History as a genre has forever appealed to all creators of content – be it filmmakers or authors. A recent addition to the ever growing and impressive list is the supremely engaging historical fiction – The Raja Of Jongol Badi: A Tale Of Love & Rebllion by debuting author Bhaskar Som, an IIT Madras & IIM Clacutta alumnus who heads Fitch Solution’s advisory business in India, with over twenty-five years of cross-sector experience in corporate advisory, strategy formulation, project advisory, risk modelling, data analytics and artificial intelligence, is a well researched book on a lesser known yet extremely important chapter from Indian history focusing on the legend of Isha Khan and the mighty Baro Bhiyans or 12 Chieftains.
Ask him why he chose the subject and pat comes the reply. “Our family migrated to India from East Bengal during the partition. As a toddler, I grew up hearing my grandfather’s tales of the golden land that was East Bengal (now Bangladesh) and from where he originally hailed. The names like Buri Ganga, Sadarbazaar, Shitalakshya, Ramna Kalibadi, Sonargaon, Goalundo Ghat are therefore etched in my memory from childhood. One particular story that fascinated me was that of the legend of the Sonakanda fort and the romance between Isa Khan, the chief of the Baro Bhuiyans (twelve chieftains) and Sona, the widowed daughter of another chieftain. What intrigued me and seemed an anathema was that Isa – a Muslim – descended from a family of aristocrat Hindus.”
Published by one of the country’s leading publishing houses, Om Books International and represented by one of India’s biggest literary agencies, The Book Bakers, The Raja Of Jongol Badi is a fascinating read that vividly brings history alive through spectacular storytelling and detailed character development.
“Bhaskar’s book masterfully brings to life a forgotten chapter of history, where courage and resistence shaped the destiny of Bengal. A gripping tale of war, love, and betrayal, this novel is a must read for those who cherish stories of valor and resilience,” says Mr. Ajay Mago, Publisher at Om Books International.
Works of history require adequate research and Bhaskar’s experience was no different.
“Over the years, I have been fortunate to extensively travel across India and the world for both work and leisure. These travels have helped me understand and appreciate different cultures and connect with people from diverse backgrounds, making me realize that human development is a story of migration and one’s identity is ever evolving.”
“The moment we took a look at Bhaskar’s submission, we knew this was a story we had to be a part of. The sheer scale and grandeur with which Bhaskar has narrated this epic adventure will capture the imagination of every reader,” a visibly happy Suhail Mathur, CEO & Co-Founder at The Book Bakers Literary Agency said.
Set in medieval Bengal, post the disintegration of the Bengal Sultanate in the mid-16th century, the book narrates the tale of how neighbouring Arakanese and Portuguese pirates frequently invaded and pillaged Bengal, assured in the knowledge that the Mughals and Afghan chieftains were busy infighting. But what they did not know was that to resist the alien invaders, a group of 12 local landlords known as the Baro Bhuiyan, headed by the courageous Isha Khan, aligned their forces to stop the plundering and to protect the wealth of Bengal.
Will the twelve men be able to stand up against two mighty pirate armies? Will they perish in their pursuit or change the course of Bengal’s history forever?
These are some of the key questions this gripping book with an eye catching cover, impeccable research and fabulous characterization tries to effective bring out. A must read!
