The Siege of Krishnapur

by J. G. Farrell Book 2 in the Empire Trilogy series.

First published 1973

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Krishnapur, 1857. As rebellion spreads across northern India, the British residents of a fictional district retreat behind the walls of the Residency. The Collector, confident in Victorian reason and progress, organises the defence while soldiers, officials, clergy, doctors and civilians attempt to preserve the routines of colonial society.

The siege strips away supplies, health and social distinction, forcing the defenders to turn decorative objects and symbols of civilisation into weapons. Through starvation, disease and argument, the novel tests British claims of cultural superiority against the violence and fragility of East India Company rule.