Dihi Kolkatar Dinonama (Bengali Version)

Book Details

• Author: Sumit Choudhary

• Publisher: The Cafe Table

• Language: Bengali

• ISBN: 9789348607171

• Pages: 223

• Format: Hardcover
  

About the Book
Dihi Kolkatar Dinonama is a historical fiction that tells the captivating tale of Kolkata’s transformation during the colonial era, tracing its journey from a small settlement to a thriving commercial hub. The novel explores the fascinating story of the Sabarnaraay Choudhury family, who were forced to give up their land in the villages of Dihi Kolkata, Sutanuti, and Gobindapur under duress, as the British East India Company took over the region from the Mughal rulers.

Set against the backdrop of Aurangzeb’s grandson, Azim-us-San and the transfer of land ownership to the East India Company, the novel reveals the politics behind the land deals and the financial power shifts that occurred after the battle of Plassey. As the British consolidated their power, local Bengali landowners, or Nagar Pithas, collaborated with the British to protect their own interests, forging alliances that would have profound implications for Bengal’s economy and society.

The story also delves into the rise of Kolkata as a bustling trade center, highlighting the emergence of new social classes, the complexity of caste systems, and the social changes brought about by colonial rule. The novel is a window into the early stages of Kolkata’s development, observing the intricacies of city-building, economic power struggles, and resistance movements by the local population.

Not a traditional historical novel, Dihi Kolkatar Dinonama presents a unique perspective on Kolkata's history, blending fictional elements with real events to create a narrative that reflects both the past and present of the city.