KANNADA
The 1857 uprising
V. GOPALAKRISHNA
DANGEYA DINAGALU: Manohar Malgonkar’s ‘Devil wind’ Tr.by Ravi Belagere — Tr. In Kannada; Bhavana Prakashna, 2, Near Petrol Bunk, BSK 2nd Stage, 80 Feet Road, Kadirenahalli, Padmanabhanagar, Bangalore-560070. Rs. 150.
SEVERAL WORKS of fiction depicting the 1857 rebellion based on source material available in regional languages have appeared in recent years. In the absence of authoritative written records, the historiographers now depend on such material for authentic documentation.
This novel gives a lucid account of the days of the rebellion.
Dhondu Pant, alias Nana Saheb, was a Peshwa chieftain whom the British had kept under their control after seizing Maratha territories except a tiny principality near Kanpur. His name is used as villain to address the readers in first person.
He frankly reveals the circumstances under which the revolt broke out.
The fact that the revolt was not merely a military uprising but an outburst of hidden rage against British rule is evident. The author highlights the patriotism of prominent persons who participated in the rebellion.
The part played by the ruler of Nepal in giving protection to the family members of Nana Saheb and Begum Hazrat Mahal, backbiting nature of Nanakchand, cheating by Todd, an Anglo Indian teacher, protests and helplessness of some servants are faithfully narrated.
The translator has succeeded in capturing the flavour of the original language.
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