Beyond Recorded History

This compilation of essays endeavours to look beyond documented history to reveal the facets which have been remained ignored by mainstream historians and literatteurs of the time. The authors focus on the collective memory, which has remained alive in folk songs, country music, rural arts and local literature, interpreting the events of 1857 based on the history of the common man rather than the heroes of that period. Exploring the roles played by the farmers, labourers, dalits, women, even prostitutes, the authors explain that the 1857 revolution was not only a peasant movement or sepoysmutiny triggered by hurt religious sentiments, but also a janandolan(uprising of the common people) and all walks of society participated in it. Amrit Lal Nagar, the famous Hindi storywriter, brings out the local folklore of people of Awadh which was the torchbearer of the revolution. Ranjitbaba, Jhalkaribai, Matadin, Avantibai, Uda Devi, Mahaviri Devi, and others, all coming from marginalized society played a prominent role in leading the revolution though they do not find a mention in history books or mainstream literature.

Narrating the story of the famous battle between Raja Mardansingh of Banpur and General Heuroes, folk poet Daduram brings out the grief and sorrow of the common people who were forcibly evicted from their homes.