Vermillion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh by Reenita M. Hora
it’s 1919 in Amritsar, India. An Anglo-Indian schoolteacher, Aruna, has fallen in love with Ayaz, a Muslim law student deeply involved in political activism. It’s already a struggle for these two star-crossed lovers to be together, given the bitter animosity between their two communities. But something else is looming: a coming rain of bullets that will forever change the city they call home.
Reenita M. Hora’s stunning historical romance Vermillion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh draws on the true story of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, also known as the Amritsar massacre — a tragic, pivotal moment in the fight for India’s independence from the British. Here, we were able to talk with the author herself about the personal connection she has to this grim day in history, and what she hopes readers glean from this timeless story of love amidst violence.
Q: What first inspired you to write Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh?
A: I’m deeply connected to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre through my late grandfather’s vivid memories of the aftermath he witnessed as a young boy in Amritsar. This connection also inspired a character I portrayed in a related play during my teenage years, igniting my passion for storytelling — especially after reading Erich Segal’s Love Story. That’s when I knew I wanted to craft my own epic love story, a dream that solidified further after watching Titanic.
Incorporating elements of heritage and personal experience into my writing is essential. My stories often unfold in places that resonate deeply — Mumbai, San Francisco, Punjab. As a Punjabi, the tragedy of Amritsar strikes a profound chord. With my grandfather from there and my mother born there, the massacre feels intensely personal. Official records cite 379 deaths and about 1,500 injuries, but estimates suggest the toll could be as high as 1,500, with the true numbers shrouded in mystery. General Dyer’s sudden attack inflicted devastation in mere minutes, rivaling tragedies like 9/11.
This horrific event was a turning point for the Indian independence movement, igniting a nationwide push for freedom that culminated in 1947. As Saugata Mukherjee, head of content at Warner India, aptly noted, it was “one of the darkest moments in modern Indian history.” Lynn Moon from Indignor House even compared General Dyer to Hitler, a comparison that resonates deeply.
Though I learned about this tragedy in school, many outside India remain unaware of its significance. Despite its monumental impact, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre has largely faded from global historical memory. That’s why I felt compelled to write about it—to shed light on a crucial chapter of history that the world needs to confront and remember. As a friend pointed out, while we didn’t live through that era, this is my way of supporting the freedom fighters of colonial India.
Q: Describe for us the barriers that stand in the way of Aruna and Ayaz’s love.
A: The love story in my book isn’t your typical romance. The political tensions and cultural differences add significant depth to the relationship between the Anglo-Indian schoolteacher, Aruna, and the Muslim student activist, Ayaz.
Interfaith issues have long been a thorny problem in South Asia and remain so today. While Hindu-Muslim relationships might be more common in the US, they are still far from the norm in the Indian subcontinent. This novel delves into themes of gender roles, power and identity, focusing on an Anglo-Indian protagonist marginalized by both Indians and the British. Aruna is caught between two worlds, rejected by her mother’s Hindu Punjabi community and her father’s British society. This dual rejection highlights the societal acceptance of Anglo-Indians, which contrasts sharply with the melting pot mentality of America both then and now — a different kind of “untouchable.”
Aruna is acutely aware that she is outcast from both sides of her heritage, making her acceptance into Ayaz’s Muslim family impossible. Ayaz, himself, is no simple character. As a Home Rule activist, he is deeply involved with the Indian National Congress, prioritizing its pro-independence activities over his studies. Although he is officially a student in Lahore, he has come to Amritsar to follow local Congress leaders Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal, who are devoted to the Home Rule movement. His activism draws constant scrutiny from the British government, labeling him a troublemaker and an anti-seditionist, effectively a threat to British rule.
Aruna is unsettled by all of this. Ayaz’s devotion to activism over their romance, combined with the constant surveillance he faces, threatens to derail their budding relationship. This tension adds a layer of complexity and realism to their love story.
Q: You blend the very real history of 1919 India into your story, and do not shy away from the horrors of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. What was your research process like for this story?
A: Tackling my research was like navigating a labyrinth — where to even begin was a puzzle in itself. Fortunately, a friend of mine, a history professor at Wellesley College, came to my rescue. With his help, I got my hands on General Dyer’s court transcripts, providing a rare glimpse into Dyer’s mindset, albeit post-massacre.
I then delved into the geography of Amritsar, poring over maps and studying the city’s layout. I imagined where young lovers might have strolled, and the ‘pop culture’ of the time i.e. the cultural touchpoints that could have brought them together — Jane Austen seemed an obvious choice for a school teacher and an English-educated Muslim law student. I also pinpointed where political protests occurred and mapped out General Dyer’s movements. Researching the events leading up to the massacre revealed numerous incidents that nearly sparked major conflicts but were thankfully avoided.
This thorough research demanded time, patience, and dedication. My goal was to publish the book in 2019, marking a hundred years since the event. However, as I began writing in 2018, I realized that rushing would do the subject a disservice. So, I chose to take my time and approach the project with the care it deserved, free from the pressure of an unrealistic deadline.
Q: You’ve won several awards for your storytelling in the past. What advice would you give fellow writers on crafting a truly impactful narrative?
A: The key is to be real and go deep. The world often thinks it knows our stories, but they’re usually bound by stereotypes and superficial narratives. It’s up to you to break through those barriers and reveal the truths only you can tell.
1. Dig into the Roots and Embrace Complexity:
Go beyond surface-level depictions and dive into the rich history, traditions, and personal anecdotes that shape your heritage. Embrace the duality of your cultural background, showing how beauty and tragedy coexist and influence your identity.
