Sati (1989) - full transcript
Close to the holy River Ganga, an ancient tree provides shelter and comfort to Uma, a mute, orphan, Brahmin girl. Treated like a drudge by her cruel aunt, Uma is also cursed by a horoscope that portends widowhood. This might not be such a bad thing as this is 1828 and it will be next year before the British outlaw the religiously enforced burning of widows on their husbands' funeral pyres ("sati/suttee"). However, the priest thinks it a sin that a girl over the age of puberty is not married and tradition has it that a younger member of the family cannot marry before an older one. A solution is found: Uma is married to the tree. When she becomes pregnant (the victim of an assault by the local schoolteacher) not even the superstitious villagers believe that the tree is the father and Uma is ostracised for having been unfaithful to her "husband". Sent to live in the cowshed, Uma is forced to shelter in her tree when the cowshed is blown away during a violent storm. Lightning blasts the tree and in the morning Uma is found dead amongst the shattered branches and stumps. To the wonderment and consternation of all the onlookers, this most despised member of society has blood on her forehead resembling the vermillion that a groom puts on his bride whilst the manner of her death resembles that of an exulted sati.
Glory to the Suttee!
Hail Suttee Hail!
She's got courage!
Hasn't made a sound
It's the opium.
She's drugged.
Gangacharafls niece had a
lucky escape!
She was about to marry
our corpse!
But how many of them
burn nowadays?
We're having a
Suttee after ages!
And that's only because
Major Sleeman wasn't around..
...when they went
for permission
They say that British
will ban it soon
Don't speak like atheist!
When has law ever ruled
Religion?
If a pious woman
wants to become a Suttee"
...there is no force
that can stop her!
Chant with me
Hail Suttee Hail!
O ye faithful
widows!
Ascend without tears
the pyre
For she who joins
her lord in death
Earns the same
right to heaven
As the Holiest
of elibates
And earns the same
number of years in Heaven
As there are hairs
upon the human body
And like a
snake charmer
Draws her lord out
from the pits of Hell!
SUTTEE
Cast
Shabana Azrni
Arun Bandopadhya
Kali Bandopadhya, Pradip
Mukhopadhya, Anndam Ganguli
Shakuntala Barua, Ratna Ghoshal,
Ketaki Dutta, Menaka Das.
Ajit Bandhopadhya, Bimal Dev,
Manu Mukhopadhya.
Pie-recording: Satyen Chatterji,
Balaram Barui
Art:
Kartik Basu
Editor:
Shaktipada Ray
Music: Chidananda Dasgupta,
Chandan Raichaudhri
Camera:
Ashok Mehta
Story, Screenplay:Aparna Sen,
Arun Bandopadhya
Executive Producer: Ravi Malik,
Debasis Majumdar
Producer: National Film
Development Corporation Ltd.,
Direction:
Aparna Sen
Umi!
Just see if...
The stove has
only just been lit
When will the
cow be milked?
Are the children to have
some breakfast...
...or should they
just starve?
Talk of married bliss!
Came here as bride at nine. Have
I had a moment's peace since?
To top it all
there is this girl
She could not
get a groom in time
You'll die
an old maid!
Umi,
Umi?
Want to play
marbles today?
You stole auntie's bangles.
I saw you
If you play,
I won't tell Grandma
Just look at her
brandishing that broom!
Want to sweep
me out too?
I say this for your own good.
Get up early...
and finish
the chores
If you eat
so late everyday...
...you will fall sick,
Who will look after you then?
Hello Nabin.
Come and sit down
You have come
after a long time
He's too good for
the likes of us!
Will you write a
letter home for me?
I will
Isn't that Nabin?
I knew from his voice
How have you been?
Very well
We were so anxious.
You live all by yourself
Wondered if you were ill.
Time you brought your wife here
How long will you keep
her at her father's place?
You think, she will leave
her rich father and come here?
Well. She's an only child
and a city girl too
Ah! Here is Hari!
Hello Nabin!
Any news?
News" well, I met
the matchmaker yesterday
So? What did he say? Did the
groom's family like Shashi?
Well.. Yes"
What are you doing here?
Go inside at once!
But...
Until Umi marries...
We have tried enough!
Tell me,
who will marry a mute?
And with a horoscope
like hers!
Indicates widowhood
How much do they want
for Shashi?
That's the hitch
Now that Uma's marriage is off..
"The groom's family
have a lot to say...
"She is too old already"
"The village will boycott us"
And so on..
The usual excuses
in other words"
More money! Even that
could have been arranged
Just this morning
Mitter was talking...
"about a medium caste
Brahmin girl down town
Her father will pay well
for a high-caste groom
Kali has always been so
involved with his music
He's had no time
for marriage!
If he could only be persuaded
to marry soon...
...it might help the
family finances
Collections are not so good
from my in-laws anymore
Well.. the problem is Uma again
Not marrying in time!
Naturally! Family honour is
important to those who've money
What is family honour
in the face of love?
I have tossed it aside to
keep my tryst with Krishna
Can this wooden gate
hold me back?
I have crossed
an ocean of pride..
...to keep my tryst
with my beloved
Can this streamlet
put me out of my depths?
Stop"
Stop it Kali!
I fear anything
could happen at his age!
He is too trail to go
collecting dues from in-laws!
