Too Much Full of Jack Fruit
–I read this a few years ago and have since been trying to find it online. I just found it and hope you enjoy it as much as I did then and a few minutes ago.–
East Indian Railway was started to operate in 1854. But 55 years after its maiden run, trains did not have toilets in them, at least third class coaches did not have. Otherwise way back in 1909, aggrieved Babu Okhil Ch. Sen would not have written this complaint. The letter, discovered in railway records in Sahibgunj, West Bengal written to the white transportation superintendent, dated July 2, 1909 , is reproduced in full.
“Dear Sir,
I am arrive by passenger train at Ahmedpore station, and my belly is too much full of jack fruit. I am therefore went to privy, Just as I doing the nuisance, that guard making whistle blow for train to go off and I am running with lotah in one hand and dhotie in the next hand. I am fall over and expose my shockings to man, females, woman on platform. I am get leaved at Ahmedpore station.
This too much bad, if passenger go to make dung, that dam guard no wait train 5 minutes for him. I am therefore pray your honour to make big fine on that guard for public sake, otherwise I am making big report to papers.
your faithful servant
sd./ Okhil Ch. Sen”
The text of this letter has been published in the August 1909 issue of the Railway board’s Journal - Indian Railways.
