Anandamath

Chapter II

At that time the East India Company owned many silk factories. At Shivagram there was a factory of this kind. Mr. Dannyworth was the factor or head of that factory. During those days there were good arrangements for the protection of these factories. Thus it was that Mr. Dannyworth could somehow save his life. But he had been forced to send his wife and daughters to Calcutta and himself had suffered from the depredations of the Santans. Captain Thomas with some three or four bands of soldiers had come and was staying in that district. Now seeing the enthusiasm of the Santans some ruffians belonging to some of the lowest castes such as Hari, Dome, Bagdi, Buno were encouraged to rob others. They attacked the food convoy of Captain Thomas. Seeing the cart-loads of good flour, clarified butter, rice and fowls which were going for the troops of Captain Thomas, they could not control their greed. They attacked the carts but a few blows from the butt ends of the guns in the hands of Captain Thomas’s soldiers made them return. At once Captain Thomas sent the report, “To-day with 157 soldiers 14730 rebels had been defeated. Of the rebels 2153 had died, 1223 wounded and seven were taken prisoners.” Only the last item was true. Captain Thomas thinking himself the victor of a second battle of Blenheim of Rossbach twirling his mustaches and stroking his beard fearlessly went from place to place and advised Mr. Dannyworth, that, as the rebellion had been quelled, he could bring his wife and children from Calcutta. Mr. Dannyworth said, “I shall do so, only stay here ten days and let the place be a little quieter.” In the house of Mr. Dannyworth there were good fowls and sheep reared for food. There was too plenty of good cheese. Many wild game birds were served at his table. His bearded cook was a second Draupadi in cooking. Thus it was that without any objections Captain Thomas went on living at his home.

On the other hand Bhavananda was fretting with impatience. He was thinking as to when he could cut the head of this Captain Thomas and gain the title of a second Sambarari. At that time the Santans did not realise that the British had come for the salvation of India. How could they understand this? Even the Englishmen who were the contemporaries of Captain Thomas did not know this. This thought was only in the mind of God. Bhavananda was thinking — One day I shall destroy this brood of Asuras. Let them gather together. Let them be a little careless, let us now remain at a little distance. So they kept at some distance. Captain Thomas untroubled by the Santans who were like thorns at his side was able to put his full attention to the virtues of Mr. Dannyworth’s excellent cook.

The Captain was very fond of hunting. Sometimes in the forest near Shivagram he would go to hunt. One day along with Mr. Dannyworth riding on horseback, and taking with him some hunters Captain Thomas went out for hunting. To tell the truth, Captain Thomas was extremely courageous. In strength and prowess even among Englishmen he was unequalled. The depth of that forest teemed with tigers, bears and wild buffaloes. After advancing some distance the hunters refused to go further. They said, “There is no road to go further, we cannot go.” Mr. Dannyworth also had once escaped from such a terrible tiger in that forest that he too was unwilling to go. All of them wished to return. Captain Thomas replied. “You may go back. I shall not.” Thus saying the Captain entered the depths of the forest.

Really in that forest there was no pathway. His horse could not enter. But Captain Thomas, leaving his horse behind with his gun on his shoulder alone entered the forest. Having entered the forest he searched on all sides for tigers but could see none. What he saw was that at the foot of a great tree surrounded by flowering creepers some one was seated. A young Sannyasin with his beauty seemed to light the forest. It seemed that the flowers in full bloom touching that heavenly body had increased in sweet odour. Captain Thomas was astonished. Immediately afterwards he became very angry. Captain Thomas knew the language of the country well. He asked. “Who are you?”

The Sannyasin replied: “I am a Sannyasin.”

The Captain asked: “You are a rebel?”

Sannyasin: “What is that?”

Captain: “I shall shoot you.”

Sannyasin: “Shoot away.”

The Captain was hesitating if he should shoot or not. Immediately at lightening speed the young Sannyasin fell upon him and snatched the gun from his hand. He then threw off the deerskin hiding his bosom. He pulled off his matted locks. Captain Thomas saw a wonderfully beautiful woman. Laughingly the woman said; “Sahib, I am a woman. I do not hurt any one. I only ask you one question — the Hindus and Mussulmans are fighting, why do you intervene? Return home.”

Captain Thomas: Who are you?

Santi: You see I am a Sannyasini. I am the wife of one of those with whom you have come to fight.

Captain Thomas: Will you stay in my house?

Santi: How? As your mistress?

Captain Thomas: You can stay as my wife but there will be no marriage.

Santi: I too have a request to make. In our house there was tame monkey. Recently the monkey has died. The cage is empty. I shall put a chain about your waist. Will you stay in that cage? There are very good bananas in our garden.

Captain Thomas: You are a very spirited woman, I am pleased with your courage. Come to my home. Your husband will die in the fight. Then what will happen to you?

Santi: Then let both of us make an agreement. The fight will take place in three or four days. If you win I shall remain as your mistress. I agree to that in case you are still alive. And if we win, you will come to our cage and dress up as a monkey and eat bananas, will you not?

Captain Thomas: Bananas taste very nice. Have you some now?

Santi: Take your gun. It is not possible to talk to such a barbarian.

Santi threw down the gun and went away laughing.