Agnipurush

Author: Ashok Kumar Mukhopadhyay
Genre: Novel (Upanyas)
Binding: Hardcover
ISBN: 9788177564259
Pages: 196
Weight: 311 grams

Book Description

In "Agnipurush", Ashok Kumar Mukhopadhyay brings to life the turbulent years of Bengal during the Bengal Partition, the Boycott Movement, and the Bomb Movement. Set in the early 20th century, the novel follows the story of Ullasakar Dutta, a revolutionary whose passion for independence leads him to take up arms in the struggle for freedom. As the country battles for liberation, Ullasakar, a young, idealistic man, joins the terrorist wing of the independence movement, known for their bombing activities.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Ullasakar is arrested and imprisoned. First, he is sent to the notorious Andaman Cellular Jail, and later, he ends up in a mental asylum in Madras. After enduring years of imprisonment, Ullasakar returns to a changed country—India is now divided into India and Pakistan. Moreover, his childhood sweetheart is now married to someone else, and the revolutionary dreams he held so dearly are shattered by the country's painful partition.

The novel details not only Ullasakar's personal journey, filled with love, loss, and betrayal, but also introduces several key figures from the Bengali Renaissance, including Rabindranath Tagore, Bipinchandra Pal, Aurobindo Ghosh, and Bhupendranath Dutta, who all play a role in the historical narrative.

Through these personal and national struggles, "Agnipurush" captures the spirit of the freedom movement while also presenting the human cost of revolution. The author portrays the complexities of Bengali identity, the fight for independence, and the toll it takes on both the revolutionaries and those they leave behind.

About the Author

Ashok Kumar Mukhopadhyay was born on April 10, 1955, in Kolkata. He completed his education at Kolkata schools and colleges and went on to earn an MBA from Calcutta University. Professionally, he has worked in public relations and served as a guest professor in the Journalism Department at Calcutta University.

Mukhopadhyay's writing career began in 1981 with an article published in the weekly 'Desh'. He has since written extensively on historical topics and unpublished data-driven essays for major publications like 'Desh', 'Anandabazar', and 'Ganashakti'. His deep interest in Rabindranath Tagore and pre-independence terrorism led him to research extensively in these areas, including publishing articles on Tagore's paintings and the history of communism in India.

Mukhopadhyay is also a poetry recitation enthusiast and has a passion for reading old diaries and letters, which inform much of his writing. He edited an English book titled "India and Communism: Secret British Documents" and has contributed extensively to historical writings on Bengal and its revolutionary history.

Key Highlights of the Book:

• Historical Fiction: Set against the backdrop of Bengal Partition and the Indian independence movement, offering an insight into the freedom struggle from a revolutionary’s perspective.
• Character Journey: Follows Ullasakar Dutta, whose journey from imprisonment to personal loss reflects the struggles of many revolutionaries of the time.
• Influence of Bengali Personalities: Features important figures like Rabindranath Tagore, Bipinchandra Pal, and Aurobindo Ghosh, highlighting their contributions to both the freedom movement and Bengali culture.
• Themes of Love and Sacrifice: Explores the personal costs of revolution, including the sacrifices made for the nation and the loss of love in the process.