Commemorating George Orwell: The Influential Author Hailing from Bihar
Commemorating George Orwell's birthday on June 25, let's delve into the lesser-known facet of the revered author of Animal Farm and 1984. Orwell, the mastermind behind two groundbreaking 20th-century novels, was born in a small town called Motihari, Bihar, India, in 1903, not England, as most believe.
Born as Eric Arthur Blair, Orwell's roots in India were seldom acknowledged, especially by newer generations engrossed in his profound writing. His father, Richard Walmesley Blair, was a petty British official working in the Indian Civil Service's Opium Department under British rule. His mother, a woman of French descent, hailed from a Burmese teak merchant family. Although Orwell moved to England as a baby, his colonial past—and his later tenure as a British officer in Burma—significantly influenced his overall perspective and the themes of power, oppression, and rebellion that dominate his works.
Exploring George Orwell's Origins
Motihari, a town steeped in ancient history with mentions in scriptures like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, is a must-visit site. Formerly known as Champaran until its division in 1972, the location offers picturesque landscapes. The house of the acclaimed writer long struggled in disrepair. In a 1984 article in The Caravan, an author traced how locals were largely clueless about their town being the author's birthplace. The piece also highlighted the opium godown where Orwell's father had worked.
It wasn't until it was rediscovered by fans in 2003 that the house started receiving the attention it deserved. The Bihar government, inspired by the initiatives, decided to revitalize and preserve the house in 2014, transforming it into a museum. The Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, took a vested interest in the project and attended the museum's grand opening. Orwell's son, Richard Blair, shared his gratitude for his father's old house being restored and turned into a museum, as noted in a Guardian article. It appears from the article that Orwell's museum is one of the rare few, possibly the only, dedicated to the author—a testament to his enduring popularity despite having a smaller readership following.
India's Impact on Orwell's Literature
Many of Orwell's seminal works revolve around sites within the Indian subcontinent. One of his earliest works, "A Hanging" (1931), tells the harrowing tale of a hanging under British colonial rule in Burma. Other works like "Burmese Days" (1934), "Shooting An Elephant" (1934), and numerous letters are also centered on various locations in the Indian subcontinent. Besides being culturally significant, Burma offers striking landscapes, making it worth a visit from a tourist perspective. Interestingly, while India may not have been the central focus in Orwell's works, his understanding of the repressive nature of imperialism was significantly influenced by living, working, and traveling within the subcontinent.
Sites to Visit Near Motihari
As you visit the George Orwell Birthplace Museum in Motihari, several other sites around town may pique your interest. The Gandhi Museum and Auditorium, located 2.3 km from the museum, is a must-see with unique artifacts showcasing the Champaran Satyagraha Movement.
Satyagraha Park, situated just 550 meters from the George Orwell Birthplace Museum, is named after the same movement. Moti Jheel, situated right in the heart of the city adjacent to a hillside, offers remnants of Indo-Mughal architecture built around it.
Another popular site is the Buddha Stupa of Kesariya, which stands approximately 52 km from the George Orwell Birthplace Museum. The stupa, dating back to the 3rd century BC, has a circumference of around 400 feet and rises about 104 feet high.
Travel Information
The George Orwell Birthplace Museum operates seven days a week. You can reach it by car from the Lok Nayak Jayprakash Airport in Patna, about a 3-hour drive and 153 km away. The museum is well-connected to neighboring cities and Patna via road. Motihari also has a railway station, Bapudham Motihari Railway Station, which is approximately 2 km from the Orwell Museum.
For art enthusiasts, a WhatsApp channel dedicated to Bihar's cultural adventures awaits. Explore the artistic riches of this fascinating Indian state and gain fresh insights into the life and work of George Orwell.
Exhibiting a strong connection to the Indian subcontinent, the George Orwell Birthplace Museum in Motihari is a significant stop for travelers intrigued by the life of the renowned author. After exploring the museum, wander through the serene yet culturally rich sites in the town, such as the Gandhi Museum and Auditorium, Satyagraha Park, and Moti Jheel. For those interested in learning more about the area's artistic wonders, join a dedicated WhatsApp channel to delve deep into Bihar's cultural treasures. To reach the museum via car, travelers can take a 3-hour drive from Lok Nayak Jayprakash Airport in Patna or use the well-connected road network from neighboring cities and Patna. Additionally, Motihari has its own railway station, Bapudham Motihari Railway Station, approximately 2 km from the Orwell Museum.
