Anthony Firingee – Beyond Movies
Uncover the legacy of Anthony Firingee and his remarkable adaptation to Bengali traditions, and his enduring influence on the cultural landscape of Bengal.
Recently, we celebrated the birth anniversary of the legendary Bengali film superstar, Uttam Kumar. Among his many films, Anthony Firingee remains a perennial favourite. However, many people believe that Anthony Firingee is just a fictional character and are unaware that he was a real person who lived in Bengal in the late 18th century. So, today in this narrative let us delve into the life of Anthony Kobial.
When it comes to legendary poets of Bengal, one name that springs to mind is Anthony Firingee. Born Hensman Anthony, he was a fascinating blend of cultures, being of Portuguese descent yet embracing the Bengali language and culture so profoundly that he became an iconic figure in the realm of Bengali folk music. Legend has it that Anthony was so adept at the Bengali language that he could compose spontaneous verses and sing in the traditional art form of Kobigaan.
A Portuguese Legacy in Bengal
Anthony Firingee, or “Foreign Anthony,” (born: 1786 – died: 1836) was a poet-singer of Bengali Kobigaan and a folk poet of Portuguese origin. He was renowned for his extraordinary talent in Bengali devotional songs and poetry during the early 19th century. His rise to fame amongst poets and theatrical performers of that era was remarkable. Through his Kobigaan, Anthony became a voice against the various social injustices of his time.
Long ago, Bengal was swept by the tides of the Bhakti movement. In those days, the Ganges flowed where today’s Central Avenue now stands, beside a deep, dark forest that housed a grand crematorium. This was a place where even in broad daylight, one would fear to tread. It was here, amidst the wilderness, that the fierce deity Kali was worshipped as Shmashan Kali. The deity’s abode, a humble little shack, also housed a Shiva Linga, and the goddess was known as Siddheshwari.
Over time, the Ganges changed its course, and the British adventurer Job Charnock laid the foundations of what would become Kolkata. The once desolate area became bustling, roads were paved, and communities thrived. It was amidst this transformation that Anthony, a Christian and a poet by heart, frequently visited the crematorium’s shack to sing his heart out.
From Portugal to Bengal
Anthony’s father arrived in Bengal in the early 18th century and settled in the town of Chandannagar in West Bengal, a place known then as Farasdanga. Young Anthony grew up mastering the Bengali language, embedding himself in its culture.
Digging into Anthony Firingee’s story led to the intriguing history of the first colonial rulers of India. Long before the British, a group of Portuguese had arrived in India in 1492. It’s no wonder that Christopher Columbus, driven by the tales of India’s riches, petitioned the Spanish monarchy to finance his voyage to the so-called ‘New World’. But let us return to the tale of Anthony Firingee, whose story is more folklore than recorded history.
A Blend of Cultures and Religions
Anthony married Saudamini, a Hindu Brahmin widow, a union that scandalised society and ended in tragedy. His deep involvement in Hinduism and Bengali culture was evident through the many religious songs he composed. Known for his songs celebrating the homecoming of Goddess Durga during the autumnal festival, Anthony’s Agomoni songs became famous, capturing the essence of a daughter’s return to her parental home.
He participated in poetic duels known as Kobigaan, where his contemporaries, such as Bhola Moira, Ram Basu, and Thakur Singha, often inspired him. Anthony also played a significant role in establishing the Firingee Kalibari, a Kali temple in Central Kolkata, where he met and married Saudamini. Unfortunately, societal norms of the time were harsh; Saudamini, being a widow and having married a foreigner, faced severe backlash, leading to her tragic death by burning.
The Portuguese Footprint in India
The Portuguese set foot in India in 1498, led by the famed navigator Vasco da Gama, who landed at Kappad, near Calicut. They soon established a colonial foothold, governing their Indian territories from Cochin. The first Viceroy, Francisco de Almeida, symbolised the Portuguese presence, which predated even the British, French, and Dutch colonialists. Anthony Firingee was a product of this Portuguese-Indian confluence, his mastery of Bengali making him a celebrated Kobiyal (poet-singer) across Bengal.
Even after the British departed in 1947, the Portuguese held on to territories like Goa, Daman, and Diu until they were reclaimed by India in 1961. It wasn’t until 1975 that Portugal formally relinquished all claims over its Indian territories.
The legacy of Anthony Firingee, the Portuguese poet of Bengal, remains a testament to the cultural synthesis that shaped the history of this land. His life and works continue to be celebrated, a fascinating chapter in the ever-evolving story of Bengal.
Upcoming “The Colonial Prelude in the Indian Subcontinent: From the Portuguese to the Dutch”
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