Ashtam Garbha

Author: Bani Basu
Genre: Novel
Format:  Hardcover
ISBN: 9788177560435
Pages: 324
Weight: 458 grams

Book Description:

Krishna—a child with an extraordinary fate. The name Krishna is deeply ingrained in folklore, mythology, and collective consciousness. The idea of his reincarnation exists in the hopes of every generation, blending tragedy with irony. This expectation manifests itself in every newborn, in their upbringing, and in the aspirations attached to them.

Ashtam Garbha is a story of three children growing up amidst one of Bengal’s most turbulent historical periods.

• Is childhood merely a phase of innocence and joy?
• Do children perceive reality as profoundly as adults do?
• How does mythology intertwine with reality, creating a new perspective on life?

This novel gives significant importance to a child's worldview, where the tangible world constantly transforms into mythology, and mythology becomes reality, forming a complex and layered narrative.

About the Author:

Bani Basu was born on 26th Phalgun, 1346 (Bengali calendar). She pursued her education and career in Kolkata.

• Studied at Lady Brabourne College and Scottish Church College, later completing her M.A. in English Literature from the University of Calcutta (1962).
• Worked as a professor at Howrah Vijaykrishna Girls’ College.
• Started writing during her student years, engaging in essays, short stories, poetry, and translation work.

Notable Translations:

• Sri Aurobindo’s Sonnet Collection (Shrinwantu)
• Best Love Stories of Somerset Maugham (1980, Rupa)
• Best Stories of Somerset Maugham (1984, Rupa)
• Best Stories of D.H. Lawrence (1987, Rupa)

Literary Career:

• First short stories published in Anandamela and Desh magazine in 1981.
• Debut novel Janmabhumi Matrubhumi, published in Sharadiya Anandalok (1987).