Hartly House, Calcutta: Phebe Gibbes

Hartly House, Calcutta (1789) is a political novel by Phebe Gibbess that portrays the Anglo-Indian encounter as characterized by intellectual sympathy and racial tolerance. It challenges the perception of India as a devious beneficiary of parasitic priestcraft and presents a sympathetic and tolerant view of the country.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 272 pages
\n Publication date: 13 February 2019
\n Publisher: Manchester University Press
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This novel, written during the Hastings impeachment and set in the era of Hastings' Orientalist government, presents a captivating portrayal of the Anglo-Indian encounter. Hartly House, Calcutta (1789) stands as a powerful testament to the complexities of the time. By showcasing an atmosphere of intellectual sympathy and racial tolerance, the novel makes a significant contribution to the ongoing debate surrounding Hastings' rule in India.

In the early decades, the Evangelical and Anglicising lobbies often portrayed Brahmans as cunning beneficiaries of a parasitic priestcraft. However, Phebe Gibbess portrayal of Sophia's Brahman and the religion he espouses presents a nuanced and dignified view of India. Through her portrayal, Gibbess seeks to dispel prejudices and shed light on the complexities of Indian society.

Hartly House, Calcutta, serves as a window into the social and political dynamics of the time. The novel explores the interactions between British colonizers and Indian subjects, highlighting the power dynamics and cultural clashes that shaped the colonial era. It sheds light on the struggles and aspirations of the Indian people, as well as the complexities of their relationship with the British Empire.

The novel also delves into the personal lives of its characters, exploring their motivations, desires, and conflicts. Sophia, the protagonist, is a complex character who navigates the challenges of her social status and cultural identity. Her journey of self-discovery and self-expression is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

Overall, Hartly House, Calcutta is a remarkable work of literature that offers a profound insight into the complexities of the Anglo-Indian encounter. Through its vivid portrayal of the time, its exploration of social and political themes, and its portrayal of the human spirit, the novel remains a valuable contribution to the study of colonialism and the history of India.

\n Weight: 348g\n
Dimension: 141 x 216 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526134370\n
Edition number: 2 ed\n