The Bankimchandra Omnibus, Volume 1The first volume of this collector's edition brings together five of Bankimchandra's best-known works in English translation. Set in the Bengal of Emperor Jehangir's time, Kapalkundala tells the story of Nabakumar, a young woman named Kapalkundala whom he rescues from a tantric intent on human sacrifice, and the beautiful Lutfunnisa who has sold her heart on marrying him. In Bishabriksha (The Poison Tree), set in Bankimchandra's own time, Nagendra is torn between his devoted wife Suryamukhi and the bewitching young widow Kundanandini. Unable to prioritize either of the women he cares for, Nagendra ends up losing both. Indira is a lighthearted tale of playful intrigues: Upendra does not realize that his wife Indira is now working as a cook in his friend's house, and is given a royal run-around by Indira and Subhasini, her employer. Krishnakanta's Will is a tragedy of lust, infidelity, greed and death revolving around Govindalal, his wife Bhramar, the attractive widow Rohini, and a stolen will. psychologically taut tale; it is the first Indian novel where characters narrate their stories in the first person. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
Amarnath asked beautiful began Bhramar blind boat brahmachari Brahmananda Brahmin Calcutta called Champa clouds cook dark Datta daughter death Devendra door everything eyes face father feet fell flowers garden girl give goddess Govindalal Govindalal's Govindapur hair hand happiness Haralal Haramani Harekrishna Haridasi head hear heard heart Hira Hira's Hiralal husband Kamala Kamalamani Kamini kapalik Kapalkundala Kayastha knew Kolkata Krishnakanta Kunda Kundanandini Labanga Labangalata laughed leave letter live looked Lutfunnissa Madhavinath maidservant marriage marry master Mehrunnissa mind mistress mother Nabakumar Nagendra never night Nisakar once ornaments palanquin poison Rajani Rajchandra Raman Babu Ramsaday replied Rohini rupees Sachindra servants Shrishchandra silent sister smile someone sorrow sound speak spoke stay Subhashini Suryamukhi Taracharan tears tell thought told took trees Upendra Vaishnavi Varuni village voice weeping wept wife woman women words Yamuna young