The Black Hill

Immersed in the backdrop of the mid-nineteenth century, The Black Hill unfolds in the vibrant Northeastern region, spanning from Assam to present-day Arunachal. Against this backdrop, the formidable East India Company seeks to extend its influence, stirring trepidation among the local inhabitants, particularly the Abor and Mishmee tribes, who fervently resist their encroachment. Drawing inspiration from a recorded historical event—the enigmatic vanishing of French priest Father Nicolas Krick in the 1850s and the subsequent execution of Kajinsha from the Mishmee tribe for his alleged murder—Mamang Dai weaves an enthralling tapestry of fiction, intricately entwined with truth.

As the narrative unfurls, the novel embarks on an impossible journey and an audacious elopement, delving into the allure of uncharted realms, the enduring bonds between individuals and their homelands, and the inexorable forces of history. Gimur, a spirited girl from the Abor tribe, elopes with Kajinsha from the Mishmee tribe, seeking refuge on his ancestral land near the Tibetan border. Simultaneously, Father Krick, a compassionate and erudite man driven by unwavering devotion, strives to reach Tibet and establish a Jesuit mission. However, his path is repeatedly obstructed by the local populace, not out of personal animosity towards the priests or their mission, but due to the well-founded apprehension that their arrival would herald the advent of the British with their weaponry and strongholds.

The narrative weaves together the fates of Gimur, Kajinsha, and Father Krick, while simultaneously providing glimpses into the lives of their respective villages. Through the prism of multiple perspectives, the novel unravels a tale infused with tragedy, wherein the unwavering determination of Father Krick exacts a profound toll on all those he encounters. Within this enthralling tapestry, The Black Hill explores the depths of human love, the indomitable bond between people and their land, and the relentless march of historical forces that shape destinies.