B. M. Croker's In Old Madras is a vivid romance set against the backdrop of the British Raj in Southern India. The novel follows the experiences of a new arrival from England, likely a young woman or a military officer, who is introduced to the particular social rhythms, hierarchies, and scandals of the Madras Presidency. Croker, drawing on her own extensive experience living in India, paints a detailed and authentic portrait of colonial life, from the stifling heat and the bustling bazaars to the gossip-filled clubhouses and formal Government House receptions. The plot typically involves a romantic entanglement complicated by the strict social codes of the time. Characters often grapple with issues of honor, reputation, and the clash between personal desire and public duty. A central conflict might arise from a misunderstood liaison, a secret from the past, or the arrival of a charismatic but unsuitable figure who disrupts the social order. The title itself evokes a sense of a specific, almost timeless place, "Old Madras," with its own set of traditions and characters. Croker's strength lies in her sharp observation of the nuances of Anglo-Indian society—the snobberies, the flirtations, the loneliness of exile, and the resilience of those who make India their home. The novel is both a compelling love story and a valuable social document, capturing the essence of a bygone era in one of Britain's most important colonial possessions.

Table of Contents:

• In Old Madras. Part 1

• In Old Madras. Part 2

• In Old Madras. Part 3

• In Old Madras. Part 4

• In Old Madras. Part 5