Now our two sons
are our only hope
Please, Mother!
Don't include me..
Look to your older son!
He should marry again"
How about it, brother?
You're an old hand at it!
Be quiet,
you impudent boy!
Show me another
high-caste boy...
...sitting unmarried
like you!
You will die
bemoaning your fate
O, Radha!
Calling in vain upon Krishna
What shall we do Nabin?
What can we do?
She was born
unlucky!
Her mother died just
after her birth!
The groom died at the
mention of marriage
Just a few more days!
The old fool could have
...taken her to the
pyre with him
The lovely young bride!
How piously she burned with
him!
And you?
You could've a glorious death
To think we could have had a
suttee in the family
The honour of it would have
got a good groom for Shashi
Just our luck!
The lustre of your
beauty will soon fade
Your life will be
at stake
O Radha you will
perish soon a fear
Calling out in vain
upon Lord Krishna
O Radha you will
perish soon in grief.."
Who's there?
Is this Gangacharan -
Chattopadhyefs house?
Yes!
Why?
Yesterday his wife Nistarini Devi
of Kailashpur died
Who is it?
What do you want?
Sir.. my mother
died yesterday
Who was your mother?
Nistarini Devi of Kailashpur, Sir..
Wait!
Kailashpun. here it is-
Phanibhushan Mukhopadhyefs
youngest daughter...
Nistarini Dev|
Date of wedding -
16th February, 1808...
Are you Patal then?
Why, don't sit there!
Come, my dear
have a wash first
Umi, bring some water
Poor child
What a distance to walk!
You look quite exhausted
Have you eaten?
Can't eat after sunset during
evening! Have some fruits--
Tomorrow I will arrange
your ritual meal
Can you cook yourself?
What happened to Mother?
Cholera
Um“!
I've got your guavas!
I've taken your mangoes
I won't give you
You witch!
Wait till I tell Grandma!
She'll teach you to eat fruits!
You beast!
Goodness!
Just see what she's done!
Drawn blood
with her teeth!
Poor boy!
His hand is quite blue!
Wait till she gets home!
We'll see the end of this!
Serves you right for
fighting with your aunt!
You be quiet
There's a limit to
patience!
It's just my kindness
that I keep forgiving her
Anyone else would have
thrown her out by now
Poor child! Does it hurt?
Let me massage it for you-
There she is!
You little beast!
I'll break your
bones today
How dare you bite
your little nephew!
His hand is
still blue!
If only you knew
what else she's done!
What else?
Tell me!
She stole Aunty's bangles.
I saw her!
What?
Did you hear that?
What shall I do with
this thief?
She's been trouble
ever since she was born!
I'll teach you to steal,
you little thief!
Where are those guavas?
Have you hidden them?
Here Gopal! Take them
Greedy pig!
I'll show you!
Get out!
No food for you today!
Mother
Don't interfere
Will you go?
Or shall I throw you out?
Good bye.
I'm leaving
Our Arithmetic teacher
Haridhanbabu...
"suggested a way out
A Way out?
Yes, Sir
He suggested"
...a ritual marriage with
a tree for now...
...just to get rid of
her unmarried status
Shashi's marriage is
stuck just for this
After that is over
-No. No!
When Laxmi died, she left
her daughter in my care...
"She has no one
in the world"
Laxmi had said"
"look after her"
Look after her!
You mean just talk!
Your sister died
leaving a 3 month's baby
It was I who fed
and clothed her...
"and cleaned up
her mess!
But can I help it
if she's mute?
It's a waste of money
paying her dowry!
And every year, the groom
will keep coming for his dues
Do you think any family
will take her home?
Any time of day
she's playing by the river!
Or roaming about
stealing fruits!
Tell me, does a housewife
behave like that?
Or do you think Umi
can be tamed into one?
No, this is a
blessing in disguise
This way at least
she will be free.
As she has always been
That is true
And it's no trouble
Doesn't Umi spend hours
by a tree near the river?
That could be the groom
What do you say, Father?
Shall we consult
Bachaspati?
And see what he
has to say?
Madhav Bachaspati?
If you wish...
I don't approve...
After all...
...a human being
wedded to a tree?
What do you say, Nabin?
Don't start again!
link that half witted child...
Can you tell the difference?
Anarchy
Anarchy is everywhere!
In Calcutta that
atheist Ram Mohan...
"is ruining our society
with his new fangled ideas!
They say the British
will abolish Suttee soon?
It's all
Ram “Johan's work!
And who will protect the
widows after that?
Ram Mohan,
I suppose?
What is the definition
of Suttee?
Meaning
"A wife who grieves in
her husband's sorrow"
"rejoices in his
hour of joy...
"is pale and sickly
in his absence
And joins him
gladly at death
Such a wife
is a Suttee
But...
...in the hands of foreigners
this holy land...
...is being reduced
whore house!
A dark future
for Hindus!
I predict a
dark, gloomy future!
A moment has arrived
for all Hindus to arise...
...and save our religion
from ruin!
Holy Scriptures
say...
...that keeping a daughter
unmarried after puberty"
...is a grevious sin!
You are sinning
gravely Gangacharan!
Her horoscope clearly
indicates widowhood..
Hmm! .. Mars is
in the eighth...
In such a case.
