Madhurima Vidyarthi, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (UK) and an endocrinologist with training in Kolkata and London, has always had a strong enthusiasm for writing. She has written in a variety of genres and age groups over the years, including articles for The Statesman, scripts for educational documentaries (EMMRC, St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata), and a CD-ROM on Satyajit Ray (narrated by Sir Richard Attenborough) produced by Price Waterhouse Coopers. However, her unwavering devotion has always been fiction. This is her debut book for adults, despite the fact that she has previously had children’s books published, including My Grandmother’s Masterpiece, Munni Monster, and The School for Bad Girls.

The Kolkata Mail correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up with the author in an exclusive conversation about her new book, Job Charnock and The Potter’s Boy. Excerpts..

This is your first book for adults. What motivated you to write that?

Madhurima Vidyarthi- This book is written mainly as an ode to Calcutta. I have always been curious about the beginnings of my city and all the legends that abound. Job Charnock makes an appearance in history books, but we weren’t told a lot about him. Not only was he the ‘founder’ of Calcutta, but then that was overturned by the High Court ruling, which said that Charnock was only one of many. It is a fact that the area which now makes up Kolkata was a hodge-podge of villages, zamindari, swamps, haat, bazaar, weavers’ settlements, so I was quite curious to find out what the actual scenario was when Charnock landed. Also, the reasons he chose this area over others.

The book is a historical fiction. Can you throw some light on the story of the book?

Madhurima Vidyarthi- The book is a story of survival, of the coming of age of a boy whose world is turned upside down by the actions of those in power. It focuses firmly on the common people, on their struggles and daily lives. It also attempts to highlight the beginnings of the plurality and diversity that are the hallmark of our city. And lastly, but very importantly, it brings to light that the East India Company’s plan was always to conquer, never simply to trade. In this, Charnock had the backing of the directors of the East India Company, as well as the English crown. It was a meticulously thought-out plan of campaign, not the random ‘chance-directed’ happening that some narratives would have us think.

How do you manage your time between being a doctor and writing books?

Madhurima Vidyarthi- I have said before that time is like toothpaste, it needs to be squeezed out inch by inch. In real life, it requires a lot of planning and smart use of my time. But I do love to write, and I become miserable if I go too many days without writing. Having said that, I also enjoy being a doctor and practising medicine, so I don’t think I will be able to give up either! I find the two complement each other quite beautifully, which is also very fulfilling.

What do you find difficult? writing for children or writing for adults?

Madhurima Vidyarthi-They both have their own challenges, and I enjoy both genres very much. But I would also like to say that I hope my books can be enjoyed by readers of all ages and not be pigeon-holed according to age!

How much time did you take to complete the book?

Madhurima Vidyarthi- The main manuscript was written over about 18 months, and then, of course, multiple rounds of editing and re-editing took some more time.

What genre of books do you enjoy writing more?

Madhurima Vidyarthi- Whatever calls to me, really. It can be very funny. I may be planning a certain book, but in the middle of that, I may suddenly want to write something else very badly. So then I just have to write what I really want to write; otherwise, even the initial project doesn’t really work out too well.

Have you decided on the next book you will be writing about?

Madhurima Vidyarthi– I do have a few books in mind, some historical, others contemporary, both for adults and children. Nothing concrete, just playing around with a few ideas.