“History, that is facts, cannot be rewritten”
Moupia Basu, hailing from Pune, holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University and boasts an esteemed career as a journalist with several prominent national publications. Married to an army officer, her extensive travels throughout India have cultivated a profound appreciation for its history, cultural diversity, and rich heritage. Her passion for India’s narrative is deeply rooted in childhood memories of stories recounting the nation’s struggle for independence, shared by her parents. An accomplished author, Moupia Basu has already penned three books, each contributing uniquely to the vast tapestry of Indian literature, with a fourth eagerly anticipated.
In an exclusive dialogue with A. Radhakrishnan, she delves into her inspirations, challenges, and the evolving landscape of her literary journey.
Can you briefly tell us about yourself?
I grew up in Delhi where I completed my education. I worked as a journalist with some of the leading publications in the country such as The Times of India, The Economic Times, Business Today and The Indian Express. I also worked with Afaqs!, a leading marketing and advertising portal for a while.
Having married an Indian Army officer, I had the opportunity to travel across India. During these travels, I discovered some wonderful places and was fascinated with the immense physical, political, religious, architectural and cultural diversity of our country.
My interest in history was rekindled and my romance with the past began. And, with that started my writing journey with the objective to bring to the fore our chequered and multi-layered past through the story-telling format.
Are you a historian?
No, I’m not. Though I have done my Masters in English Literature, I was always interested in history, especially Indian history.
How many books have you authored? Give gist of each.
My first book is KHOKA, published by The National Book Trust of India, which is a collection of short stories set during India of the 1930s-40s, a time when both the country and the world were grappling with their respective battles for freedom.
Though the book is targeted at young adults, I feel it is relevant to everyone. It is the story of Khoka, a young boy, who having lost his father at the age of three is tossed amongst his relatives, stretching from the plains of Bangladesh to the plateau of erstwhile undivided Bihar.
Khoka’s life is a merry-go-round of adventures and there is a constant supply of excitement. It is these incidents which fill up the chapters as stories told by a mother to her son Prahlad, at a different time, in a different place.
My second book is The Queen’s Last Salute. It is a historical fiction set in the backdrop of India’s first war of Independence in 1857, popularly known as the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. It is the story of Rani Lakshmibai, the Queen of Jhansi and her close companion and comrade-in-arms Chandraki. It is about a lesser known political and military event that was overshadowed by the larger sequence of events at the time.
It is also a story of female heroism and of those unknown women freedom fighters who laid down their lives for India’s struggle for freedom. It is about the geopolitics of Bundelkhand with Jhansi and its neighbouring kingdom of Orchha being the main players.
My third book is Anarkali and Salim – A retelling of Mughal-e-Azam. It is a fictionalised version of the epic love story of Mughal prince Salim and the courtesan Anarkali with some twists and turns.
Both the 2nd and 3rd books were published by Juggernaut Books.
Are there any more in the pipeline?
Yes, my forthcoming fourth book is about one of the glorious kingdoms of southern India and the controversy surrounding the birth of its capital city. That’s all I can mention as of now.
What ethical dilemmas do you face writing about history?
History has been and will always be interpreted in different ways. I won’t call it an ethical dilemma, but yes, there is always a POV which can be different from the accepted views. As far as ideology is concerned, I try not to tamper with certain beliefs and convictions and try and present facts as they are, leaving it to my readers to arrive at their respective conclusions. I do not mess with or distort facts.
How have the Marxist ideologues usurped Indian History?
I do not think it has. It may have been in certain areas of history and briefly and those are usually about events that actually happened. Indian history is coming of age and we can see both historians as well as lovers of history present their ideologues. As long as that is allowed, history cannot be usurped by any particular ideologue.
Has it to be rewritten?
History, that is facts, cannot be rewritten. But different interpretations can be offered which is often the case. Vested interests with their own agendas have often distorted history over the ages with the result that histories at different times, under different regimes have been presented differently. But, the facts have to be correct and we cannot wipe off or add events and incidents that align with different ideologies.
Will you venture into any other genre of writing?
Haven’t thought about it, but I’m not closed to the idea. But whatever it is, a historical backdrop may be present to a certain extent. I would also love to write a novel set in modern times.
What kind of research do you do before writing a book? How many hours a day do you write?
Oh, there’s loads of research and it’s not just before but is a continuing process even while I’m writing the book.
Research is at multiple levels –oral history references, cultural representations, books and manuscripts, periodicals, and contemporary sources that include biographies, documented reports of travellers as well as commissioned projects, transcripts of my conversations with intellectuals, scholars, journalists, heritage enthusiasts and old families who reside in that region. I also visit museums and monuments, examine paintings and read poetry.
My hours are not fixed. Some days it can be long continuous hours, at other times; days may pass before I write anything. I’m not a very disciplined writer. But mostly, I write spontaneously and do not always decide what to write beforehand.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
There is no fixed time limit. It can take between six months to years. There are different stages in writing a book. Besides, writing the first draft is always easy but the edits can take a long time. My first book was written over ten years. My second book was written over 7-8 years with huge gaps. The third book took a year etc.
Does writing energise or exhaust you?
It definitely energises me. It is a creative process; so I enjoy every moment of it. The research can be exhausting at times.
What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
Several. I visited almost all the regions and places that my books covered. Without visiting those places, I can’t write honestly. I have to feel the earth under my feet, absorb the sights and sounds and transport myself to a bygone era. Unless I feel for that period or that place I cannot visualise it and identify it.
What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?
I will not comment on that.
What is your writing kryptonite?
Lethargy at times. On a couple of rare occasions, I have had a writer’s block, which happened in the case of Anarkali and Salim. Since the story was not original, in the sense not mine, it took me time to believe in it and then adapt it or change certain things in the original story. For instance, my Anarkali, unlike what has been portrayed in the film, is a Persian. Also, I get stuck with some piece of information which is not readily available.
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I became more disciplined and careful with my writing. Each book is a different journey.
What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
I felt nothing so serious. But yes, when I watch or hear of people who have read my book and discuss it, it feels good. I loved writing from childhood and I enjoyed creating stories and characters.
I try to be as responsible a writer as possible. After all, I have to own what I write and there’s a sense of responsibility and accountability.
Is writing a kind of spiritual practice?
It depends entirely on the writer him/herself. As for me, I can’t define it in any particular way. I know that I enjoy the process of writing.
How do you deal with book reviews, good and bad?
I accept both. If the review is uncomplimentary, I try to improve in those areas. Good reviews always uplift my spirits.
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
When I’m expected to take a political stand. It interferes with my creativity and honesty.
How much has your family supported you?
Tremendously
What advice do you have for writers?
Just write what you feel, be honest to yourself.
Communication details:
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A.Radhakrishnan is a Pune based freelance journalist, poet and short story writer.