Marriage to a tree
is called for
Do not hesitate,
Gangacharan
This is just a ritual
If widowhood is indicated...
...marriage with a tree
will nullify that
She may then remarry
if a groom can be found
No harm
in that
Exactly what Pandit Haridhan
said to our schoolmaster here.
Go and inform
Gangacharan...
Not to ruin his own
daughter's marriage prospects
Marry her to
a tree for the time being
If she is lucky
she may get a man later
Don't be so upset
Gangacharan
Marriage to a tree is an
accepted social custom
Trees like Banyan
or Aswatha
Are after all symbols
of Lord Narayana!
Therefore society cannot
accuse you of neglecting...
...your orphan niece...
The kurchi flower
blossoms too soon
Our daughter must leave
for her husband's home
Our hearts are heavy
with weeping
Her father weeps on his
way to the market
Her mother weeps on the
way to the shore
All he hears is the noise
of our dear ones weeping
For they shall
see her no more
Her father has
a mansion
The groom has a
hut in the woods
What did her father
see in this groom?
Alas, what did her
father see?
Your destiny is
black, my child
Your destiny is bad
Your father has sealed your
fate with your groom
Your fate has been
sealed with your groom
Repeat after me...
Now the vermillion paste...
...must be smeared
on the tree
It's .. very rough
You can smear it now
Bring the
bride...
Gurudev?
Will you permit me
to ask one question?
Askl!
You are a
great scholar.
...yet you decided
according to custom...
Do the scriptures
mention...
"marriage between
a tree and a human?
That pumpkin there
How much?
Take it sire!
It is very fresh!
The biggest
of my crop!
I'll make it
cheap for you..
Only ten cowries
What! Ten cowries for
one pumpkin?
It is plain
robbery!
Sir, if you people
start complaining...
how can we survive?
There's the matchmaker!
But you left it
too late!
Brides fathers are always
in a hurry
I fixed this one up..
"With Mukherjee's son
in Harinarayanpur
What shall we do?
You've put me
in a spot!
Rich medium-caste
brides are rare...
But yes
If a high-caste
girl will do...
...I can get you one
immediately!
Medium-caste families
pay more...
...and this is Kali's
first marriage...
Oh? He has not taken
the plunge yet?
Keep him aside!
He's a prize catch!
I'll find him a
rich bride!
But...
What about the boy
for my sister?
I've held on to him
Just arrange for the
dowry money
That's the hitch!
Try to find us
a bride...
"who will bring some dowry
at least".
Either Kali or his brother
must marry to...
Got it!
This is March -
I'll arrange it by May!
Well, Haricharan?
Want to tie
the knot again?
Umi
Come here
Open that box
You will find a
small box inside
Found it?
Bring it here
Wait! Sit down
These belonged to
your mother
I had kept them
for your trousser
But now...
Here..keep them.
Come on!
What is the matter?
Certainly
Of course...
Look out!
Father"?
Father"?
Father"?
It's over.
You can come in
A QM again'.!
Where are you going my son?
To fetch you a slave,
mother
You have my blessings
May the new bride bring
prosperity and male children
We should start now
Yes, my sons
God be with you
So they have left.
Haricharan and Kalicharan?
Yes
Trying to make trouble
with that knight!
Fancying yourself
a Grand Master, eh?
There! Check!
I believe Haricharan is
bringing his bride home?
What's up, schoolmaster?
A high caste Brahmin
and poor too
One is alive, suddenly
another wife?
It's not a permanent
arrangement
This one will go back
after three months
They won't bring her again
- Really?
That was the agreement
Her father's rich
paid well for her too
...but on one condition...
...no one should say "She's never
seen her husband's home!
I see
Well?
Will you take all night?
Move
There!
Now try and save your rook!
Mother, a female!
Aunty
Umi...
Oh, she's delivered!
When did it happen?
Au nty!
What's all this?
Who's that? Nabin?
It was born this morning
A female!
God has been kind at last
Why, what have you brought?
So, you had been
to the market?
You do so much for us!
That's alright
You, how can I refuse?
Both the boys are away.
You take their place...
...just like another son!
You were going
to fetch your wife
When are you leaving?
I will, once your sons are back
Oh dear!
It looks like a storm!
Any moment now!
I'd better go...
I'll drop in after
school tomorrow
There!
It's started!
Quick! Get the
clothes off the line!
There go my pickles!
Soaked though
Nabin! You're getting wet
Come up here
No. no. I must be off now
Wait! Umi!
Get the umbrella! Quick!
Oh dear me!
Damn! Can't see a thing!
Umi! Get a lamp
from the kitchen
You'll find it
on the shelf
Shut the door!
The flame will go out!
Keep it on that shelf,
Why are you standing
there like a statue?
Oh dear! You're soaked through
like a scarecrow!
Wait, dry yourself
Before you go
Here!
Take this
Still staring?
Dry yourself quickly!
Can't manage by yourself?
Shall I do it for you?
Come, I'll do it
Don't be frightened!
Come
Feeling cold?
Come and sit on the bed
Lie down
Don't say a word to anyone!
How can you?
God preferred them silent!
Hey schoolmaster!
Are you home?
Have a about our round of
chess?
It's Mr. Dutta!
Let go of me!
Wait a minute, Mr. Dutta
Let go of me
There's no one about
Go through the back door!
