Travel Culture, Travel Writing and Bengali Women, 1870-1940

This book explores travel writings by Bengali women in colonial India, challenging stereotypes and revealing the complex personal and socio-political histories of women in the period. It highlights the experiences of women from different backgrounds and their perspectives on education, womanhood, marriage, and female autonomy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the rich tapestry of travel writings by Bengali women during the colonial era in India, unveiling the intricate intersections of power, indigeneity, and the representations of self and other. It serves as a testament to the audacious journeys undertaken by these women, as they courageously carved out emancipatory identities for themselves, defying societal norms and challenging the confines of traditional gender roles. Through a meticulous compilation of travelogues from diverse Bengali women, the book offers a profound exploration of their experiences in the West, the Aryavarta, and Japan. These writings boldly challenge prevailing stereotypes of the confined native woman, unveiling the intricate personal and socio-political histories of women in colonial India. By approaching these texts from a feminist, postcolonial lens, the volume sheds light on how these women, hailing from various castes, classes, and ages, navigated the ever-evolving realities of their lives amidst the backdrop of the independence movement and the Second World War. The author pays close attention to the personal narratives of these women, which shaped their perspectives on education, womanhood, marriage, female autonomy, family, and politics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

This engaging and insightful volume appeals to a wide range of scholars and readers, including those interested in literature, history, gender and culture studies, and anyone with a general curiosity in women and travel writing. It provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex dynamics of power, identity, and cultural exchange in colonial India, offering a fresh perspective on the experiences of Bengali women during this transformative period.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367515850