Krishna Kumari: The Tragedy of India

Krishna Kumari: The Tragedy of India introduces readers to the first English language play in modern India.

Written in 1826 by English Subba Rao, one of the first Indians to be schooled in English, Krishna Kumari depicts the true story of a princess of Udaipur who is forced to commit suicide in order to end a war started by her suitors, the rulers of the neighboring kingdoms of Jaipur and Jodhpur. Tragically, her death proves to be in vain because the mercenaries recruited by the contending rulers nevertheless proceed to plunder the region. All three kingdoms are then compelled to seek the protection of the East India Company, bringing their independence to an end.

Sharp and witty, Krishna Kumari was intended to warn Indian principalities against the follies that led to the downfall of the Rajputs. Unfortunately, the play scarcely saw the light of day. Angered by Subba Rao’s opposition to their power, the British forced him to withdraw from public life. This is why audiences have never heard of Krishna Kumari-until now. Building on extensive archival research, this volume brings Subba Rao’s pioneering drama back to life. The introductory essay by Rahul Sagar, a leading scholar of nineteenth century India, familiarizes readers with the remarkable characters in the play and the violent era in which they lived. By shedding light on Subba Rao’s extraordinary life and career, it also reveals how important principalities like Tanjore and Travancore were in battling colonialism and shaping modern India.

English Subba Rao was born in Tanjore in 1775. After being schooled in English by German missionaries, he spent five decades serving as tutor and prime minister to the rulers of Tanjore and Travancore. A celebrated literary scholar, his oeuvre includes translations, letters, musical compositions, and plays.
Rahul Sagar is Global Network Associate Professor of Political Science at New York University Abu Dhabi. His most recent books are The Progressive Maharaja: Sir Madhava Rao’s Hints on the Art and Science of Government and To Raise A Fallen People: How Nineteenth Century Indians Saw Their World and Shaped Ours.