Coming Mr. Dutta!
Hurry up!
Went asleep, Did you?
Just dozed of a bit
Come in
When the rain started,
allow schoolmaster...
...I said to myself
There goes our game!
Then, when it let up
a bit..
...I thought, today
I must beat Nabini
Chess is really
intoxicating, you know
Obviously" since you
braved such foul weather!
Start
Here
Aunty! We've come to
see the new bride
Why have you
fallen behind...
"with the torch?
It's so dark here!
Umi!
Got the firewood?
Ah! You've come!
Why this delay?
What a journey!
When did you arrive?
This afternoon.
I had such a back ache...
...after that tiresome boat trip!
I had to stretch a little
Just hold this for me
God bless you, my dear.
May you be outlived...
...by your husband
Why all this, dear?
It's nothing, Aunty
I thought, they don't get
anything decent...
...in that awful hole.
Let me take some"
...fancy sweets from Calcutta.
Where's the new bride?
In there, come. -Wasn't that the
elder one's room
...She had to give it to the
newly weds
Sabitri and the children
have moved in with me
What to do? Such shortage of
space and so many people!
Sabitri-
Take this post of sweets-
Ah! Here's our sister!
Goodness!
How awful you look!
Circles under your eyes! So pale
and sickly! Have you been ill?
We'll come and chat later.
Let me just meet the new bride
Hmm.. the bracelets are not
so bad
But taking of bangles, not better
with my friends wedding pair
A double cable! So attractive!
I've borrowed the pattern
from her
Other has promised to have eight
pairs made for me!
Of course, I have these already.
But I am tired of them
Is that the new baby?
"Poor Sabitri!"
I said to my mother
as soon as I heard-
"A daughter again this year!
What a shame!"
And they're not so well off
either
Getting each one married is
such a drain on the family!
Are you going to live here from
now on.- Me? Are you crazy?
No servants! No proper house!
I am going back next week!
Besides, my Aunt is coming from
Benaras to visit us in Calcutta
We'll all go by palanquins
to bathe in the Ganges
Have you ever seen the Ganges,
Ashpa,the big Ganges in Calcutta
The East India Company's huge
ships, how grand they look!
With those pipe like things on
top and black smoke coming out!
We watch everyday from our
terrace, you see! What fun it is!
You know where the cemented
strand by the Ganges?
Every evening we see Memsahibs
there in their gowns...
Strolling with their parasols and
logs arm-in-arm with the Sahibs
And here? There's nothing!
I hadn't wanted to come...
...but father said it wouldn't
ok nice and people would talk.
Um“ The firewood'.!
Made him promise before coming.
"I won't stay more than a week"
"You must not insist then!"
Doesn't your husband get angry?
He should be glad I came at all!
Now promise that you won't
tell anyone
Today my back and my feet
ached so much
...after that boat ride. I made
him massage them for me
Feet too!
Um“ Um“ Here she is'.!
Avesdropping here instead of
finishing your work!
Didn't I ask you to
get me some firewood?
So busy listening.
she's lost all sense of time!
It will take hours to light
the stove again!
And I had so hoped to make
be rich pudding for Nabin's wife!
Managed to ruin my plans,
haven't you?
Must you always pry, and nose
sound? Pick up the wood at once
Goodness! Look how
she's defying me!
What! Hitting back!
The cheek of it!
Good gracious!
What will she do next?
Isn't that your deaf-mute
cousin?
Just mute,
She can hear alright!
You've come?
Come in
Sister!
Oh, no!
It happens all the time
in the high caste families
Did you find out
who the man is?
No.. She can't speak..so..
It's just as well
Go digging for a worm and
you'll rake up a snake
Might never know who
the culprit may be...eh?
What's the point in
knowing, anyway?
Does any bastard have the guts
to own up?
Hmp! Show me one real man
in this entire village"
...and I'll thank you for it!
Here see this root?
Grind it and mix it
with this medicine paste
Then, in the dead of night,
with your hair loose...
Take Peerbabefs name
and give it to her
At the most
...it will take two days
Here take it
What is the matter?
You're not afraid?
Good Lord, I've handled so many
cases! In such big families too!
This is not the first time!
Not a soul will know!
Come
Do you have a choice now.
my ladies...
"that you stop to consider?
Did you think twice when
marrying that woman to a tree?
It it had been a man,
you could have found excuses...
...saying her husband visited her
late at night..or something like
Now it's too late...
...to start worrying!
Hurry up! I have a long
way to go.
Keep her under close watch
Don't let the children go
near her.
And keep her away from
the kitchen
Once the medicine acts,
everything will be soiled
Well, goodbye now
Remember, once it's all over
...you must make me a
silver armlet!
Here, eat this up
Go on!
Take your bedding and
sleep in the cowshed
What are you waiting for?
Go!
Keep it there!
See here!
Want some?
What's the matter?
Are you ill?
Gopal, I warned you
not to go near her
Where on earth is everyone?
Sabitri!
No one has lit the stove!
The cow is bleating herself
hoarse!
I have to see to everything
in my old age!
Um“!
Come! Oh. come on!
Umi...
Hurry! Hurry!
Take everything indoors!
Shut the doors, Pushpa!
Good Lord!
The cowshed has collapsed in
just one night's storm!
