Sayebmem Samachar

• Author: Nikhil Sur
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers
• Language: Bengali
• Genre: Kolkata-based (Kolikata Bishayak)
• Edition: Hardcore
• ISBN: 9789388014281
• Pages: 264
• Weight: 390 grams

Book Description

Sayebmem Samachar (Translation: News of the Sahib Memsahib) by Nikhil Sur explores the fascinating and often overlooked aspects of British colonial society in Kolkata, focusing on the lives of the English Sahibs and Memsahibs from the 18th to the 40s of the 19th century. This work captures the social dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and cultural exchanges that marked British colonial rule, offering a unique window into the experiences of British men and women who lived and worked in the city.

• Key Features:

  • Colonial Dynamics: The book unravels the allure of Kolkata for young Englishmen after the Battle of Plassey and their obsession with the exoticism of the city.
  • Sahib-Memsahib Relationships: It sheds light on the stratification of the Sahib society, their marriages, relationships, and the role of English women in colonial life. The book offers a detailed examination of Memsahib life, including their experiences in a foreign land and their struggles with isolation, cultural differences, and romantic pursuits.
  • Cultural Contrast: The book discusses the contrast between early colonial life (pre- and post-Plassey) and how the English lifestyle in Kolkata evolved over the years.
  • Memsahib’s Role: Many English women came to Kolkata seeking a husband or to start a family, with the book highlighting fascinating personal stories of failed marriages, the search for suitable bachelors, and cultural integration.

• Historical Context:

  • Eighteenth-century Kolkata: The author paints a vivid picture of pre-Plassey Kolkata when the British presence was starting to grow.
  • British East India Company: The book provides insight into the daily lives of the Sahibs and Memsahibs, detailing their leisure activities, marriages, and interactions with the local population.
  • Social Stratification: The book also delves into the class divisions within the British community, differentiating between the "big" Englishmen and the lower-ranking officials.

• Key Highlights:

  • Gender and Colonialism: The book explores the gender dynamics within the Sahib-Memsahib class, discussing the tensions, romantic entanglements, and the lives of young unmarried Memsahibs.
  • Personal Anecdotes: Some memorable personal stories of Memsahibs who either hated or loved Kolkata are shared in this book, showcasing the varied experiences they had during their stays.
  • Impact on Kolkata’s Social Fabric: The book goes beyond mere social documentation and offers a lens through which to view the larger cultural and political changes that were taking place in the city during the colonial period.

Key Sections:

• Social Stratification of the Sahib-Memsahib Class: A look at the different ranks and their varying lifestyles in 18th- and 19th-century Kolkata.
• Memsahib’s Role in Society: The emotional and personal struggles of English women living in Kolkata during the colonial era.
• Cultural Clashes and Integration: An exploration of how colonial power structures affected both the British and the native communities.

Perfect For:

• History Buffs: Ideal for readers interested in British colonial history and 18th-19th century Kolkata.
• Cultural Enthusiasts: Anyone curious about the cultural exchanges between British colonizers and the local population during the colonial era.
• Students of Sociology and History: This book is a valuable resource for those studying colonialism, gender studies, and social dynamics during the British Raj