
DeleteI have never read about this topic where women are tortured. I am going to make my friend read it just so I can understand the complete book. Your review has really piqued my interest. Thank you for such precisely written review!
ReplyDeleteYes tortured, raped and murdered around the cellular jail.
DeleteThis sounds like a deep and heart wrenching read. I hope it has the translation, I would love to read this and understand the hardships of the women prisoners.
ReplyDeleteHer other work, The Chronicles of Lost Daughters, is also equally heart-wrenching.
DeleteI've been to the Cellular jail and it is scary and heartbreaking. This seems like a well-researched book and I hope I get to read a translation soon. Thank you for the review.
ReplyDeleteI am curious now to now to know what next happened with Nilamani... We today's women dont have half of the guts to bear the pain that these female freedom fighters faced just to ensure that we are in an independent country today. We should salute these freedom fighters who gifted us freedom and my mom being a retired history teacher I never got to know from her about the female prisoners in Kalapani. Something new I learned and would love to read the book.
ReplyDeleteThis is new information for me as well. I am sure you will like it.
DeleteSounds like an intriguing read- I must check it out.
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteI have read a few of Debarati's books, but this was unknown to me. Your review created an impact on me to know more about Kalapani; I'm going to pick this up for sure.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you would like it.
DeleteToo disheartening for me to read this. It is nice to get some information about an author I would have otherwise not heard of
ReplyDeleteHer other work, The Chronicles of Lost Daughters, is also a good book.
DeleteThis sounds like a deeply moving and powerful read ; thank you for shedding light on such an overlooked part of history. Debarati Mukhopadhyay’s ability to weave fact with fiction truly seems unmatched.
ReplyDeleteTruly, never knew before this that there were women prisoners in Kalapani
DeleteThis is so heartbreaking to even to get to know from here. Definitely not my type of genre
ReplyDeleteThis is the genre of my preference, currently. :-)
DeleteI don't think I have read about women in kalapani. This is a very important book and we need authors to share more such stories.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is the first time I have got any information about women prisoners in Kalapaani
DeleteYour review beautifully captures the depth and poignancy of Krishnasindhuki. Debarati Mukhopadhyay’s storytelling sounds hauntingly powerful—I’m intrigued by her historical lens and emotional detailing. Definitely adding to my list!
ReplyDeleteI just wish this were translated into other languages, like her other work, Chronicles of the Lost Daughters.
DeleteIt's because of you, my knowledge of Bengali literature and movies is increasing! I wish I had the patience to read all my mom's Bengali books. This one looks very interesting!
ReplyDeleteGlad to know that Mandira. Hope to introduce more such books in future.
DeleteSuch a sad story and even more difficult is the fact that it was a truth for many unfortunate women back then. Seems like an interesting but dark read.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great read.
DeleteLooks like Marathi and Bengali has this one more common thread! Literature set in same time and place! There's a Marathi novel written by Savarkar called "Kale Pani" (Black Water). I wish I could read the Bengali language, I would have loved to read Krishnasindhuki.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read that book. Is there a mention of a women's section in the Cellular Jail? Because that is new information for me through Krishnasindhuki.
DeleteI have read two of Debarati's books and I love the way she is exploring these stories through historical fiction that would have been almost lost. I hope more of her books get translated and wish I had continued learning Bengali so as to be able to pick this read.
ReplyDeleteHe works need more translations, her research work is incredible and the historical facts that she has provided are really valuable.
DeleteIts like a shock to learn that there was a different jail for women. but your review seems interesting. I did not try this genre and would love to try
ReplyDeleteYes, even when we visit the Cellular Jail today, there is no mention of the women's section in the guided tour.
Delete