Nistarini Debi:Autobiography of a 'Kulin' Bride|Ardhek Akash

Nistarini Debi born in 1832 was married at 10 to a polygamous man and widowed at 14. She had never been to her husband's house and met him only thrice in her entire life. We are not only moved by her tragic story but get a glimpse of 19th century Bengal society where caste system imposed harsh restrictions and women especially became hapless victims of this unjust system. The unlettered 'kulin' woman narrated her life story to her nephew towards the end of her life. Her father worked for Major Sleeman, best known for his suppression of thugees. Her entire life was one of utter neglect and poverty. She thought of herself as a maid who contributed with her labour wherever she lived. Her story was published serially in the Bengali periodical Bharatbarsha in 1913.

Research/Presentation/Voiceover:Sudeshna Basu
Camera/Editing:Sreejita Mukherjee
Background Music Courtesy:Rajrupa Choudhury
Darbar Festival

#19thcentury #nineteenthcenturybengal #bengaliwomen #kulin #childmarriages #widow #casteissue #unknownfacts