Author: Somresh Majumdar
Genre: Novel (Upanyas)
Binding: Hardcover
ISBN: 9789389876697
Pages: 280
Weight: 535 grams
Book Description
"Alokrekha" is a powerful novel set in the backdrop of colonial India in the tea gardens of North Bengal. The story takes place in a remote tea plantation where the British have established their dominance by cutting down forests and taking over the lands of the indigenous tribes. The British owners and managers live luxuriously in large bungalows, while the Nepali and indigenous laborers work under harsh conditions. These laborers were lured from various regions, including Nepal and Chotanagpur, with promises of a better life, only to find themselves living in shack-like homes, exposed to malaria, dangerous wildlife, and the oppression of British rule.
The novel vividly paints the social and economic landscape of a colonial tea garden society, where the laborers are subjected to cruelty, while the British enjoy privileges. There is a stark contrast between the two worlds: the British elite who indulge in luxury and drinks, and the laborers who endure the bitter realities of their lives. Amidst the struggles, a sense of rebellion stirs in the hearts of the oppressed as they experience the unbearable realities of exploitation, both from nature and man.
The narrative also intertwines the beauty and horror of the natural world, including animals like elephants, bison, cheetahs, and deer, who are also victims of the colonial system. The novel is an exploration of the struggles of both the oppressed people and the natural world, portrayed with a poetic sense of loss and resilience.
About the Author
Somresh Majumdar was born on March 10, 1944, in the tea gardens of Duars in North Bengal. His early education was at Jalpaiguri District School, and he moved to Kolkata in 1960. He graduated with honors in Bengali from Scottish Church College and later completed his MA from Calcutta University. Initially involved in group theater, Somresh soon ventured into writing plays and eventually started writing stories.
His first short story was published in Desh Magazine in 1967, and his debut novel, ‘Dour’, was published in 1975 in Desh Magazine. Some of his major works include ‘Ei Ami Renu’, ‘Uttaradhikar’, ‘Bandhinibas’, ‘Boro Pap He’, ‘Ujan Ganga’, ‘Basabhumi’, ‘Lakshmir Panchali’, ‘Unish Bishi’, ‘Sowar’, ‘Kalbela’, and ‘Kalpurush’.
Somresh Majumdar was awarded the Ananda Puraskar in 1982, and his novel ‘Kalbela’ won the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1984. His contributions to Bengali literature have made him one of the most influential voices in contemporary Bengali fiction.
Key Highlights of the Book:
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Colonial Struggles: The novel presents a stark portrayal of life in colonial North Bengal, focusing on the exploitation of indigenous laborers in the tea plantations.
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Social and Economic Commentary: The narrative critiques the colonial social structure and the economic disparities between the British elite and the oppressed local laborers.
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Emotional Depth: Through the portrayal of personal and societal struggles, the novel brings out the deep emotional undercurrents of longing, oppression, and resistance.
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Nature’s Struggles: The inclusion of animals as victims of colonialism adds a unique dimension, exploring the suffering of both humans and nature under the colonial regime.
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Historical Context: Set during the British Raj, the novel offers insights into the historical conditions of the time, making it a valuable piece for understanding the socio-economic fabric of colonial India.
