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| Sunday, 12 January 2003 |
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A collector's edition for history lovers by Carol Aloysius
Indian history like that of Sri Lanka, is steeped in tradition, legend, mystery. Now, a book by a British author attempts to recapture that aura of mystery and also remind readers of a bygone era of imperial opulence. It was written at a time when many of the Indian states were ruled by princes, sultans and Nizams who held court in their magnificent palaces and left behind them a host of splendid monuments that have undoubtedly enriched the cultural heritage of India. `Scenery, Costumes and Architecture chiefly on the Western side of India,' was written by Capt. Robert Melville Grindlay, an officer of the British regiment stationed in India at the time. It was first published in 1830 by Smith, Elder & Co Cornhill. Sarathi Ltd, which has in recent years reprinted several rare fascinating books that had long gone out of print, has once more decided to give Collectors another such rare book, with its recent edition of Capt Grindlay's publication reprinted after a lapse of nearly 175 years. What makes this book so readable is the highly effective technique used by the author to re-create India's glorious past. By combining visuals with the written word he appeals to both the senses and the intellect of the reader. Thus every sketch whether it is of a palace, a tomb, a town or people, is accompanied by a magnificent painting, or engraving which is explained in detail in the historical account on the opposite side of the painting. Interestingly many of the artists as well as the writers are, like the author, important members from the British regiment. That they have been chosen selectively and with deliberate intention is revealed by the author who admits in his foreword, that, "in availing of the talents and information of these distinguished individuals, the author hopes to have stamped the work with a character of authenticity and historical interest which its own merits could never have claimed". Predictably, the book opens with a building that most of the writers who have contributed their efforts to creating this book know best: The British Residency at Hyderabad. The artist, is the author Capt. Grindlay who is also responsible for many of the other sketches and paintings in the book. Drawn on the spot by the artist, we are told in the explanatory historical account accompanying it, that the imposing structure was once the site of a villa belonging to a favourite follower of the late Nizam of Hyderabad in 1813, The painting has been etched by J. Willis and engraved by R.G. Reeve. The painting depicts the impressive building rising from the banks of the river, its north front adorned with a spacious Corinthian portico of six columns.From the stately British Residency in Hyderabad, our focus now shifts to Gujerat, where the Tomb of the Vizier of Sultan Mehmood is one of its most outstanding landmarks. Set in a sombre background of grey and brown, the tomb which stands in a beautiful grove of mango trees on the banks of a river, is indeed a fine piece of architecture and sculpture. The total effect of this stone edifice is one of tranquillity and serenity. Two other paintings that reveals a different kind of architectural skill dating back to India's ancient past, are of the Great Cave Temple of Elephanta near Bombay. Here, he artist W. Westall A.R.A. who we are told sketched this scene on the spot in 1803, re-creates with great clarity the most outstanding feature of this cave - the gigantic bust of a three headed god, which probably represents the Hindu Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. "The figure that faces the principal entrance is the most remarkable in this excavation and has given rise to numberless conjectures and theories...", he writes. Of further interest to the reader are the people and costumes worn by them during that bygone era. We see men in verti, dhoti, bare bodied, fully clothed, their feet unshod or else in sandals, women in saree carrying pots on their heads, weary travellers and their escorts (camels), all of them going about their normal business or engaged in their usual recreational enjoyment. One of the most interesting scenes for Lankan readers is the artist's view of the Island of Ceylon. Drawn by Copley Fielding, the island of Ceylon is viewed from the residence of Sir Alexander Johnstone, who is described as the " Late President of His Majesty's Council in that Island in 1811". The view we see, is" from the back verandah of the house set upon a narrow rather elevated piece of land through which ....is within two or three hundred yards of a very broad part of the Lake of Colombo and the great cinnamon gardens called Maradahn...". Readers taking a close look at this beautiful serene painting in pastel shades, can see the Beira Lake flanked by trees that typically grow on the island; coconut, kitul, tali pot, bread fruit, and the devi caderu which the Portuguese named as the ' forbidden fruit' because of its poisonous fruit. Adam's Peak is seen in the extreme distance . The detailed explanatory accountaccompanying it also traces the history of Ceylon, the religious customs and habits of the people, and the political administration of the island. Here, the author throws in some little known historical snippets for the benefit of the reader. For example we learn that, "it was on this spot that Sir Johnston, after much communications with the proprietors of slaves, received in 1810 their unanimous resolution...... to declare free all children born of slaves after the 12th of August 1810". Printed on elegant paper with a beautifully illustrated cover page, this unique reprint which combines history and legend, evokes not only India's glorious past but Sri Lanka's rich heritage as well. Each of the colour sketches in the book serve as a gem of information, while their accompanying historical notes offer readers a mine of invaluable and hard- to- find information. Fascinating, absorbing and extremely readable, this special Collector's edition is a Must for all lovers of history. Sarathi Ltd should be commended for their efforts in bringing this book to modern day readers in its original form. Limited editions of this rare book, just released, are now available at the Lake House Book shop at Hyde park Corner, Colombo 2 and priced at Rs 4,000 a copy. |
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