Ancestral Echoes: The Saga of Madaripur's Revolutionary Lineage

US-based aerospace engineer Jyotiska Ganguly's debut novel, ''The Zamindar the Rebel and the Revolutionary'', draws inspiration from the ancestral tales recounted by his grandmothers, capturing the rich historical narratives of colonial India.

Set against the backdrop of Bengal's struggle for independence, the novel follows a Brahmin landlord family's journey towards freedom, spanning three generations. With themes of love, resilience, and revolution, Ganguly paints a vivid portrait of violence, betrayal, societal challenges, and the fervent battle for sovereignty.

The story begins in the 1880s with Keshav, a zamindar from Madaripur, who adeptly uses his printing press as a tool for revolutionary empowerment. The legacy continues with his son Mukund, whose ambitions are initially stifled by a restrictive marriage but later fuelled by reviving Keshav's legacy. The saga reaches its climax as Mukund's son Aneek embraces the cause, joining Calcutta's underground movement in the early 20th century. Published by Rupa, the novel celebrates the courage and resilience of these historical figures whose personal struggles and triumphs mirrored India's journey to freedom.

Through evocative storytelling, Ganguly's novel highlights how these extraordinary individuals navigated an era that demanded immense courage, reflecting not only personal histories but also the nation's collective fight for independence.

(With inputs from agencies.)