The siege of Krishnapur by J. G. Farrel

"The siege of Krishnapur" by J. G. Farrel. Farrel won Booker prize for this book in 1973.

This is the story of Krishnapur, a fictitious small principality, in Bengal presidency; in, East India Company ruled, India during the uprising of 1857. Although this is a fiction the author has used a number of real incidents from the uprising, from diaries and letters of those present at that time, in this story. The sepoys have started uprising and collector of Krishnapur has ordered all whites, Eurasians and loyal native servants to take refuge in his fortified residency. Interestingly this book is written only as seen  from the eyes of the English population. So you do not know what's happening on the other side.

There are a number of interesting characters: the collector, a doctor, his beautiful daughter looking for a suitable suitor, a magistrate, a padre, young officers, a visiting young Englishman, his widow sister, the maharaja, prince and prime minister. Each looks at the crises from his point of view but all are concerned about their well-being and safety.

What fate awaits the occupants of residency? Will they be able to defend till rescue arrives? Can they remain united? Will the sepoys win?

The story is very short on events and action. Hence author has spent a lot of space on the surroundings, furniture, showpieces in the residency, philosophy and theology. Not much happens even if you miss 8-10 pages.

As the siege continues the rations dwindle, men keep dying, hygiene deteriorates, gloom prevails, fights break out for minor things. But human nature tries to find joy, even in such dire circumstances, in small things like tea party or child birth. Love kindles, people get philosophical, opinions change, perspectives alter. There is an undercurrent of dread in the book.

Author has successfully captured the absurdities of the discrimination within the society, without sounding supremacist. The pecking order within the residency with elite whites at top followed by other whites then the Eurasians and finally loyal natives remains even during the crisis.

Since this book is written only from the point of view of English populace, there was a danger of this book becoming biased. Author has successfully avoided this trap. The key to the success of this book is being impartial and unbiased.

It's a slow story. An OK read. One can read It for a change.