Bengal Dacoits And Tigers

by Maharanee Sunity Devee

This book is part of the TREDITION CLASSICS. It contains classical literature works from over two thousand years. Most of these titles have been out of print and off the bookstore shelves for decades. The book series is intended to preserve the cultural legacy and to promote the timeless works of classical literature. Readers of a TREDITION CLASSICS book support the mission to save many of the amazing works of world literature from oblivion. With this series, tredition intends to make thousands of international literature classics available in printed format again - worldwide.

Unknown Binding

First published February 1, 2004

Reviews

[Pam]

If you’ve any interest in late 19th century India this book is really good. It is not from the British Raj perspective. The author lived and wrote in that period. She was a Maharani of Cooch Behar (West Bengal) known as a supporter of education for girls and women’s rights. All that must have been remarkable in her time.

The stories here collect bits of life primarily of women traveling between conservative households which was dicey because of dacoits (bandits) and wild animals such as tigers (think Shere Khan). There are times you might think these are nearly fairy tales because of the style. Like fairy tales they give lessons and demonstrate the hazards of real life. Most of the women here have some wealth but you also meet modesty dressed widows, children and servants. The dacoits threaten these women traveling with their wealth on their arms and bodies. In several stories the dacoits turn out to be their own long trusted servants who have decided to rob the masters. This makes you think the glowing terms describing their close relationships have more to it than you might superficially think. Stories with those themes come off as warning tales. In other stories you meet government officials, policemen, in-laws, servants who carry the ladies around in boxes with poles, and maharajahs who take guests on tiger and buffalo hunts. Very interesting and well written. The author also has a memoir that I’d like to read. Both are free as e-books.

[Arnaud]

Haven't read Bengal Dacoits & Tigers for some time!
It's made of short stories that delight, inspire, honors & sometimes bewilders as some are unending!

My 2 favorites are "The Jhee's Discovery & Girl as Kali-Ma"

Their author seems to be inspired by true events of her time, & instills virtue, acumen & justice.

[Jahangir]

মোটেই আহা মরি কোন বই না। সুশীল সমাজের একজন সুশীল ভাষায় সুশীল গল্প লিখে গেছেন। কালের বিচারে ঠিকই আছে। আজকের সময়ে ব্যাপারটা হাস্যকর হয়ে গেছে। আমার জন্য গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ব্যাপার হচ্ছে এটা হচ্ছে মোবাইল ফোনে পুরোটা পড়া আমার প্রথম বই।