Book Review: Glaani Bhavati Bharat by Debarati Mukhopadhyay

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I have no qualms about saying that Debarati Mukhopadhyay is one of my favourite authors among the present generation of writers in Bengal. Her works, such as Narach and Krishnasindhuki, have inspired me and greatly influenced my reading habits. 


Her write-ups are rich in historical references and a lot of information about medieval India, especially Bengal. She has also penned a series of books featuring her investigative duo, Rudra-Priyam. Interestingly, these books are also enriched with numerous historical events and happenings, presented with a dash of thriller and mystery. 

Glaani Bhavati Bharat is one of the books in the Rudra-Priyam series. And today I am going to write about the book.

About the Book

Rudra, a daredevil IPS officer, along with her able team, investigates a series of murders in the Hooghly district of West Bengal. Along the investigative trail, she finds out about a community in America that still maintains a lifestyle of the medieval era. A possible connection between the Amish community and India leads them to a shocking discovery.


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

Rudrani gets a transfer to Hooghly District, where she is put in charge of a series of strange murders. She finds some very strange information that relates to King Krishnachandra's court and a celebrated and wise Brahmin whose philosophies were very modern and were often opposed by the king and the other people. A connection to the family tree leads them to discover the Amish community in America and a possible hidden sector of that in India. A group of people still following the norms of a medieval, prejudiced society, infested with differences in caste, religion, patriarchy, child marriage, etc.

Review

Glaani Bhavati Bharat is an edgy thriller with very interesting historical references. Every time I read Debarati Mukhopadhyay's books, I come across new information. In this one, the facts about the Amish community in America were something very new to me. The author has taken creative liberty in associating that kind of community that follows all the social norms of the medieval era, including the evils of superstitious beliefs, the caste system, Child marriage, and hatred towards women's empowerment and Western culture. 

The parallel storytelling of such a society and the running murder investigation is a strong point in the narrative style. In the beginning, it appears to be a society from the past, but as the book progresses, it is slowly revealed to be a running institution, operating away from the normal society, with intentions of terrorising humanity. This is just to show their opposition to liberalisation and modernisation.

Glaani Bhavati Bharat is a very interesting read. I have read another book in the Rudra-Priyam series, but this one has piqued my interest. 

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