THE “FISHING FLEET”
Story
By
VIKRAM KARVE
HUSBAND HUNTING – Part 1
I learnt the term
“Fishing Fleet” – when – many years ago – I read a novel called THE RAJ by
Donald H Robinson.
The book is set in
British India – in the early 1930’s – in the backdrop of “Colonial Life” –
prevalent in the days of the “British Raj”.
The story is about an
Englishwoman – a schoolteacher at a renowned boarding school for ladies.
She is now 38 years
old – single – and – she has not been able to find a suitable husband in
England for all these years.
She is worried that
she may remain a spinster all her life.
She desperately wants
to get married.
So – she quits her
job – and – she decides to sail to India on the “Fishing Fleet” – to “hunt” for
a suitable husband.
Dear Reader – let me
tell you a bit about the “Fishing Fleet”.
During the days of
the “British Raj” – a large number of Englishmen served in India – in the Civil
Services – in the Military – and – at other places.
So – there were a
large number of “eligible” Englishmen – but hardly any suitable Englishwomen
“brides” for them.
On the other hand –
for “middle class” Englishwomen – it was difficult to find a “status” match in
England.
So – after exhausting
all opportunities for finding a good husband in England – the women would take
the “fishing fleet” to India in search of a prospective husband.
The Civil Services
and the Military discouraged marrying before the age of 30 – the age at which
it was thought the Officer had “settled down” in his job and it was feasible
for him to support a family – so – even age-wise – women in their late 20’s and
early 30’s had a good chance of bagging a prize catch husband.
During those
“Colonial Days” of the “British Raj” – the “Social Season” in India was in
winter – from December to February – and the “Fishing Fleet” arrived in India
at the beginning of the social season – during which – all efforts were made to
facilitate “coupling” of the prospective husbands and brides.
The women had a
distinct advantage – the gender ratio was skewed heavily in their favour –
there were 3 to 4 men “available” for every woman.
So – in view of this
huge gender advantage – it was quite easy for most of “fishing fleet” women to
acquire a husband.
If you were lucky – you
could get a “Bada Sahib” (Civil
Services or Military Officer) husband.
Otherwise – you would have to settle
for a “Chota Sahib” Englishman
working in other jobs in India – like in the Railways (or other Government
Services) – a Tea Planter – or a
“manager” in the numerous business/trading companies/firms/industries set up in
India.
Well – most “fishing
fleet” women did manage to find a husband – so – they got married – and they
remained in India with their husbands and lived “happily ever after”.
And – those
unfortunate “fishing fleet” women who failed to find a husband – they sailed
back to England – as “Returned Empties” – probably destined to remain a
spinster all their lives.
The genesis of the
“fishing fleet” was in the year 1671 – when the East India Company sent 20
single women to Bombay (now called Mumbai) – each given an allowance of 300
Pounds Sterling – and – a new set of clothing.
The women were given
a simple objective – to find a “company-approved” mate within a year.
It seems that this
experiment was successful – and – this resulted in establishing a practice of transporting
a steady “cargo” of potential brides by sea all the way to India every year.
Colloquially – in
Naval Parlance – this was nicknamed as the “Fishing Fleet” – and – the
potential brides were known as “Fishing Fleeters”.
What happened to the
“fishing fleeter” heroine of the novel…?
Was her “husband
hunting” mission a success…?
Did she have any
romances – any passionate affairs …?
Did she find a
“suitable” husband and settle down in India to a happy married life…?
Or – did she return
back to England – desolate – as a “Returned Empty”…?
For all that – you
will have to read the book.
Now – Dear Reader – in Part 2 – let me tell you a few stories which
happened much later – during my delightful days in the Navy.
VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
Disclaimer:
1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.
2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Copyright Notice:
No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.
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© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
