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Acushla
Sudhira Bhagat was born in 1911 into a well-placed, wealthy and learned family where art was given a lot of importance. She was brought up in an environment where both Indian as well as Western cultures left an impressionable mark. Having studied in London and spent a few years with her husband in England, she took a liking to both traditions. She draws from her personal experiences to recount the experiences of the protagonist, Princess Gita, in this book. Acushla, which means greatcoat, is a special endearment in Gaelic. She went through similar tussles when it came to alleging loyalty to the Indian and British sides in pre-independent India. Written at the age of 83, this is her first and last book, which was completed by her daughter Shanti Varma after the former was diagnosed with cancer. The story revolves around Princess Gita who is born and brought up in a very contemporary manner. Her westernised outlook and an innate sense of Indian traditions make her a prized catch for any bachelor. Her marriage to Jitendra leaves many green with envy and the groom also basks in having received such a wonderful companion. Their friendship with Anna and John on board a ship goes way beyond mere holiday friendships. How their lives continue to intermingle and the undercurrent of feelings that seem to develop as a result of this closeness keep the reader engrossed. At a time when society was rapidly changing and what is considered appropriate behaviour was no more clearly defined, a Princess who has been brought up in a very proper way, struggles to find her foothold in a place that is alien to her. Though Gita gradually warms up to the changing attitudes, her struggle to be a part of fighting for India’s Independence and at the same time not do anything morally and ethically incorrect put her in a dilemma. She is truly Indian at heart, but her heart belongs to someone who is not. Her parents display their true grit when they are faced with bad times and turn the tide to make the best of their situation. She herself displays unmatched grace even in the most dire of straits. The author portrays the ups and downs in the life of Princess Gita very sensitively and beautifully. It is almost as if she empathises with her. The plot of an enigmatic Princess falling in love with a much-loathed Englishman captivates the reader. Gitanever-say-die attitude makes one fall in love with her. Her quick wit and poise shows her true blue blood. The subtle envy the Jitendra shows after just a few meetings with John and Gita’s clever repartees set the tone of the novel.
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LOVE
speaks a universal language; it knows no bounds. Cultural, societal,
moral or religious constraints hold no value for it. A love story never
fails to tug at the heartstrings of its readers. When it is set in a
background of turbulence and strife, it brings out the melodrama, with
all its force, to the fore. Royalty intrigues and has captured the
imagination of one and all for centuries. A glimpse into their private
world leaves you wanting for more.