The Chieftain's Daughter  (English, Paperback, Chattopadhya Bankim Chandra)

Durgeshnandini is a story about the love triangle between Jagat Singh, a Mughal general; Tilotamma, the daughter of a Bengali feudal lord and Ayesha, the daughter of a rebel Pathan leader against whom Jagat Singh had fought. The story is set in the time of the Pathan-Mughal conflicts that took place in the state of Pachimbanga (West Bengal) during the reign of Akbar.

Summary of the Book

Jagat Singh, a General of the Mughal army met Tilottama, daughter of Birendra Singha who is a feudal lord of south-western Bengal in Mandaran. During the preparation of their marriage ceremony, Katlu Khan, a rebel Pathan leader attacked Mandaran. Birendra Singh dies in the attack, and Jagat Singh is sent to prison with Tilottama and Birendra Singh’s widow, Bimala. Tilottama faces the wrath of Katlu Khan’s lust, but his daughter Ayesha comes to her rescue. In the meantime, Ayesha also falls in love with Jagat Singh. When the three are let free, Ayesha’s jealous lover, Osman, challenges Jagat to a duel and loses to him. Will Ayesha get the chance to be with the man she loves, or will she have to give up hope?

About Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was a Bengali writer, poet and journalist. He was the one to compose India’s national song Vande Mataram. He has written 13 novels and many serious, serio-comic, satirical, scientific and critical treaties in Bengali. His works were translated to other regional languages, including English. He is popularly regarded as a key figure in literary renaissance of Bengal and in India.