This is a chance to see a part of India through the eyes of a 16th century English traveller. Thomas Chacko’s brilliantly researched novel traces James Badby’s journey from a small village in Surrey, through Florence and Venice, to the Malabar Coast and the magnificent kingdom of Vijayanagar.

The chronicle begins in England in 1534, with the imprisonment and execution of the monks of the Carthusian Charterhouse. The historical account becomes a personal one, as Badby attempts to rescue his brother, Maurice, from the priory. To escape the disillusionment and terror unleashed by King Henry VIII and Cromwell, the narrator, along with Maurice and close friend, Hugh, travel to Antwerp. With the collapse of the Bartoli Bank and financial ruin imminent, the friends venture to Italy to try and save some business.

From the macabre beheadings at Tyburn, overseen by he King, to the intrigues of the Medici in Florence, Chacko spins a fascinating tale, based on historical fact. The assassination of Alessandro de Medici by his brother, is witnessed by Badby and Co., following which they make their way to Venice. The beauty of Florence and Venice are described with an eye for detail.

But one gets the feeling that this is just a prelude to the latter part of the story, set in India. Chacko points out that he had long wanted to write a novel set in Kerala of the 1500s. The voyage, on board a Venetian merchant ship, is predictably exciting, since only Portuguese ships are allowed to trade in India.

The author’s association with South India obviously helps, and it is an interesting glimpse of how an Englishman of the time might have viewed the culture and customs of the area. Calicut is the first stop, "a terminal of commerce and the centre of the world trade in spices". The Zamorins of Calicut, the matrilineal and polyandrous society of the Nairs, and the 12-yearly Mamamkam where the Chavers mount the assault on the Zamorin, are described with great fascination. But what might have been the monotony of a travelogue is relieved by personal anecdotes, including a passionate love story with a local woman.

Intrigue abounds, as swords are crossed with Portuguese traders who resent the English foray into their territory. Native rulers take sides and solicit support, leading to picaresque adventures on sea and land.

The magnificence of the Vijayanagar kingdom is celebrated by the awestruck foreigner. Local festivals and customs, ranging fro Onam to "Satee", are described with suitable fear or wonder. The last part of the story deals with an attack by a wild elephant which leads to the fabled graveyard of elephants, and Badby’s imprisonment by its guardians, deep in the forest.

From the courtesans of Venice to the parapsychic yogis, Chacko writes an intriguing story. His hero, Badby is extraordinarily tolerant, and seems to compare whatever he sees in India favourably with his own country. The advantage of writing about an Englishman’s travels, sitting here in India.?

OM