Travels to Europe : self and other in Bengali travel narratives, 1870-1910

242 Pages·2005·7.171 MB·English

by  Simonti Sen

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Travels to Europe
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New Perspective* in South Asian History 9
The aim of the New Perspectives in South Asian History is to publish
monographs and other writings on early modem, modem and contemporary
history that cover new areas of research, such as the history of medicine and
environmental history. It also aims to provide a platform for fresh perspectives
on more familiar areas like political and military history. The series, which does
not confine itself to India, includes work of an interdisciplinary nature, and
welcomes historical contributions from sociology, anthropology and cultural
studies.
Series Editors
SANJOY BHATTACHARYA Lecturer, The Wellcome Trust Centref or the
History ofM edicine at University College London
PETER CAIN Professor ofH istory, School of Cultural Studies,
Sheffield Hallam University
MARK HARRISON Reader, History ofM edicine, and Director,
Wellcome Unitf or the History ofM edicine, University of Oxford
MICHAEL WORBOYS Director, Centrefor the History of Science, Technology and
Medicine, University ofM anchester
Editorial Advisory Committee
Clive Dewey Formerly Reader, Department ofE conomic and Social History,
University of Leicester
Paul Greenough Professor ofH istory, Director, Crossing Borders Program,
and Director, Global Health Studies Program, University of Iowa
Biswamoy Pati Reader, Department ofH istory, Sri Venkateswara College,
Delhi University
Douglas M. Peers Associate Professor, Department ofH istory,
The University of Calgary
Peter Robb Pro-Director and Professor of the History of India,
School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
Thi Yong Tkn Associate Professor ofH istory, National University of Singapore
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Travels to Europe
Self and Other in Bengali Travel Narratives, 1870-1910
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Simonti Sen
Bidhannagar College, Kolkata
Orient Longman
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to press. The publishers would be glad to hear from them so as to give due
acknowledgement in the later editions of the book.
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Contents
Preface vi
1. Introduction 1
2. Of Another East and Another \Xfest 25
3. The Sea Voyage: Charting the Route between
the Home and the Destination 58
4. In England: Admiring the City and Romancing
the Countryside 75
5. Discovering the ‘Real* Englishman 93
6. Learning and the Spirit of Vita Activa 110
7. The Lady and Her Home 137
8. Poverty and the Poor in England 161
9. Beyond England: Touring the Continent 181
10. Conclusion 200
Glossary 211
Bibliography 213
Index 223
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Preface
This work is a study of travelogues describing the visits of Bengalis
to Europe in the period 1870 to 1910. Its aim is to explore and un­
derstand the themes and structures of these accounts. Nationalism
was striving to generate a discursive space for itself, and travelogues
of this genre provided one of the possible sites where such a space
could be fashioned.
The work began as a doctoral dissertation submitted in 1995. In
its present form, however, it incorporates not merely the original
material but analyses and information acquired thereafter. Indeed,
the study of travel writing has come to constitute a vast and ever-
expanding field, employing the services of historians, anthropolo­
gists and literary theoreticians. My own project, while drawing on
the insights of scholars of various disciplines, is at once more
focused and more humble. I have no intention here of analysing the
philosophy and praxis of travel writing in general. My study is
confined to understanding (in the light of both colonial and travel­
ogue studies) how these travellers sought to articulate their themes in
writing.
This work has been rendered possible by the help and assistance
of many. My supervisor, Professor Partha Chatteijee, has always
been there for patient hearing despite his immensely busy schedule.
From the conception of the work until the present I have been seek­
ing his help for both academic and non-academic concerns. Profes­
sor Gautam Bhadra, as always, has been forthcoming with his insights
and suggestions. A sympathetic and concerned teacher, Professor
Bhadra eggs on young scholars towards greater scholarly intercourse.
It was because of his interest that a section of my thesis was pub­
lished in his journal Aitihasik (Historical). Professor Pradip Bose has
been so generous as to let me go through his unpublished works
while I was writing my dissertation. I should especially mention the
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late Amitava Ghosh (more popularly known as Siddhartha Ghosh)
for giving me free access to his invaluable personal collection. Many
of my rare source materials emerged from there. Siddharthada’s
sudden passing-away has created a vacuum which cannot be replen­
ished. Professor Amalendu De has been extremely helpful in draw­
ing my attention to some unexplored materials. This study could
not have been done without the assistance and cooperation of the
library staff of the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences (Calcutta),
Bangiya Sahitya Parishat, the National Library and Krishnagar Pub­
lic Library.
After the completion of my thesis I was contemplating a new edi­
tion of Krishnabhabini Das’s travel account with annotation and
an introduction. The editor of Sure, Mandira Sen, and my friend
Mousumi Bhowmik, who was working with Stree at that time, had
shown great interest and helped me realise my project. My search
for material on Krishnabhabini would have been inordinately diffi­
cult but for the generous help of Abhijit Sen. He assisted me in
locating valuable material which later proved to be of immense im­
portance while reworking my thesis.
However, the whole idea of revising my work and bringing it to
the world of publication was the result of constant cajoling, pester-
ing«nd prodding by Bhaskar Mukheijee. Himself interested in travel
literature, Bhaskar’s criticisms and insights opened new angles and
perspectives. The list of my friends who have helped at various
stages and in various capacities is quite unending. Swapna Baneijee
has been responsible for introducing me to many current Western
academic trends. Siddhartha Chakraborty has shown great patience
in going through this dry non-ficdonal work and even offered im­
portant suggestions. Partha Nag, Indranil Chakroborty, Ishani
Dutta Gupta, Pumima Dutta and Probal Bagchi have always been
there to comply with all my demands. My colleagues of Krishnagar
Government College, Krityapriyo Ghosh and Sutapa Das Gupta,
helped me keep up my spirits amidst all the drudgery and difficulty
of college work.
Of course the work would not have seen the light of publication
had it not been for the active interest shown by Priti Anand of
Orient Longman. During her absence Nikhil Bhoopal has been
forthcoming with his help. I sincerely feel that the criticisms and
suggestions of my reviewer proved to be immensely useful in im­
proving this work.
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Prtfate
Last but not the least, the comforting and undemanding presence
of my family members has always eased every difficulty.
I am thankful to everyone mentioned above.
The only person who does not feature in this list is my husband,
Santanu Chacraverti. No one knows better than he how little could
have been done without his patience, forbearance, help and advice.
Ceremonious thanksgiving or public utterance of gratitude is in this
case quite superfluous.
While writing this book I never ceased to think about jethu, my
paternal uncle, more a father to me, who would perhaps have been
the happiest person to see my work in print. I dedicate this book to
his memory.
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