History, memory and everyday lives: A collection of stories that offers a nuanced portrayal of Assam

Author Shehnab Sahin's debut short story collection, "Colour My Grave Purple," offers a nuanced portrayal of Assam through a diverse array of characters and settings. With 10 stories, each set in different time periods, Shehnab seeks to challenge stereotypes and provide a more comprehensive picture of the region, beyond the usual narratives of violence and conflict.

For Shehnab, who is now based in Assam, the collection represents her love letter to home and a testament to her own journey as a writer. Her father, a former police officer and prolific novelist who wrote in Assamese, inspired her to begin writing. Reflecting on her upbringing, Shehnab mentions how she once encountered an apologetic response from a fellow student who questioned her heritage due to her love for her home state.

The collection includes stories set in various historical periods, such as 1855, 1920, 1962, and 2019, which allows Shehnab to explore themes like the tea plantation economy and human-elephant conflict. In "Two Leaves and a Bud," she examines the economic impact of tea plantations, while in "Ursula," she tells the story of Britisher Ursula Graham Bower, who documented the lives of tribal people in the Naga Hills during the 1940s.

Shehnab emphasizes that her work is not focused on eliciting pity, but rather aims to present a more holistic view of Assam and its people, steering away from typecasting. She hopes that her stories will encourage readers to learn more about the Northeast, particularly Assam, and appreciate its rich history and everyday lives.