The life of Suresh Biswas—adventurer, lion-tamer, and decorated soldier in the Brazilian Army—has long been the stuff of legend, a tale of extraordinary daring that has captured the Bengali imagination for over a century. Yet, beyond scattered anecdotes, little was known about the man himself. This critical edition, published by Jadavpur University Press, brings back into circulation H. Dutt’s rare 1899 biography of Biswas, now supplemented with a wealth of newly unearthed archival material by Maria Barrera-Agarwal.

Born in Bengal in 1861, Suresh Biswas embarked on a life of adventure that took him far beyond the borders of colonial India. From the rural landscapes of Nadia district, he journeyed to the docks of Rangoon, found himself in the midst of a traveling circus in England—where he famously trained lions—and ultimately rose to military distinction during the Brazilian Naval Revolt of the 1890s. His swashbuckling exploits, both real and mythical, left a lasting imprint on Bengal’s martial traditions, shaping a popular legacy that endures to this day.

This new edition of Hem Chunder Dutt’s biography, one of only two known contemporary accounts of Biswas’ life, is more than just a historical record—it is an enthralling narrative of adventure, resilience, and the extraordinary possibilities of a global life in the 19th century. With additional archival materials and two insightful introductory essays, this volume not only restores Biswas to history but also sheds new light on his incredible journey across continents, cultures, and conflicts.