The Scattered Leaves
of My Life: An Indian Nationalist Remembers
demy octavo hb 195pp ISBN 978-81-88965-50-2, Rs 500 May 2011
Translated for the first time into English, this is the
autobiography of Saraladebi Chaudhurani 1872-1945, one of the few women
graduates of the University of Calcutta, singer, political activist and leader.
Born into the distinguished literary family of Rabindranath Tagore who was her
mother’s youngest brother, she was an editor of a prestigious journal. She is a
controversial figure with some of her political ideas harping on male martial
prowess, the warriors, who would take on the British Empire militarily, thus
expunging charges of emasculation and subservience that gnawed at the selfworth
of a conquered nation. Defying familial pressures and remaining single till 33,
Sarala had an electrifying impact on Mahatma Gandhi who was attracted to her
courage and brilliance. Shei organized the first women’s organization, the
Bharat Stree Mahamandal which would bring women of all creed class and party
together. Her autobiography weaves together the modern history of Bengal and of
India.
Sikata Banerjee is
associate professor, Department of Women’s Studies, University of Victoria,
British Columbia.
Enquiries: 16 Southern Ave, Calcutta 700026 tel:033 2466 0812/ 033 6519 5737
email streesamya.manager@gmail.com website: www.stree-samyabooks.com
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