Title: People, Places, Things: The Story of 1857
Written by: Nandini Nayar
Illustrations by: Mayukh Ghosh
Published by: Scholastic India Pvt. Ltd.
Length: 136 pages
Type: Paperback
Age recommendation: 10 years and above
A salute to the 1857 bravehearts
The Sepoy Mutiny. India’s First War of Independence. The 1857 uprising. These are various historical terms used to describe the first events of 1857. As award-winning author, Nandini Nayar emphasises, it was not restricted to sepoys angered over greased cartridges. It was a courageous fight by men and women across India against the colonial atrocities.
As I started reading the book, it was like diving into the sepia-tinted pages of history. The author has a detailed timeline of events starting from when the East India Company was established and how went on to set up 3 Presidencies controlling the subcontinent.
The story focuses on people, places and things that shaped the uprising. Some of the key people include Nana Sahib, Jhansi Laxmi Bai and Mangal Pandey among others. Some of the important places include Lucknow, Cawnpore (now Kanpur) and Delhi. Among the key things which were instrumental were the greased cartridges, trees and chapatis!!
It’s difficult not to experience the intense feelings of pride, patriotism and slight heart break when you read about how the sepoys and ordinary local people fought and rallies against the British soldiers. We know so little about the actual events, other than what was documented by the British. I feel, Nandini Nayar’s book aims to fill that gap.
The book is written in an engaging manner with easy-to-understand language and is peppered with interesting facts (Who was Uda Devi?) and fascinating tales: how did a majestic peepul tree of Sikandar Bagh in Lucknow witness a key moment in this struggle.
The pencil sketches by Mayukh Ghosh are detailed and stunning. They bring alive the heroes and tales of 1847.
Most of India’s freedom struggle focuses on the early 20th century movement but it’s important to honour and remember these bravehearts whose sacrifices laid the foundation and paved the way for azaadi which was earned (not granted!!) in 1947.
I feel it’s particularly important for our children to read this book and learn about these valiant Indians!
Be sure to grab this book in time for this Independence Day!
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