John Lang: Wanderer of Hindoostan, Slanderer in Hindoostanee, Lawyer for The Ranee (H.B)

Book Details

• Publisher: Niyogi Books Pvt. Ltd. (Under the Imprint: Paper Missile)

• Author: Amit Ranjan

• Language: English

• Edition: First Edition

• ISBN: 9789391125059

• Pages: 472

• Binding: Hardcover

• Release Date: 15-07-2021

About the Book

In this compelling exploration, In Pursuit of Alice takes readers on a unique journey through the life of John Lang, an intriguing and irreverent figure of the 19th century. A dogged underdog, Lang, who lived in India from the age of 26, was a writer, journalist, and lawyer. Known for his defiance against the British colonial establishment, Lang’s life and works remain fascinating, especially his fierce stance against the East India Company.

The book delves into Lang’s multifaceted character, which defies the conventional expectations of Victorian society. His writings, often too feminist for the time, introduced a new voice that contrasted the imperial powers of the day. He would call himself an “India lover” while expressing his disdain for England, revealing a striking dichotomy between his identity and his actions.

As a lawyer, Lang quickly learned Persian and Urdu, enabling him to fight for the rights of Indians against the British establishment in local courts. His success was met with resistance from the colonial powers, who tried to silence him, yet Lang persisted. One of his most notable accomplishments was winning cases for the oppressed Indians, but his defiance led to imprisonment. He was even invited by the Rani of Jhansi to be her lawyer, a testament to his rising stature and influence.

Written in a vivid and engaging style, In Pursuit of Alice gives readers a window into the life of a man who lived unapologetically and on his own terms. The book also highlights the complexities of colonial India, a society on the brink of change, seen through the eyes of someone who dared to challenge it.

Lang’s final moments, spent amidst a party, remind us of his unapologetic nature—he lived on his own rules and left behind a legacy as one of the most fascinating characters in India’s colonial history. This book is an essential read for those interested in India's colonial past, literature, and the struggles of those who fought for justice, however unconventional they may have been.