Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan

In this lyrical anthology the poet weaves the ancient songs and myths of her homeland into English verse, creating a bridge between two distant cultures. Drawing on the stories whispered by her mother and the vivid memories of a childhood spent among gardens, lilies, and the towering casuarina, she captures the timeless spirit of Indian folklore with a fresh, lyrical voice. The poems echo the rhythms of traditional ballads while resonating with the sensibilities of a young scholar educated in Europe.

The collection is prefaced by a thoughtful memoir that sketches the poet’s brief but remarkable life—her upbringing in Calcutta, the loss of her brother, and the formative journey to France and England. It reveals how her deep love for French language shaped her poetic craft, allowing her to translate the essence of Hindu legends into a language far from her native tongue. Listeners will discover a delicate fusion of cultural heritage and personal insight, offering a rare glimpse into a 19th‑century mind that straddles East and West.