Zigzag Journeys In India or The antipodes of the far east : A collection of The Zenana Tales
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Overview
Zigzag Journeys in India, or, The Antipodes of the Far East: A Collection of the Zenänä Tales by Hezekiah Butterworth, published in 1887, is a travelogue that offers glimpses into India through the author's encounters and observations. The book presents a collection of stories and sketches from the zenana, the women's quarters in Indian households.
Importance of Book
Historical Documentation: The book provides valuable insights into India during the late 19th century, offering a glimpse into its culture, society, and landscapes.
Cultural Perspective: Written from a Western perspective, the book reflects the attitudes and perceptions of Westerners towards India during that time.
Literary Value: As a travelogue, the book offers an engaging and informative account of the author's experiences in India, providing readers with a sense of adventure and discovery.
Key Themes
Travel and Exploration: The book chronicles the author's journeys through India, providing descriptions of various places and people encountered along the way.
Cultural Encounters: Butterworth shares his experiences and interactions with Indian culture, offering insights into local customs, traditions, and social life.
Zenana Tales: The book includes stories and anecdotes collected from the zenana, providing a unique perspective on the lives of women in India during that time.
Cultural Significance
Provides a Glimpse into 19th-Century India: The book offers a snapshot of India during the late 19th century, capturing the atmosphere, landscapes, and social dynamics of the time.
Presents a Western Perspective: Written from the viewpoint of a Western traveler, the book reflects the perceptions, attitudes, and biases of Westerners towards India and its people.
Offers Insights into Women's Lives: By including tales from the zenana, the book provides glimpses into the lives of women in Indian society, which were often hidden from public view.
Effects on Society
Shaping Western Perceptions: The book could have influenced Western perceptions of India by presenting a particular image of the country and its people to a Western audience.
Promoting Cultural Exchange: By sharing stories and observations about India, the book may have fostered cross-cultural understanding and exchange between the West and India.
Preserving Historical Records: The book serves as a historical record of India during the late 19th century, preserving details about its culture, society, and landscapes for future generations.
Conclusion
Zigzag Journeys in India, or, The Antipodes of the Far East: A Collection of the Zenänä Tales by Hezekiah Butterworth is a travelogue that offers glimpses into India through the author's encounters and observations. The book's cultural significance lies in its portrayal of 19th-century India from a Western perspective and its documentation of stories from the zenana. While its direct impact on Indian society may be challenging to assess, the book contributes to historical records and offers insights into cultural exchange between the West and India.
Title
Zigzag Journeys In India or The antipodes of the far east : A collection of The Zenana Tales
Author
Hezekiah Butterworth
Name of Publisher
Estes and Lauriat Publishers Boston
Publish Date
1887
Subject
This book reflects the 19th-century Western fascination with and curiosity about India, presenting a blend of factual information and imaginative storytelling that aims to both educate and captivate i
Vintage
1801-1900
