Dashti Upanyas 1

• Author: Ashapurna Devi
• Genre: Novel (Upanyas)
• Format: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788172159542
• Pages: 876
• Weight: 1154 grams

Book Description:

Ashapurna Devi was one of the most celebrated authors in Bengali literature. From the mid-20th century until her passing, she remained a dominant literary force.

• Despite spending her life away from the limelight, she produced an immense body of literary work while managing a traditional household.
• Recognition came after she won the Jnanpith Award, revealing her incredible journey of self-education and literary mastery.
• She was an unparalleled storyteller of middle-class Bengali life, particularly focusing on the complexities of family and social values.
• Her strength lay in creating multi-dimensional female characters, reflecting both traditional and rebellious aspects of womanhood.
• She did not present a one-sided view of women—her female protagonists were as strong, independent, and kind as they were cunning, selfish, and even ruthless at times.
• While her novels primarily explored women’s lives, she was equally insightful about male characters.
• Her storytelling revolved around the ordinary middle-class Bengali household, portraying human emotions, social struggles, and psychological conflicts with remarkable depth.
• She once wrote:

  "My stories revolve around middle-class household people—the ones I know well. I never try to venture beyond my familiar world."

• This collection brings together ten diverse novels, each offering a unique perspective on human relationships and society.

Included Novels in This Collection:

1. Gacher Pata Neel
2. Dolna
3. Rater Pakhi
4. Shei Ratri Ei Din
5. Somoyer Stor
6. Dorshoker Bhumikaay
7. Chander Janala
8. Lohar Garader Chhaya
9. Ei To Sedin
10. Neatphol

Each novel reflects the depth of human nature and the essence of Bengali middle-class life, making this collection a timeless literary treasure.

About the Author: Ashapurna Devi

• Born: 1316 Bengali Year (1910 AD)
• Education & Early Life:
  • Raised in a conservative family, she never attended school or college.
  • Self-educated at home.
  • Began writing at a very young age.
• Literary Journey:
  • First poem, Bairer Daak, published at age 13 in Shishu Sathi magazine.
  • First short story, Pashapashi, was also published in Shishu Sathi.
  • Wrote exclusively for children from 1329 to 1343 Bengali Year (1922-1936 AD).
  • Published her first short story for adults in Sharadiya Anandabazar Patrika in 1343 Bengali Year (1936 AD).
  • First novel, Prem O Proyojon, was published in 1351 Bengali Year (1944 AD).
  • Authored over 100 books, covering novels, short stories, and children’s literature.
• Major Literary Achievements:
  • Jnanpith Award & Rabindra Puraskar for her masterpiece Pratham Protishruti.
  • Pratham Protishruti is part of a trilogy, followed by:
    1. Subarnolata
    2. Bakulkatha
  • In 1994, honored as a Fellow of Sahitya Akademi.
• Death: July 13, 1995.