Book: Bells of Shangri-La: Scholars, Spies, Invaders in Tibet
Author: Parimal Bhattacharya
Publisher: Speaking Tiger
Pages: 272; Price: Rs 450
What do a tailor, a schoolmaster and a British officer have in common? They all journeyed into Tibet. The book Bells of Shangri-La by Parimal Bhattacharya brings to life the journeys and adventures of pandit Kinthup, Sarat Chandra Das and Eric Bailey, an officer who was part of the British invasion of Tibet in 1903.
The book, which is part history and part fiction, captures the thrill and intrigue of espionage and adventure in the Himalayan region. It is a well researched book, but not boringly written. It has pace and written to hold the attention of the reader, especially as the author manages to weave in the memories of the author’s own treks into the tale.
The book discusses how Britain sent a number of spies into Tibet, disguised as pilgrims and wanderers, outfitted with secret survey equipment. And how these intrepid explorers collected topographical knowledge and information about the culture and customs of Tibet.
The most exciting of these was the journey undertaken by a tailor Kinthup, who went as a monk’s companion. He was tasked with finding the source of the Brahmaputra and confirming that the Tsangpo river and the Brahmaputra were the same. This mission lasted four years and saw Kinthup involved in various adventures — including being sold as a slave by the monk — and all this has been beautifully brought to life by the author.
Last year had seen the release of a book ‘Journey to Lhasa: The Diary of a Spy’ by Sarat Chandra Das and Sarat Chandra makes an appearance in this book too. But while the previous book was just a diary, this one ensures that it is more succinct and brings to life Sarat Chandra’s descendants also.
Sarat Chandra was a spy hired by Britain to enter in Tibet during the ‘Great Game with Russia and China’ on the one side and the British Empire on the other trying to beat each other.
The book also paints a true-to-life picture of the mesmerising hill town of Darjeeling and reveals the author’s love affair with the region.
This is that perfect book to spend a hot summer afternoon ensconced in your home with a cup of tea reading about Tibet, espionage and the faraway cold hills.
