‘Job Charnock and the Potter’s Boy’ revisits 17th-century Bengal’s turbulent past

A new historical novel, Job Charnock and the Potter’s Boy, transports readers to 17th-century Bengal, weaving together political intrigue, war, and deeply human struggles.

Set between 1686 and 1690, the novel captures the tumultuous period of British expansion and Mughal decline, exploring how ambition and empire reshaped ordinary lives.

At its heart are two intertwined stories — that of Job Charnock, a key figure in British colonial enterprise, and Jadu, a potter’s son whose world is transformed by the clash of power and commerce.

Unfolding against the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, the narrative delves into an era marked by economic unrest, military distractions, and the early stirrings of colonial influence in Bengal, offering readers a vivid blend of history and fiction.