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4.33 AVERAGE
4.33 AVERAGE
Retelling of the infamous 'Sanyasi Raja' case of pre-partition Bengal. Simply this is the story of the middle Bhawal Prince. Bhawal was one of the biggest zamindari s of those times. Steeped deep in opulence, grandeur and show casing, the generation of Rani Bilasmoni s sons were given free reigns of their lives - resulting in a threesome of brothers who were more into the pleasures of life then administration. Although married at right ages, all of them were childless and didnot have very charming relationship with their wives.
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The Mejo Kumar - Ramendranarayan Roy was known for his ways with women of all sorts and even kept his mistress in the palace even after marriage. He was however as known a great connoisseur of entertainment forms, hunting and very generous and friendly with his subjects.
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In 1909 after a severe bout of diagnosed syphilis he was sent on weather change to Darjeeling for health improvement. His wife, Mejo rani Bibhabhavati, brother-in-law Satyendranath Banerjee and doctor Ashustosh Dasgupta accompanied him. Later in a mysterious turn of events, the Rajbari was informed that mejo kumar had died and cremated the same night. In spite of unclear facts and several rumours the last rites were performed and following this event the two other brothers too died and the land fell into the hands of the british.
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More than a decade later a mendicant appeared at Jaidevpur, Bhawal, who bore unlikely similarity to the middle prince. Investigations, rumours and probings later, the sadhu finally discloses his identity to his living sisters and the entire state is then thrown into the controversy of his death and reappearance.
This later transforms into one of the most long drawn and well attended court cases ever known.
.
I have seen a couple of film versions of this story but on reading it, especially the way its written here - from character s point of view except that of the man who caused it all. Each incident broken down, the childhood, the marriage, the darjeeling events and then the return followed by court proceedings and finally the second mejo rani Dhara Devi is so well articulated.
.
.
The Mejo Kumar - Ramendranarayan Roy was known for his ways with women of all sorts and even kept his mistress in the palace even after marriage. He was however as known a great connoisseur of entertainment forms, hunting and very generous and friendly with his subjects.
.
In 1909 after a severe bout of diagnosed syphilis he was sent on weather change to Darjeeling for health improvement. His wife, Mejo rani Bibhabhavati, brother-in-law Satyendranath Banerjee and doctor Ashustosh Dasgupta accompanied him. Later in a mysterious turn of events, the Rajbari was informed that mejo kumar had died and cremated the same night. In spite of unclear facts and several rumours the last rites were performed and following this event the two other brothers too died and the land fell into the hands of the british.
.
More than a decade later a mendicant appeared at Jaidevpur, Bhawal, who bore unlikely similarity to the middle prince. Investigations, rumours and probings later, the sadhu finally discloses his identity to his living sisters and the entire state is then thrown into the controversy of his death and reappearance.
This later transforms into one of the most long drawn and well attended court cases ever known.
.
I have seen a couple of film versions of this story but on reading it, especially the way its written here - from character s point of view except that of the man who caused it all. Each incident broken down, the childhood, the marriage, the darjeeling events and then the return followed by court proceedings and finally the second mejo rani Dhara Devi is so well articulated.
.
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes