True Crime Writings in Colonial India: Offending Bodies and Darogas in Nineteenth-Century Bengal

In late 19th-century colonial Bengal (India), a new genre of crime writings emerged, influenced by the market and aimed at a bhadralok (genteel) readership. This book explores select translations of true crime writings by Bakaullah and Priyanath Mukhopadhyay, who worked as darogas (Detective Inspectors) in the police department. The writings reflect their understanding of criminality and guilt, as well as negotiations with colonial law and policing. They also shed light on the hidden gendered experiences of the time, often missing in mainstream Bangla literature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The emergence of crime writing in late 19th-century colonial Bengal (India) offers a captivating glimpse into the intricate interplay between literature and material forces, particularly the market. This book delves into the realm of true crime writings published by 'lowbrow publishing houses' notorious for their production of 'sensational and vulgar literature.' These publications enjoyed a substantial readership among the bhadralok (genteel) classes.

The volume specifically focuses on select translations of true crime writings by Bakaullah and Priyanath Mukhopadhyay, who served as darogas (Detective Inspectors) in the police department during the mid-to-late 19th century colonized Bengal. These accounts, penned by these individuals, represent some of the earliest manifestations of the crime genre in India. Through their writings, the authors convey their perspectives on criminality, guilt, and their interactions with colonial law and policing. Moreover, by examining a selection of cases in which women feature either as victims or offenders (or occasionally as both), this book sheds light on the often overlooked gendered experiences of that era, which are often absent in mainstream Bangla literature.

Blending a passion for suspense with critical analysis of a cultural phenomenon, this book holds immense appeal to scholars and researchers in the fields of comparative literature, translation studies, gender studies, literary theory, cultural studies, modern history, and enthusiasts of crime fiction across various disciplines.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367540999