Bengali Literature
Recollecting Bangladesh’s cinematic homage to Rabindranath
Rabindranath Tagore’s literary prowess extends far beyond the realm of literature. His creations have served as a beacon of inspiration for countless writers and poets who walked the path he paved.
#Perspective / Madhusudan Dutta: The writer who played with the gods
Hailed as the first modern poet and the first rebel poet of Bangla literature, Madhusudan’s rebellion against the conservative society and the contemporary style of literature was daring and the first step towards modern Bangla literature.
Home is where my books are
How do you pack 25 years of your life in two suitcases?
FEATURE / Begum Rokeya and Begum Sufia An enduring “mother-daughter” bond
Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain (1880-1932) and Begum Sufia Kamal (1911-1999), two icons in Bangla literature and culture, were not kins but kindred spirits.
The rebels of Madhusudan
Neeldhaja is the first Bangla poem to be written in the form of a letter; it places a female figure with a rebellious demeanor as the protagonist of a historical narrative.
Interview / ‘We are translators every day’: Arunava Sinha
You must read like a reader and not like an academic student. If the book you’re translating is a general book, it’s going to be read by readers. Intelligent readers perhaps, but readers nevertheless.
Where to start reading Samaresh Majumdar
Dipabali’s character in Satkahon said aloud what was on every girl’s mind.
‘The room by the window was Baba’s favourite’: Doel Majumdar
The last rites of the renowned writer, beloved by readers in both Bengals, was held yesterday.
Samaresh Majumdar—A rebel to look up to
In his novels, Samaresh Majumdar always made his characters walk against the current.
‘The Great Bengali Poetry Underground’: More poets than crows
If this collection proves anything, then it’s that Bangalees will take to poetry like flies take to freshly cut mangoes on a hot summer day.
Pakistani artist illustrates Begum Rokeya's ‘Sultana’s Dream’
A designer and illustrator whose work focuses on human rights, feminism, and South Asian identity, Malik has just created an artwork based on Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain’s novella Sultana’s Dream (1905), which imagines a feminist utopia where women dominate the world of science, labour, and their homes.
Manoranjan Byapari's 'Imaan': Between the familiar and the alien
Through Imaan's interactions with the world outside of the central jail in Kolkata, we meet rickshaw pullers, street hawkers, and tea-stall owners, who belong mostly to the lowest strata of the society and come from highly marginalised caste and economic backgrounds.
IN MEMORY OF HASAN AZIZUL HAQUE: Two tales of violence from the hands of a master
Hasan Azizul Haque, who passed away on November 15, 2021, began his career with the publication of the short story “Shokun” in 1960, and since its publication till today, it has shocked and stupefied most readers who have found their way to this unique and masterfully crafted story—reading it is not an experience one forgets easily, or ever.
Shaheen Akhtar and Shabnam Nadiya’s ‘Beloved Rongomala’ to be published by Eka, Westland Publications
Shaheen Akhtar’s 'Beloved Rongomala', translated from the Bangla novel, 'Shokhi Rongomala' (Bengal Publications, 2015), by Shabnam Nadiya, will now be published by India’s Eka imprint of Westland Publications. The novel tells the story of Queen Phuleswari, a child bride, and of Rongomala, a woman of legend—a low caste mistress to the king who protested the limits to which her rights were confined by the class and caste prejudices of 18th century southern Bengal.
Sadya Afreen, Prof Abu Hena to get Nazrul Award
The prestigious Nazrul Award 2015 is to be accorded to Nazrul Sangeet exponent Sadya Afreen Mallick and Professor Abu Hena Abdul Awal.
Take Bangla literature to the world
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday reiterated her call for extensive and quality translation of classical and popular books of Bengali literature into other languages to reach out to world readers.
In remembrance of Humayun Ahmed, the wizard of words
Humayun Ahmed is the most celebrated writer of contemporary time and one of the best story tellers in the history of Bangla literature.
