IJFANS International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences

ISSN PRINT 2319 1775 Online 2320-7876

TRADITION, TRANSITION AND TRANSGRESSION: A FLUX IN THE “LAST QUEEN” BY CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKARUNI

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Dr. venkata Siva Kumari Narayanam

Abstract

Rani Jindan Kaur, esteemed as the final regal matriarch of Punjab, bore lineage as the progeny of Manna Singh Aulakh, a distinguished purveyor of canine tutelage. She held the distinction of being the most youthful consort of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a prominent historical figure, can be credited as the visionary behind the establishment of the Sikh kingdom of Punjab. This kingdom, spanning from the renowned Khyber Pass to the vast expanse of Tibet, showcased his remarkable leadership and strategic prowess. It is worth noting that Maharaja Ranjit Singh earned the moniker "Lion of Punjab" due to his unwavering courage and fearlessness in the face of adversity. This scholarly article delves into the odyssey undertaken by Jindan, commencing from Gurjanwala and culminating in England, with an intermediary sojourn in Nepal. The narrative delves into the transformative occurrences that propelled a humble maiden into the role of a betrothed individual at the tender age of eighteen, subsequently ascending to the esteemed position of a monarch, only to be thrust into the realm of widowhood at the youthful age of twenty-one. Consequently, she assumes the mantle of a queen regent, governing on behalf of her nascent six-year-old heir. It elucidates the regal competitions in which Jindan must partake in order to endure and facilitate the ascension of her progeny to the monarchy. Furthermore, it elucidates the unorthodox demeanour exhibited by Jindan in her capacity as a regal figure, as well as her formidable and motivational character that commands the attention of even the British, rendering them unable to disregard her presence. Similar to certain literary works by Banerjee Divakaruni, The Last Queen employs a narrative style that is characterised by a first-person perspective. This narrative approach enables readers to gain insight into the rise and decline of the empire from the vantage point of the protagonist, Jindan, thereby allowing for a more intimate exploration of her thoughts and feelings. The narrative encompasses a vast assemblage of characters, wherein the Sikh sovereign and his kinfolk, alongside the Dogras of Kashmir and the Jat Sandhawalias, assume pivotal roles. Multiple storylines interweave throughout the tale, yet the author adeptly interconnects each narrative thread with sufficient cohesion.

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