Writer, advocate and former MLA, Uday Bhembre, whose first Konkani novel on the Inquisition, Vhadle Ghar, received critical acclaim, has now published his second novel, Katar Re Bhaji, which is also steeped in history.
Bhembre who was in conversation with the president of the Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Anwesha Singbal, at a recent ‘MOG Sundays’ talk at the Museum of Goa, Pilerne, said that his love for history made him write the books.
However, he added that very few people read history, and thus, there is ignorance in society. He believes that through creative literature, history can travel further.
As the name suggests, Katar Re Bhaji is based on Abade or Abbé Faria (1756-1819), who is considered the ‘Father of Doctrine of Suggestion in Hypnotism’.
Bhembre shared that while he was teaching at Goa University, when the topic of Abbé Faria came up in the class of 40 students, they had no clue about Faria or his work, not even his famous statue near the Adil Shah Palace in Panjim. This intrigued Bhembre to write about him.
The historical fiction contains 15 chapters that illustrate the journey of the famous pioneer of hypnotism from Goa to Lisbon to Rome and then to France, and has been published by Sanjana Publications.
As part of his research, Bhembre referred to seven biographies written on Faria’s life – two in Konkani (one of which was translated from the original in Portuguese by Nobel laureate and neurologist, António Egas Moniz), one in Marathi and four in English.
But, according to him, the one written by neurosurgeon Daniel Gelásio Dalgado, in 1906, is the most authoritative.
Bhembre mentions that Dalgado visited all the places in France where Faria stayed and worked. And according to Dalgado, Faria didn’t go to jail which is otherwise recorded in other biographies.
Bhembre suggests that this is picked up from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo (1844). It is believed that the character of the Italian priest, Abbé Faria, in this novel, is based on Faria.
Bhembre says, “The book says that the Italian priest is in search of some treasure, and then commits some offence and is imprisoned for 11 years. Many biographies have taken it from here. He was never in that prison, and Dalgado confirms this.”
Bhembre added that during his research, he found gaps of many years. He adds that in his novel, he has filled this gap with his logic and imagination. Just as Dalgado mentions in his biography that Farria visits casinos, but doesn’t answer what compelled a priest to visit such a place and how he stopped.
Also, it mentions that Faria was a member of Medical Society of Marseille. But, he was not from the field of medicine, so how was he made a member?
Thus, Bhembre has used his creativity in such situations where he could not get any historical record or reference. “Less than half of my book is a biography, the rest is my imagination!” states Bhembre.
Bhembre also debunked the theory that Faria’s father, Caetano Faria, and Abbé, himself, were the masterminds behind the Pinto Revolt of 1787.
He said, “If he (Caetano) was a mastermind, then why would he have stayed in Lisbon at that time, when the revolt was taking place in Goa? And, whether it fails or succeeds, you are in trouble as you are in the capital of the country.”
Lastly, Bhembre referred to the title of the book. He confirmed that many of his literary friends stated that the title doesn’t suit the subject of the book, as the book is about Faria and his science and the title sounds very casual.
However, while researching about Faria, Bhembre realised that this phrase, Katar Re Bhaji was the mantra that Faria followed to discover his science. It was given to him by his father.
Bhembre narrated, “Abbe Faria got his doctorate in theology and philosophy in Rome, and returned to Lisbon and dedicated it to the queen. She was so impressed with it that she announced an oration by him. It was a rare privilege for a 22-year-old. However, he was too nervous to present it as it was to be attended by the cream of society. ”
“His father realised it and at that time and said to him ‘Katar re bhaji, he sagli bhaji (Just cut the vegetables, they all are vegetables). Thus, this mantra remained with Faria throughout his journey of science and beyond,” concludes Bhembre.