Debatar Manabayan

• Author: Nrisingh Prasad Bhaduri
• Genre: Ramayan - Mahabharat - Puran Charcha
• Cover: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788172151560
• Pages: 180
• Weight: 276 grams

About the Book:
In Debatar Manabayan (The Humanization of Gods), Nrisingh Prasad Bhaduri explores the transformation of divine figures in ancient texts into human forms and the long-standing tradition of this humanization. The book discusses how gods, demons, and great figures from mythology have been represented not just as divine entities but also as relatable human beings with flaws, emotions, and characteristics. Drawing upon various scriptures, Puranas, and poetic works, Bhaduri shows how this trend evolved over time, often blending the divine with the human in unexpected ways.

The book goes beyond merely listing divine stories to offer a philosophical perspective on the evolution of gods' portrayals, especially in post-Vedic periods. It explains how divine figures like Krishna or others, initially portrayed as supreme beings, were reinterpreted in human terms. Gods were often depicted as being subject to human-like weaknesses and eccentricities, thereby challenging the distance between divinity and humanity.

Bhaduri masterfully delves into these cultural shifts and the reinterpretation of gods' identities, drawing connections between ancient texts and colloquial phrases used in everyday Bengali life, showing how they reflect the broader humanization of gods. He connects these changes to folk traditions and literary works, offering a deep dive into the intersection of mythology, religion, and culture.

The narrative style is both intimate and engaging, with scholarly analysis wrapped in a captivating storytelling approach, ensuring that readers both enjoy the discussion and appreciate the depth of the content.

About the Author:
Nrisingh Prasad Bhaduri was born on November 23, 1950, in what is now Bangladesh. He spent his childhood in Kolkata. A highly gifted student, Bhaduri excelled in academics throughout his life, winning scholarships and awards. He completed his Master’s in Sanskrit literature from Calcutta University. He had the privilege of studying under renowned scholars like Mahamahopadhyay Kalipad Tarkacharya and Professor Bishnupad Bhattacharya.

Bhaduri started his career as a professor at Nabadwip Vidyasagar College and later worked at Gurudas College in Kolkata until 2010. He has conducted extensive research on Mahabharata and Puranic texts, with a special focus on Krishna-related dramas. In 1987, he received a doctorate for his research on Krishna-related plays, supervised by renowned scholar Sukumari Bhattacharya.

He has contributed research papers to various journals and newspapers, including Anandabazar Patrika, Desh, and Bortoman. His primary areas of interest are Vaishnavism, Buddhist philosophy, and Sanskrit literature, which have shaped his intellectual journey. Having grown up in a religiously narrow environment, Bhaduri later found a path to free thought through his study of Sanskrit literature.

This book is a must-read for those interested in the intersection of mythology, philosophy, and culture, as well as the humanizing of divine figures in the Indian tradition.