The jack-fruit tree
has fallen too...
And we slept through it all!
Who untied the cows?
Umi? Where is Umi?
May be she's gone to
fetch water...
See if her pitcher is
in the kitchen
It's here only
Her bed clothes are here too..
Oh! See! When the cowshed
collapsed, she must have"
...slipped into the kitchen & run
off to the river in the morning...
...forgetting her pitcher!
That child will never change!
Let Gopal go and fetch her.
Go, Gopal
What happened?
The witch-doctor's medicine
hasn't worked yet"?
I don't understand it myself.
She had said.
two days at the most.
Hail Suttee Hail!
She's got courage!
Hasn't made a sound
It's the opium.
She's drugged.
Gangacharafls niece had a
lucky escape!
She was about to marry
our corpse!
But how many of them
burn nowadays?
We're having a
Suttee after ages!
And that's only because
Major Sleeman wasn't around..
...when they went
for permission
They say that British
will ban it soon
Don't speak like atheist!
When has law ever ruled
Religion?
If a pious woman
wants to become a Suttee"
...there is no force
that can stop her!
Chant with me
Hail Suttee Hail!
O ye faithful
widows!
Ascend without tears
the pyre
For she who joins
her lord in death
Earns the same
right to heaven
As the Holiest
of elibates
And earns the same
number of years in Heaven
As there are hairs
upon the human body
And like a
snake charmer
Draws her lord out
from the pits of Hell!
SUTTEE
Cast
Shabana Azrni
Arun Bandopadhya
Kali Bandopadhya, Pradip
Mukhopadhya, Anndam Ganguli
Shakuntala Barua, Ratna Ghoshal,
Ketaki Dutta, Menaka Das.
Ajit Bandhopadhya, Bimal Dev,
Manu Mukhopadhya.
Pie-recording: Satyen Chatterji,
Balaram Barui
Art:
Kartik Basu
Editor:
Shaktipada Ray
Music: Chidananda Dasgupta,
Chandan Raichaudhri
Camera:
Ashok Mehta
Story, Screenplay:Aparna Sen,
Arun Bandopadhya
Executive Producer: Ravi Malik,
Debasis Majumdar
Producer: National Film
Development Corporation Ltd.,
Direction:
Aparna Sen
Umi!
Just see if...
The stove has
only just been lit
When will the
cow be milked?
Are the children to have
some breakfast...
...or should they
just starve?
Talk of married bliss!
Came here as bride at nine. Have
I had a moment's peace since?
To top it all
there is this girl
She could not
get a groom in time
You'll die
an old maid!
Umi,
Umi?
Want to play
marbles today?
You stole auntie's bangles.
I saw you
If you play,
I won't tell Grandma
Just look at her
brandishing that broom!
Want to sweep
me out too?
I say this for your own good.
Get up early...
and finish
the chores
If you eat
so late everyday...
...you will fall sick,
Who will look after you then?
Hello Nabin.
Come and sit down
You have come
after a long time
He's too good for
the likes of us!
Will you write a
letter home for me?
I will
Isn't that Nabin?
I knew from his voice
How have you been?
Very well
We were so anxious.
You live all by yourself
Wondered if you were ill.
Time you brought your wife here
How long will you keep
her at her father's place?
You think, she will leave
her rich father and come here?
Well. She's an only child
and a city girl too
Ah! Here is Hari!
Hello Nabin!
Any news?
News" well, I met
the matchmaker yesterday
So? What did he say? Did the
groom's family like Shashi?
Well.. Yes"
What are you doing here?
Go inside at once!
But...
Until Umi marries...
We have tried enough!
Tell me,
who will marry a mute?
And with a horoscope
like hers!
Indicates widowhood
How much do they want
for Shashi?
That's the hitch
Now that Uma's marriage is off..
"The groom's family
have a lot to say...
"She is too old already"
"The village will boycott us"
And so on..
The usual excuses
in other words"
More money! Even that
could have been arranged
Just this morning
Mitter was talking...
"about a medium caste
Brahmin girl down town
Her father will pay well
for a high-caste groom
Kali has always been so
involved with his music
He's had no time
for marriage!
If he could only be persuaded
to marry soon...
...it might help the
family finances
Collections are not so good
from my in-laws anymore
Well.. the problem is Uma again
Not marrying in time!
Naturally! Family honour is
important to those who've money
What is family honour
in the face of love?
I have tossed it aside to
keep my tryst with Krishna
Can this wooden gate
hold me back?
I have crossed
an ocean of pride..
...to keep my tryst
with my beloved
Can this streamlet
put me out of my depths?
Stop"
Stop it Kali!
I fear anything
could happen at his age!
He is too trail to go
collecting dues from in-laws!
Now our two sons
are our only hope
Please, Mother!
Don't include me..
Look to your older son!
He should marry again"
How about it, brother?
You're an old hand at it!
Be quiet,
you impudent boy!
Show me another
high-caste boy...
...sitting unmarried
like you!
You will die
bemoaning your fate
O, Radha!
Calling in vain upon Krishna
What shall we do Nabin?
What can we do?
She was born
unlucky!
Her mother died just
after her birth!
The groom died at the
mention of marriage
Just a few more days!
The old fool could have
...taken her to the
pyre with him
The lovely young bride!
