Tarashankar Bandopadhyay was a universally accepted author among all Bengali readers. His novels and short stories kept the aged and the youth engrossed. Novelist Tarashankar Bandopadhyay was one of the famous triad of 'Bandopadhyays', the other two being Bibhutibhusan Bandopadhyay and Manik Bandopadhyay.
Tarashankar Bandopadhyay Early Life
Tarashankar Bandopadhyay was born in 1898 on July 23rd, in Labhpur village in Birbhum district of West Bengal. His father Haridas Bandopadhyay was the ancestral zamindar of that area. After completing his schooling in the local high school he took admission in St. Xavier's College, Calcutta for pursuing his intermediate studies.
While studying in St. Xavier's College he got involved in the non-cooperation movement for India's freedom. As such, he was interned at his ancestral home in 1921. He was interned once again in 1930 for similar reasons.
After his release he devoted himself to social work in his village. He worked tirelessly among the villagers during epidemics, which gave him an opportunity to observe the plight of the ordinary village folk. He mixed freely with the so called lower classes of dom, bagdi, sadgop, and bauri which was against the existing social customs. His love for fellow beings irrespective of class and creed is reflected in his short stories and novels.
Literary Works of Tarashankar Bandopadhyay
Tarashankar Bandopadhyay was a versatile writer who
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had written on various topics. However, one most important aspect of his writings was his experimentation of human relationships, be it the zamindar or the laborer. A few of his works include:
- Ganadevata – This novel depicts the efforts of a schoolmaster to remove tyrannies from a village. This novel was recognized by the Jnanpith Award in 1967. This was made into a Bengali cinema by the same name.
- Jalsaghar – In this novel Tarashankar Bandopadhyay experiments with the gradual decay of the feudal system and values, and the rise of commercialism. This novel was immortalized by Satyajit Ray.
- Abhijan – This masterpiece by Tarashankar Bandopdhyay traces the exploits of a cab driver in a society filled with hypocrites.
- Rai Kamal – Rai Kamal is a love story of three wandering Vaishnav minstrels who share a bitter sweet relationship.
- Bicharak- This novel portrays the dilemma of a judge in passing a verdict for a murder case.
- Kavi - This is a narration of a gypsy poet who moves around with a group of dancers and prostitutes.
Byomkesh Bakshi, a sleuth created by Tarashankar Bandopadhyay, and his murder mysteries are a favorite among the younger readers.
His other works include Aamar Sahitya Jibon (My Literary Life), Aamar Kaaler Kathe (Tales of my Times), Hansuli Banker Upakatha, Kalindi, Jogobhrashto, Radha, Panchogram, Sandipan Pathsala, Tarashankar Rachanaboli, and Tarashankar Bandopadhyayer Bachhai Golpo.
Tarashankar Bandopadhyay breathed his last in 1971 September.
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