Overview:
This novel, set in 1906, follows the journey of Rosemary McClean, the daughter of a Christian missionary, as she navigates the complex political landscape of India. Her father, Duncan McClean, is dedicated to promoting peace and fighting against injustices like suttee, the practice of widow burning. Their mission in Howrah City places them in the midst of simmering tensions, as the Maharajah’s power wanes and his brother, Jaimihr, plots to seize the throne.
Jaimihr is a dangerous and ambitious character, willing to use violence and manipulation to achieve his goals. He desires the throne and the legendary Howrah treasure, and his advances towards Rosemary make her a pawn in his political game. Mahommed Gunga, a loyal Rajput soldier, acts as a protector for the McCleans and provides crucial insights into the political machinations of the time. He helps Rosemary and her father escape Howrah City and connects them with Alwa, a Rajput clan chief who holds a strategically important fortress.
Key findings:
- The novel provides a fascinating glimpse into the intricate power dynamics of pre-independence India, revealing the complex relationships between the British Raj, the native princes, and religious leaders.
- The text highlights the deep social divisions within India, particularly between Hindus and Muslims, and the way in which these tensions are exploited by ambitious individuals.
- The story explores the impact of British rule on Indian society and the consequences of attempts to impose Western values and beliefs on a deeply traditional culture.
Learning:
- The Role of Religion in Politics: The novel vividly depicts the intertwined nature of politics and religion in pre-independence India. The priests of Siva wield considerable power through their influence over the Maharajah and their control over the vast Howrah treasure. Their manipulation of religious beliefs fuels unrest and contributes to the outbreak of the rebellion.
- The Complexities of Loyalty: The novel showcases the complexities of loyalty in a multi-cultural and politically volatile society. Characters like Mahommed Gunga and Alwa struggle with their personal loyalties amidst a shifting political landscape. Their decisions reflect a deep sense of honor and responsibility, but are also shaped by their own interests and the ever-present threat of violence.
- The Nature of Rebellion: The novel explores the roots of the Sepoy Rebellion, highlighting the role of religious tensions, British policies, and the ambitions of individual leaders. The story demonstrates how a combination of factors can fuel widespread discontent and lead to an uprising against colonial rule.
Historical context:
The novel is set in the period leading up to the Sepoy Rebellion of 1857, a pivotal event in Indian history. This period was marked by increasing tensions between the British Raj and the native population. The introduction of new Enfield rifles with cartridges greased with animal fat—deemed offensive to both Hindus and Muslims—served as a catalyst for the rebellion. The novel captures the atmosphere of unrest and the growing sentiment against British rule.
Facts:
- Suttee: This ancient Hindu practice of widow burning on her husband’s funeral pyre was outlawed by the British in 1829. Despite the ban, it continued in some parts of India, particularly in princely states.
- The Howrah Treasure: The novel highlights the legendary wealth of the Maharajah of Howrah, amassed over centuries through taxation and plunder.
- The Rangars: This group, consisting of Muslims who were originally Hindu converts, played a significant role in Indian politics and military affairs. Their loyalty was often sought after by both the British and the native rulers.
- The Sepoy Rebellion: The Sepoy Rebellion of 1857 was a major uprising against British rule, sparked by the controversial greased cartridges and fueled by resentment towards British policies and cultural interference.
- The Maharajah of Howrah: The novel depicts him as a weak and indecisive ruler, heavily influenced by the priests of Siva.
- The British Raj: The British East India Company established its dominance over large parts of India, eventually leading to the establishment of the British Raj.
- The Grand Trunk Road: This ancient road, connecting Calcutta to Peshawar, played a crucial role in trade, communication, and military movements.
- The Dak Bungalow: A type of rest house or travelers’ inn common in colonial India.
- Zemindary Laws: Introduced by the British to regulate landownership, these laws transferred control of land from landlords to tenant farmers, leading to resentment among the Rajput elite.
- The British Army: The British Army in India was a major force in maintaining control over the subcontinent, but it relied heavily on native regiments known as sepoys.
- The Frontier Tribes: The tribes living along the North-West Frontier, known for their fierce independence and rebellious tendencies, posed a constant threat to British rule.
- Fort William: A major military garrison located in Calcutta.
- The Indian Hot Weather: The intense heat of the Indian summer is a recurring theme throughout the novel, highlighting the challenging conditions faced by both Europeans and natives.