How piously she burned with
him!
And you?
You could've a glorious death
To think we could have had a
suttee in the family
The honour of it would have
got a good groom for Shashi
Just our luck!
The lustre of your
beauty will soon fade
Your life will be
at stake
O Radha you will
perish soon a fear
Calling out in vain
upon Lord Krishna
O Radha you will
perish soon in grief.."
Who's there?
Is this Gangacharan -
Chattopadhyefs house?
Yes!
Why?
Yesterday his wife Nistarini Devi
of Kailashpur died
Who is it?
What do you want?
Sir.. my mother
died yesterday
Who was your mother?
Nistarini Devi of Kailashpur, Sir..
Wait!
Kailashpun. here it is-
Phanibhushan Mukhopadhyefs
youngest daughter...
Nistarini Dev|
Date of wedding -
16th February, 1808...
Are you Patal then?
Why, don't sit there!
Come, my dear
have a wash first
Umi, bring some water
Poor child
What a distance to walk!
You look quite exhausted
Have you eaten?
Can't eat after sunset during
evening! Have some fruits--
Tomorrow I will arrange
your ritual meal
Can you cook yourself?
What happened to Mother?
Cholera
Um“!
I've got your guavas!
I've taken your mangoes
I won't give you
You witch!
Wait till I tell Grandma!
She'll teach you to eat fruits!
You beast!
Goodness!
Just see what she's done!
Drawn blood
with her teeth!
Poor boy!
His hand is quite blue!
Wait till she gets home!
We'll see the end of this!
Serves you right for
fighting with your aunt!
You be quiet
There's a limit to
patience!
It's just my kindness
that I keep forgiving her
Anyone else would have
thrown her out by now
Poor child! Does it hurt?
Let me massage it for you-
There she is!
You little beast!
I'll break your
bones today
How dare you bite
your little nephew!
His hand is
still blue!
If only you knew
what else she's done!
What else?
Tell me!
She stole Aunty's bangles.
I saw her!
What?
Did you hear that?
What shall I do with
this thief?
She's been trouble
ever since she was born!
I'll teach you to steal,
you little thief!
Where are those guavas?
Have you hidden them?
Here Gopal! Take them
Greedy pig!
I'll show you!
Get out!
No food for you today!
Mother
Don't interfere
Will you go?
Or shall I throw you out?
Good bye.
I'm leaving
Our Arithmetic teacher
Haridhanbabu...
"suggested a way out
A Way out?
Yes, Sir
He suggested"
...a ritual marriage with
a tree for now...
...just to get rid of
her unmarried status
Shashi's marriage is
stuck just for this
After that is over
-No. No!
When Laxmi died, she left
her daughter in my care...
"She has no one
in the world"
Laxmi had said"
"look after her"
Look after her!
You mean just talk!
Your sister died
leaving a 3 month's baby
It was I who fed
and clothed her...
"and cleaned up
her mess!
But can I help it
if she's mute?
It's a waste of money
paying her dowry!
And every year, the groom
will keep coming for his dues
Do you think any family
will take her home?
Any time of day
she's playing by the river!
Or roaming about
stealing fruits!
Tell me, does a housewife
behave like that?
Or do you think Umi
can be tamed into one?
No, this is a
blessing in disguise
This way at least
she will be free.
As she has always been
That is true
And it's no trouble
Doesn't Umi spend hours
by a tree near the river?
That could be the groom
What do you say, Father?
Shall we consult
Bachaspati?
And see what he
has to say?
Madhav Bachaspati?
If you wish...
I don't approve...
After all...
...a human being
wedded to a tree?
What do you say, Nabin?
Don't start again!
link that half witted child...
Can you tell the difference?
Anarchy
Anarchy is everywhere!
In Calcutta that
atheist Ram Mohan...
"is ruining our society
with his new fangled ideas!
They say the British
will abolish Suttee soon?
It's all
Ram “Johan's work!
And who will protect the
widows after that?
Ram Mohan,
I suppose?
What is the definition
of Suttee?
Meaning
"A wife who grieves in
her husband's sorrow"
"rejoices in his
hour of joy...
"is pale and sickly
in his absence
And joins him
gladly at death
Such a wife
is a Suttee
But...
...in the hands of foreigners
this holy land...
...is being reduced
whore house!
A dark future
for Hindus!
I predict a
dark, gloomy future!
A moment has arrived
for all Hindus to arise...
...and save our religion
from ruin!
Holy Scriptures
say...
...that keeping a daughter
unmarried after puberty"
...is a grevious sin!
You are sinning
gravely Gangacharan!
Her horoscope clearly
indicates widowhood..
Hmm! .. Mars is
in the eighth...
In such a case.
Marriage to a tree
is called for
Do not hesitate,
Gangacharan
This is just a ritual
If widowhood is indicated...
...marriage with a tree
will nullify that
She may then remarry
if a groom can be found
No harm
in that
Exactly what Pandit Haridhan
said to our schoolmaster here.
Go and inform
Gangacharan...
Not to ruin his own
daughter's marriage prospects
Marry her to
a tree for the time being
If she is lucky
she may get a man later
Don't be so upset
Gangacharan
Marriage to a tree is an
accepted social custom
Trees like Banyan
or Aswatha
Are after all symbols
of Lord Narayana!
