In Old Madras by B.M. Croker (1890)

Name: In Old Madras
Author: B.M. Croker

The novel follows the lives of British and Indian characters in the city of Madras (now Chennai) during the 19th century. It explores themes of colonialism, identity, and power dynamics through the lens of a small group of characters. The story is set against the backdrop of the East India Company's rule over India and the growing tensions between the British and Indian populations.

By B.M. Croker · First published 1890 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Cultural · 33 chapters · 115,001 words

First lines

A heavy tropical surf boomed on the shingle, with the precision and monotony of minute guns, and a fierce clammy breeze raged from the sea, where Massulah boats and small shipping rocked uneasily. The same wind, circulating inland, drove whirling clouds of brick-red dust through Madras City, and vigorously swept the long Mount Road, -- ere it died with a whisper, among distant paddy fields.

By ten o'clock on this detestable morning, all troops had returned to barracks, signallers and golfers deserted the Island, riding-parties were no longer abroad, but under languid punkahs, or tireless electric fans, the military, civil, and mercantile element were still actively engaged.

What this Textopian page supports

In Old Madras is listed on Textopian as a novel by B.M. Croker, dated 1890 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: B.M. Croker
Date: 1890 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Cultural
Length: 115,001 words
Structure: 33 chapters, 2,260 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for In Old Madras by B.M. Croker
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering In Old Madras?
How does this novel by B.M. Croker fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — The book is set in the historical context of Madras, capturing its culture, customs, and traditions during that era, which is typical of the Historical Fiction genre.
Adventure — Characters in the novel experience various adventures, pan-geographically and culturally, typical of an Adventure genre.
Cultural — The book portrays cultural experiences and challenges in Madras, typical of a Cultural genre.