- The Indian Plagues: The novel refers to various diseases common in India, such as malaria and dysentery, which were a significant threat to the health of Europeans.
- The Sikh Religion: Sikhism, a monotheistic religion originating in the Punjab, is represented by the character Jaidev Singh.
- The Ghoorkas: The Ghoorkas are a people from Nepal known for their bravery and military prowess, and their soldiers played a significant role in the British Army.
- The British East India Company: This powerful company controlled large parts of India for centuries, playing a major role in British colonization and exerting significant political and economic influence.
- The Mogul Empire: The novel references the Mogul Empire, which ruled over India for centuries before being supplanted by the British.
- The City of Delhi: The capital of the Mogul Empire, Delhi held great historical and political significance for the Indian people.
Statistics:
- 100 years: The prophecy circulating amongst Indians states that the British will rule India for 100 years, with 1857 marking the final year.
- Five thousand men: The Maharajah of Howrah has an army of five thousand men, underscoring the extent of his power.
- Two thousand: The number of men Alwa is able to raise when Cunningham demands his assistance.
- 1500: The size of the Rangar contingent that joins Cunningham in his fight against the rebellion.
- Two regiments: The number of British regiments that are under Byng’s command as he fights the Sepoy Rebellion.
- Ten thousand: The number of men Jaimihr claims he can muster to fight alongside the British.
- Two thousand: The number of men Byng-bahadur commands in his fight against the rebellion.
- 1857: The year in which the Sepoy Rebellion breaks out.
Terms:
- Sepoy: A native soldier in the British Army in India.
- Suttee: The practice of widow burning in Hinduism.
- Maharajah: The king of a princely state in India.
- Maharanee: The queen of a princely state in India.
- Risaldar: An officer in a regiment of cavalry, often a native officer in the British Army.
- Zemindary: The system of landownership in India, where landlords owned and leased land to tenant farmers.
- Ryot: A tenant farmer in India.
- Sahib: A respectful term for a European man in India.
- Sahiba: A respectful term for a European woman in India.
- Purdah: The practice of veiling and seclusion for women in some parts of India.
Examples:
- The Murder of the Maharati Trader: The murder of a Maharati trader at the beginning of the novel highlights the widespread violence and social unrest in Howrah City.
- Jaimihr’s plot to seize the throne: The novel showcases his cunning and ambition as he manipulates people and events to his advantage.
- Mahommed Gunga’s Loyalty: The Rajput soldier’s unwavering loyalty to Cunningham’s father and his deep sense of duty are displayed throughout the story.
- The Burning of Jaimihr’s Palace: This act of sabotage underscores the political turmoil and the fierce competition for power in India.
- The Confrontation at Alwa’s Fortress: The clash between Alwa and Jaimihr’s forces, marked by a daring raid, demonstrates the strategic importance of Alwa’s stronghold.
- The Battle of Deeseera: Byng-bahadur’s fight against the rebels at Deeseera highlights the bravery of British officers and the resilience of the British Army in the face of a rebellion.
- The Rescue at Howrah City: The dramatic rescue of Rosemary McClean and her father from the clutches of Jaimihr showcases the resourcefulness and daring of Cunningham and his forces.
- The Seizing of the Howrah Treasure: The discovery and capture of the treasure, a significant turning point in the story, highlights the importance of this legendary wealth in the struggle for power.
- The Treaty with the Maharajah of Howrah: The negotiation between Cunningham and the Maharajah demonstrates the intricate and sometimes paradoxical nature of British rule in India.
- Joanna’s role as a Spy: Joanna, the old woman, acts as a vital source of information and proves to be a cunning and resourceful operative.
Conclusion:
“Rung Ho! A Novel” offers a thrilling glimpse into the chaotic and volatile landscape of 1906 India, just as the Sepoy Rebellion is erupting. The story weaves together political intrigue, personal conflict, and a quest for peace in a world where power, ambition, and betrayal dominate. Through the courage and determination of Rosemary McClean and the unwavering loyalty of Mahommed Gunga and Alwa, the novel reveals the complexities of loyalty, the power of individual action, and the enduring struggle for a peaceful and just future for India.
This exciting narrative, packed with adventure and suspense, provides a unique perspective on the events leading up to the Sepoy Rebellion, reminding us of the crucial role played by individuals and their choices in shaping the course of history.