Therefore society cannot
accuse you of neglecting...
...your orphan niece...
The kurchi flower
blossoms too soon
Our daughter must leave
for her husband's home
Our hearts are heavy
with weeping
Her father weeps on his
way to the market
Her mother weeps on the
way to the shore
All he hears is the noise
of our dear ones weeping
For they shall
see her no more
Her father has
a mansion
The groom has a
hut in the woods
What did her father
see in this groom?
Alas, what did her
father see?
Your destiny is
black, my child
Your destiny is bad
Your father has sealed your
fate with your groom
Your fate has been
sealed with your groom
Repeat after me...
Now the vermillion paste...
...must be smeared
on the tree
It's .. very rough
You can smear it now
Bring the
bride...
Gurudev?
Will you permit me
to ask one question?
Askl!
You are a
great scholar.
...yet you decided
according to custom...
Do the scriptures
mention...
"marriage between
a tree and a human?
That pumpkin there
How much?
Take it sire!
It is very fresh!
The biggest
of my crop!
I'll make it
cheap for you..
Only ten cowries
What! Ten cowries for
one pumpkin?
It is plain
robbery!
Sir, if you people
start complaining...
how can we survive?
There's the matchmaker!
But you left it
too late!
Brides fathers are always
in a hurry
I fixed this one up..
"With Mukherjee's son
in Harinarayanpur
What shall we do?
You've put me
in a spot!
Rich medium-caste
brides are rare...
But yes
If a high-caste
girl will do...
...I can get you one
immediately!
Medium-caste families
pay more...
...and this is Kali's
first marriage...
Oh? He has not taken
the plunge yet?
Keep him aside!
He's a prize catch!
I'll find him a
rich bride!
But...
What about the boy
for my sister?
I've held on to him
Just arrange for the
dowry money
That's the hitch!
Try to find us
a bride...
"who will bring some dowry
at least".
Either Kali or his brother
must marry to...
Got it!
This is March -
I'll arrange it by May!
Well, Haricharan?
Want to tie
the knot again?
Umi
Come here
Open that box
You will find a
small box inside
Found it?
Bring it here
Wait! Sit down
These belonged to
your mother
I had kept them
for your trousser
But now...
Here..keep them.
Come on!
What is the matter?
Certainly
Of course...
Look out!
Father"?
Father"?
Father"?
It's over.
You can come in
A QM again'.!
Where are you going my son?
To fetch you a slave,
mother
You have my blessings
May the new bride bring
prosperity and male children
We should start now
Yes, my sons
God be with you
So they have left.
Haricharan and Kalicharan?
Yes
Trying to make trouble
with that knight!
Fancying yourself
a Grand Master, eh?
There! Check!
I believe Haricharan is
bringing his bride home?
What's up, schoolmaster?
A high caste Brahmin
and poor too
One is alive, suddenly
another wife?
It's not a permanent
arrangement
This one will go back
after three months
They won't bring her again
- Really?
That was the agreement
Her father's rich
paid well for her too
...but on one condition...
...no one should say "She's never
seen her husband's home!
I see
Well?
Will you take all night?
Move
There!
Now try and save your rook!
Mother, a female!
Aunty
Umi...
Oh, she's delivered!
When did it happen?
Au nty!
What's all this?
Who's that? Nabin?
It was born this morning
A female!
God has been kind at last
Why, what have you brought?
So, you had been
to the market?
You do so much for us!
That's alright
You, how can I refuse?
Both the boys are away.
You take their place...
...just like another son!
You were going
to fetch your wife
When are you leaving?
I will, once your sons are back
Oh dear!
It looks like a storm!
Any moment now!
I'd better go...
I'll drop in after
school tomorrow
There!
It's started!
Quick! Get the
clothes off the line!
There go my pickles!
Soaked though
Nabin! You're getting wet
Come up here
No. no. I must be off now
Wait! Umi!
Get the umbrella! Quick!
Oh dear me!
Damn! Can't see a thing!
Umi! Get a lamp
from the kitchen
You'll find it
on the shelf
Shut the door!
The flame will go out!
Keep it on that shelf,
Why are you standing
there like a statue?
Oh dear! You're soaked through
like a scarecrow!
Wait, dry yourself
Before you go
Here!
Take this
Still staring?
Dry yourself quickly!
Can't manage by yourself?
Shall I do it for you?
Come, I'll do it
Don't be frightened!
Come
Feeling cold?
Come and sit on the bed
Lie down
Don't say a word to anyone!
How can you?
God preferred them silent!
Hey schoolmaster!
Are you home?
Have a about our round of
chess?
It's Mr. Dutta!
Let go of me!
Wait a minute, Mr. Dutta
Let go of me
There's no one about
Go through the back door!
Coming Mr. Dutta!
Hurry up!
Went asleep, Did you?
Just dozed of a bit
Come in
When the rain started,
allow schoolmaster...
...I said to myself
There goes our game!
Then, when it let up
a bit..
...I thought, today
I must beat Nabini
Chess is really
intoxicating, you know
Obviously" since you
braved such foul weather!
Start
Here
Aunty! We've come to
see the new bride
Why have you
fallen behind...
"with the torch?
It's so dark here!
Umi!
Got the firewood?
Ah! You've come!
Why this delay?
What a journey!
