Kolkata: The hub of Britishers

As we travelled from Keonjhar to Kolkata, the landscape shifted dramatically, transforming from the rolling hills of Odisha to the bustling streets of a city teeming with life. 

Kolkata, the capital of British India, stood as a testament to colonial ambition and governance. Its strategic importance made it the epicentre of British authority, trade, and military operations. Here, in this throbbing heart of colonial power, the struggle against the British was unfolding in a uniquely intricate manner.

Unlike the overt resistance seen in other regions, Kolkata's discontent simmered beneath the surface of literary salons, intellectual gatherings, and poignant pamphlets.

The city nurtured a burgeoning culture of dissent, where writers and thinkers wielded their pens as swords, crafting powerful narratives that challenged colonial rule. Kolkata became a vibrant hub of revolutionary thought, crackling with ideas of freedom and self-determination.

As we approached the city, the weight of our mission pressed heavily on my mind. In 1857, liberating Kolkata was paramount; if the British were to lose their grip on this pivotal centre, it would signify a seismic shift in their control over India.

The loss of Kolkata would devastate their ambitions, and I knew that our path to victory lay in careful planning and strategic manoeuvring.

The city unfolded before us upon our arrival, alive with commerce and conversation. Bustling markets lined the streets, and the aroma of street food wafted through the air, a reminder of the people's everyday lives amid the growing unrest. Kolkata held both the key to British power and the potential for formidable resistance.

I began outlining our strategy, envisioning how we could turn the tide in Kolkata. Our approach needed to be subtle yet impactful, leveraging the city's intellectual fervour and existing networks of dissent.

We would collaborate with local leaders, writers, and activists who were already stirring the pot against British rule, amplifying their voices and igniting the flames of rebellion.

I also sought to establish covert meetings, laying the groundwork for a unified front capable of articulating the people's grievances and ambitions.

This would require a blend of diplomacy and daring, reaching out to those who could rally support while avoiding the attention of British authorities.

I was acutely aware of the need for discretion; any misstep could result in severe repercussions.

After discussing our plans with Sufiyan, I asked him to investigate the writers who supported our ideas of freedom.

Our intelligence organization had extensively covered Kolkata, so I was confident we would soon have results.

I also informed him that we would create another trading company to ease our trade with countries such as Japan, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the city, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Kolkata was not merely a city; it was a battleground of ideas, and we were poised to participate in the struggle for its soul. The coming days would be critical, and I was determined to navigate the complexities of this vibrant city with the skill and caution it demanded.

By the next day, I already had a list of writers, poets, and intellectuals who were crafting narratives of freedom. Not all of them were overt in their dissent, but they had shown their thoughts during our covert investigation.

In the bustling heart of Kolkata, the first step toward our mission was clear: we needed to create a club of like-minded individuals who shared our vision of freedom and resisted the oppressive grip of the British. This club would serve as a nucleus of dissent, a space for exchanging ideas and formulating strategies. We secretly reached out to the individuals on our list and invited them to join.

Once our club was formed, we named it "Voice of Calcutta." There was no need for secrecy when it came to literature; the more open we were, the more difficult it would be for the British to take action without sparking widespread protest. I recognized the importance of funding our efforts, assuring them that we would fully support their initiatives.

Securing resources became a priority, enabling us to produce literature that resonated with the masses. This literature would not only raise awareness about our cultural heritage but also instil pride and unity among our people. It was essential to remind everyone that we were not mere subjects of a foreign power; we were heirs to a rich history and a vibrant culture that deserved celebration and defence.

To facilitate this, I planned to establish a secret printing press—a facility capable of producing pamphlets, flyers, and newspapers that could be discreetly disseminated throughout India. The challenge lay in keeping it hidden from the British, who would undoubtedly seek to quash any dissenting voices.

I approached my contacts in Travancore, particularly Sivagami Iyer. With Sivagami's support, we could obtain paper at a fraction of the cost, allowing our printing press to thrive without attracting unwanted attention.

With the club's structure in place and plans for the printing press underway, it was time to turn our focus to establishing a trading company in Kolkata. After some discussion, we concluded it would be best to open a branch of Mumbai Express, which was already established. This would solidify our power and facilitate penetration into wealthier circles.

After a whirlwind of activity in Kolkata, where we laid the groundwork for our resistance, it was time to move on to our next destination: Varanasi. Known for its ancient temples and spiritual significance, Varanasi held a unique position in the hearts of the people and was steeped in history.