Unveiling 1923 India: A Journey Through Personal Accounts
The Nawab and Douglas
Douglas’s granddaughter recounted a conversation with the Nawab. The Nawab congratulated Douglas following an incident where a woman was coerced by her family into self-immolation with her husband’s corpse. Douglas had arrested the deceased woman’s family. The Nawab was present because he was visiting Olivia and stated he wouldn’t leave until Douglas returned home.
March 30th: Inder Lal and Douglas’s Granddaughter
Inder Lal and Douglas’s granddaughter had a discussion. Inder Lal explained that Chid, the man who had spoken to her outside the traveler’s rest house, was ill and agitated. Consequently, Inder Lal wanted to bring him to the house. Douglas’s granddaughter was unenthusiastic, not wanting Chid to live with her. Inder Lal said, “It’s very near,” because Chid had asked if she lived nearby, to which Inder Lal replied affirmatively.
April 10th: Douglas’s Granddaughter on Chid
Douglas’s granddaughter spoke about Chid, the man from the traveler’s rest house. At that time, Chid was taking whatever he pleased, which she disliked. While Indians regarded him as a good man, she was uncertain about Chid’s character.
April 15th: The Husband’s Wedding Day
Douglas’s granddaughter discussed The Husband’s Wedding Day, a festival where visiting a shrine and dreaming of having a baby supposedly meant the dream would come true within nine months. While she enjoyed listening to the women’s stories at the shrine, her own marital status presented a challenge.
“It’s Very Bad” – Mrs. Crawford, Mrs. Minnies, and Olivia
Mrs. Crawford conversed with Mrs. Minnies and Olivia. Mrs. Minnies mentioned that the previous year, 12 people were killed and 75 injured. Mrs. Crawford remarked, “It’s very bad,” criticizing the Nawab’s inaction in controlling the populace. Olivia responded that the Nawab wished to address the problem but was constrained by his Muslim faith.
“My Mother” – Harry and Mrs. Crawford
Harry spoke with Mrs. Crawford. Before this, Mrs. Crawford urged Olivia to join them in the mountains during the hot weather. Harry then mentioned, “My mother,” explaining that she lived alone in a flat and he had been away for three years. The conversation between Harry and Mrs. Crawford continued.
“Thank You” – The Nawab, Douglas, and Olivia
The Nawab addressed Douglas and Olivia, saying, “Thank you.” He explained that he brought Douglas back to Khatm because he had returned to the palace with Harry. Prior to this, the Nawab and Harry evidently had a long, friendly conversation. Afterward, the Nawab mentioned they had a minor issue in Khatm, a recurring annual event.
25A: Douglas’s Granddaughter on Chid, the Beggar
Douglas’s granddaughter described Chid, a beggar, focusing on his appearance while meditating. She had previously expressed her desire for Chid to leave, citing his theft of her money, his uncleanliness, and his ability to anger her.
30A: Douglas’s Granddaughter on Ritu’s Screams
Douglas’s granddaughter mentioned hearing screams from Ritu, Inder Lal’s wife, noting that times were different then. Before this, she had discussed Ritu’s problem with Chid, stating that Ritu needed medical help. Chid replied that a man was coming to make her better.
2M: Departure for the Himalayas
Douglas’s granddaughter explained that Inder Lal’s mother and Ritu were leaving. Maji, a holy woman and family friend, had suggested a pilgrimage to the Himalayas to treat Ritu’s illness. Maji also persuaded Chid to accompany them, knowing Douglas’s granddaughter wanted him gone. Thus, Chid departed with them.
“He Led” – The Nawab and Olivia at the Piano
Douglas’s granddaughter recounted an incident where the Nawab, wanting Olivia to play his piano, showed her its location, leading her through empty rooms. The furniture, equipment, and various games had been ordered from Europe. Olivia began playing, but the piano was in poor condition. She informed the Nawab of a man in Bombay who could repair it.