When did you arrive?
This afternoon.
I had such a back ache...
...after that tiresome boat trip!
I had to stretch a little
Just hold this for me
God bless you, my dear.
May you be outlived...
...by your husband
Why all this, dear?
It's nothing, Aunty
I thought, they don't get
anything decent...
...in that awful hole.
Let me take some"
...fancy sweets from Calcutta.
Where's the new bride?
In there, come. -Wasn't that the
elder one's room
...She had to give it to the
newly weds
Sabitri and the children
have moved in with me
What to do? Such shortage of
space and so many people!
Sabitri-
Take this post of sweets-
Ah! Here's our sister!
Goodness!
How awful you look!
Circles under your eyes! So pale
and sickly! Have you been ill?
We'll come and chat later.
Let me just meet the new bride
Hmm.. the bracelets are not
so bad
But taking of bangles, not better
with my friends wedding pair
A double cable! So attractive!
I've borrowed the pattern
from her
Other has promised to have eight
pairs made for me!
Of course, I have these already.
But I am tired of them
Is that the new baby?
"Poor Sabitri!"
I said to my mother
as soon as I heard-
"A daughter again this year!
What a shame!"
And they're not so well off
either
Getting each one married is
such a drain on the family!
Are you going to live here from
now on.- Me? Are you crazy?
No servants! No proper house!
I am going back next week!
Besides, my Aunt is coming from
Benaras to visit us in Calcutta
We'll all go by palanquins
to bathe in the Ganges
Have you ever seen the Ganges,
Ashpa,the big Ganges in Calcutta
The East India Company's huge
ships, how grand they look!
With those pipe like things on
top and black smoke coming out!
We watch everyday from our
terrace, you see! What fun it is!
You know where the cemented
strand by the Ganges?
Every evening we see Memsahibs
there in their gowns...
Strolling with their parasols and
logs arm-in-arm with the Sahibs
And here? There's nothing!
I hadn't wanted to come...
...but father said it wouldn't
ok nice and people would talk.
Um“ The firewood'.!
Made him promise before coming.
"I won't stay more than a week"
"You must not insist then!"
Doesn't your husband get angry?
He should be glad I came at all!
Now promise that you won't
tell anyone
Today my back and my feet
ached so much
...after that boat ride. I made
him massage them for me
Feet too!
Um“ Um“ Here she is'.!
Avesdropping here instead of
finishing your work!
Didn't I ask you to
get me some firewood?
So busy listening.
she's lost all sense of time!
It will take hours to light
the stove again!
And I had so hoped to make
be rich pudding for Nabin's wife!
Managed to ruin my plans,
haven't you?
Must you always pry, and nose
sound? Pick up the wood at once
Goodness! Look how
she's defying me!
What! Hitting back!
The cheek of it!
Good gracious!
What will she do next?
Isn't that your deaf-mute
cousin?
Just mute,
She can hear alright!
You've come?
Come in
Sister!
Oh, no!
It happens all the time
in the high caste families
Did you find out
who the man is?
No.. She can't speak..so..
It's just as well
Go digging for a worm and
you'll rake up a snake
Might never know who
the culprit may be...eh?
What's the point in
knowing, anyway?
Does any bastard have the guts
to own up?
Hmp! Show me one real man
in this entire village"
...and I'll thank you for it!
Here see this root?
Grind it and mix it
with this medicine paste
Then, in the dead of night,
with your hair loose...
Take Peerbabefs name
and give it to her
At the most
...it will take two days
Here take it
What is the matter?
You're not afraid?
Good Lord, I've handled so many
cases! In such big families too!
This is not the first time!
Not a soul will know!
Come
Do you have a choice now.
my ladies...
"that you stop to consider?
Did you think twice when
marrying that woman to a tree?
It it had been a man,
you could have found excuses...
...saying her husband visited her
late at night..or something like
Now it's too late...
...to start worrying!
Hurry up! I have a long
way to go.
Keep her under close watch
Don't let the children go
near her.
And keep her away from
the kitchen
Once the medicine acts,
everything will be soiled
Well, goodbye now
Remember, once it's all over
...you must make me a
silver armlet!
Here, eat this up
Go on!
Take your bedding and
sleep in the cowshed
What are you waiting for?
Go!
Keep it there!
See here!
Want some?
What's the matter?
Are you ill?
Gopal, I warned you
not to go near her
Where on earth is everyone?
Sabitri!
No one has lit the stove!
The cow is bleating herself
hoarse!
I have to see to everything
in my old age!
Um“!
Come! Oh. come on!
Umi...
Hurry! Hurry!
Take everything indoors!
Shut the doors, Pushpa!
Good Lord!
The cowshed has collapsed in
just one night's storm!
The jack-fruit tree
has fallen too...
And we slept through it all!
Who untied the cows?
Umi? Where is Umi?
May be she's gone to
fetch water...
See if her pitcher is
in the kitchen
It's here only
Her bed clothes are here too..
Oh! See! When the cowshed
collapsed, she must have"
...slipped into the kitchen & run
off to the river in the morning...
...forgetting her pitcher!
That child will never change!
Let Gopal go and fetch her.
Go, Gopal
What happened?
The witch-doctor's medicine
hasn't worked yet"?
I don't understand it myself.
She had said.
two days at the most.