K.J.S.Chatrath presents Massia Bibikoff's century old book 'Our Indians in Marseilles'

 

This is a book about Indian soldiers and non-combatants of the First World War who fought and died in France and lie resting in cold French soil thousands of miles away from the warmth of their homes. Marseilles was the base for Indian troops in France during the 1914-18 war; and throughout the war, the Royal Navy, the Merchant Navy, British troops and Labour units worked in the port or passed through it.

This is an effort to present Massia Bibikoff's 100 year old book 'Our Indians At Marseilles'. This effort begins by a brief mention of other books on WW-I by lady authors, before coming to Massia’s book. Massia was a young Russian lady artist who closely saw the Indian soldiers on their arrival in Marseilles in September/ October 1914 when World War-I had just started. She spent 5 days visiting the Indian forces in Marseilles. She went to Marseilles with her mother, who was an avid photographer, in September 1914.

 On reading the title itself of Massia’s book, one knows a lot about the contents and treatment of the subject in the book. She talks about 'Our Indians'- so very endearing and full of empathy. Massia witnessed the arrival of Indian soldiers in Marseilles and has described it in her book.

 Her book includes 50 sketches done by her showing Indian soldiers in various activities on arrival in their camp in Marseilles from India.

Book is available at amazon, flipkart & pothi.com