The Siege of Krishnapur

J.G. Farrell wrote and published The Siege of Krishnapur in 1973. Set during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, aka the Sepoy Mutiny, the story depicts the harrowing experiences of British residents. They find themselves trapped in the fictional town of Krishnapur, located in British India.

The novel begins with British residents of Krishnapur living an idyllic life, protected from the realities of the Indian rebellion. However, as the rebellion gains momentum, the town becomes besieged by rebel forces, cutting off any means of escape.

As the siege of Krishnapur progresses, the British residents face numerous challenges. They face scarcity of food and supplies, disease, and constant attacks by the rebels. The novel explores the psychological and physical toll that the siege takes on the inhabitants. The holdouts grapple with fear, desperation, and the erosion of their imperial ideals.

Through the cast of characters, including the thoughtful and pragmatic Collector, the odd Padre, and the Doctor, the novel examines the clash of cultures and ideologies. The British residents struggle to maintain their sense of superiority and control in the face of a rebellion. Their imperialist assumptions about order, civilization, and the inherent value of human life suddenly seem undercut by reality.

The Siege of Krishnapur is a darkly humorous satire. The novel critiques the arrogance and delusions of the British Empire. It explores themes of imperialism, colonialism, and the human capacity for strength and adaptation in extreme circumstances.