19thcenturyindia Stories

Have you ever heard of the Hindu Goddess Kaushiki? The Goddess who played the Rudra Veena in one hand and holds the sword in the other? The Goddess who is serene like Ma Saraswati yet fierce like Ma Chamunda? She who drowns herself in art and music yet kill hell's mighty ashura kings Shumbha and Nishumbha in a blink. She who is the definition of Devishakti.... But it's all mythology, isn't it? No one knows whether it ever happened or not. Well, this story... It's not mythology. It's real. It happened. 1836. Anandapore . The British Raj is at it's peak. The zamindar Parmeshwar of Anandapore couln't have been happier. His daughter-in-law was pregnant with her first child which everyone predicted to be a boy. His son was returning home after a long time. His daughter, his gold, has finally mastered his favorite raga - Raga Jounpuri. His wife has given him the best family someone can ask for and he couldn't have been happier. Little did Parmeshwar know, trouble was on it's way and it would enter his family through his golden daughter...

"Who cares if our story is not written in the stars? We will write them ourselves." Satakshi Roy. The Nightmare of every Indian mother. A girl who thought too highly of herself. A girl who did not see the world as it is but as it should be. A girl who dared to dream. She wanted Independence. From those damned British bastards who ruled over her land. She wanted Freedom. From that damning mentality that always, always chose boys over girls. That trapped girls in the cages bound and shackled. She wanted Justice. For all her friends who lived in slums and had to pay taxes to those British officials. She wanted education. For all those girls who believed they had three purposes in life: get married, give your in-laws a baby boy because you "owe" them as they fed you and clothed you, and obey every adult even if they are wrong. She wanted a voice. That would point out all the injustice and oppression in her country. A voice that would reach out to even those who thought they would never be saved. A voice that will encourage her people to speak up. And She wanted to be that voice. A girl who harbored a secret dream. A dream to become a world famous writer. But will a certain arrogant British ruin those dreams or help her reach for it? Sebastian Courtney. The Literal Golden Boy. He came to Calcutta to help his father in the Government while simultaneously studying in Scottish Church College to complete his degree. The Stereotypical Arrogant British Man. He believed that Indians deserved to eat dirt and everything that has happened to them. The Silent Dreamer. He never wanted to be a governor officer in his life, always a poet. Yet he had no muse. Or he did? The Soft Lover. Who knew that the arrogant, cocky boy could be such a gentle lover? Giving flowers and poems to his beloved? A certain Indian girl of course. What happens when their paths cross? She hates him. He hates her. But, Does hate develop into something else?

This captivating historical novel delves into the life of Mangal Pandey, a young sepoy soldier whose act of defiance ignited the flames of rebellion in 1857 India. The book goes beyond just Mangal Pandey, the soldier. It delves into the human cost of rebellion, the impact on families like his living in Nagwa, and the legacy that Mangal leaves behind. The story serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of resistance and the unwavering dream of a free India.The Author's Note sheds light on the research process, acknowledges the reliance on historical sources and creative license, and expresses gratitude to institutions that helped recreate the past. It also offers a glimpse into the future, hinting at the enduring struggle for independence.