2. Challenge Stereotypes and Use Specific Details:
Present characters and scenarios that defy stereotypes, showcasing the diversity within your culture. Use specific cultural details — such as dishes, festivals, and rituals — to create a vivid and authentic backdrop for your narrative.
3. Be Vulnerable and Connect Past to Present:
Open up about personal experiences, including struggles and triumphs, to build deep connections with your audience. Show how your heritage evolves over time and continues to influence contemporary life, linking the past with the present to offer profound insights into cultural identity.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from Vermilion Harvest?
A: The main message I hope readers take away from Vermilion Harvest is the profound duality of life — how beauty and tragedy, creation and destruction, are intertwined, symbolized by the color vermilion. This vibrant hue, which adorns the hair parting of a married Hindu woman, represents both life and vitality as well as the bloodshed during tragic events like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. In a poignant twist, Ayaz applies vermilion to Aruna’s hair the last time he sees her, marking her as his bride in an unofficial act of Hindu marriage, but tragically also sealing her fate as a widow within hours.
Vermilion, or sindhur, traditionally signifies both the zest of life and commitment in marriage — central elements to the relationship between Aruna and Ayaz. Yet, this same color also mirrors the blood spilled on Baisakhi in 1919 during the horrifying massacre at Jallianwala Bagh, highlighting the stark contrast between celebration and calamity.
The subtitle, Playtime at the Bagh, deepens this metaphor. It refers to the innocent gatherings during the Baisakhi harvest festival, which tragically turned into a deadly “game” of bullets under General Dyer’s orders. This historical backdrop serves as a somber reminder of the brutal impacts of colonial exploitation, mirrored in Aruna’s personal story. Her Anglo-Indian heritage stems from violence — her Hindu mother was assaulted by a British officer, echoing the broader pillaging of India by its colonizers.
Through Vermilion Harvest, I aim to delve into the complexities of historical trauma, the enduring scars of colonialism and the resilient spirit that emerges from understanding and reconciling these deep-seated wounds. In 2019, during the 100th anniversary of the massacre, there was a move by Indians to request an apology from Queen Elizabeth II of England, which didn’t happen. It’s shameful that thousands can die in a planned terrorist attack, and yet it remains largely unknown. There has never been a fictional story set against this massacre either.
Furthermore, the issues raised in the book are incredibly relevant today. Even in India, recent freedom of expression issues beg the question: Have we learned anything in the past 100 years, both in India and around the world? It is unacceptable that such planned terrorist attacks are forgotten and swept under the carpet, with no lessons learned.
Q: Do you have another book or project you’re working on?
A: Yes, of course! I’m thrilled to share some exciting upcoming projects that I’ve been working on. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
1. Ace of Blades. This is a literary non-fiction story about my father, RK Malhotra, the pioneer of India’s razor blade industry. He was a relentless visionary who wouldn’t stop at anything to build this industry — not just his business, but the entire industry — even if it cost him his own family. Think of it as Succession meets The Crown, but with an Indian twist. It’s a compelling tale of ambition, family conflict, and the sacrifices made for success.
2. Festivals of Light. This picture book follows a Jewish girl and a Hindu girl as they celebrate Diwali and Hanukkah together. It’s a heartwarming story that highlights cultural diversity and the beauty of shared traditions. Perfect for teaching children about the richness of different cultures through the lens of friendship and light.
3. Sundri & Mundri’s Lohri Adventure. Set during the contemporary California celebration of Punjab’s winter harvest festival, this fantasy picture book takes young readers on an enchanting adventure with Sundri and Mundri. It’s a whimsical tale that brings the vibrancy of Punjabi culture to life.
4. Shadow Realm: The Arya Chronicles Series. The most exciting project on my list is Shadow Realm, which is part one of the Arya Chronicles series, based on my already-released podcast. This narrative fantasy fiction book thrusts 16-year-old Arya into a supernatural war where his South Asian heritage is targeted by demons. When bullies in San Francisco steal his sacred Ramayana book, chaos ensues, leading to a life-threatening accident for his mother. Arya is then drawn into the Ramayana’s world, where he learns that Ravana, the demon king, plans to destroy his only copy of the book to alter history. Joining forces with mythical allies, Arya embarks on a quest that goes beyond mere battle, uncovering deep fears and his mother’s true essence.
If all goes well, I plan to spend the next five years developing Shadow Realm and the Arya Chronicles series. This will be the first-ever superhero-type story drawing from Vedic mythology, and I can’t wait to see it come to life.
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About Reenita M. Hora:
Reenita M. Hora brings life to her stories from her South Asian experiences, featuring quirky characters who navigate a rollercoaster of imperfect scenarios — but who refuse to sell out. She’s an editor, writer, and script supervisor for notable publications and platforms such as National Geographic Kids, Disney India, Cartoon Network Asia, the New York Times and CNN. Reenita garnered numerous awards, including the Eric Hoffer Book Award, the IndieReader Discovery Award, Santa Barbara International Screenplay Award, Script2Comic, Launchpad and Emerging Screenwriters awards.
She produces two podcasts: the True Fiction Project (unscripted to scripted), and Shadow Realm (narrative fiction). Recently, LA Weekly dubbed her a ‘top indie author’ bringing Indian culture and humor to America.
Reenita inked a Production Development agreement for her young adult romcom screenplay, Operation Mom. She also optioned her unpublished book, Shadow Realm, and a literary memoir, Ace of Blades.
