Moitreya Jatak

• Author: Bani Basu
• Genre: Upanyas (Novel)
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers
• Format: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788172154806
• Pages: 436
• Weight: 752 grams

Synopsis:
In Moitreya Jatak, renowned author Bani Basu masterfully brings to life one of the most crucial periods of Indian history—the era of Gautama Buddha. This expansive and vivid novel unfolds across two distinct yet interwoven settings:

1. The Middle Country (Madhyadesh)—modern-day Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
2. The eternal complexities of the human psyche.

Through these two backdrops, the novel explores multiple layers of history and society, including:

• Political struggles, where power shifts eastward—from Gandhara, Madra, Kuru, and Panchala to Kosala, Vaishali, and Magadha. Amid this transformation, the imperial strategies of old clash with the emerging doctrine of peace (Maitri), championed by none other than Buddha himself.
• The novel features historical figures such as King Bimbisara (India’s first recorded emperor), King Prasenjit of Kosala, and other powerful royal and political players.
• Economic transitions, where wealth becomes the true source of power. As trade expands, the merchant class begins to outpace the traditional ruling and warrior elites.
• Social and cultural shifts, where scholars, artists, traders, and common citizens—farmers, artisans, performers, poets, and slaves—navigate a changing world. Buddha’s philosophy begins to shape mass consciousness, sparking both support and opposition.
• A deep psychological exploration, capturing individual joys, sorrows, ambitions, and heartbreaks amidst sweeping historical currents.

This multifaceted narrative, blending legend and history, challenges the simplistic myths of the past, revealing a world of intense emotions, conflicts, and ideological battles—all framed in a rich and evocative literary style.

Awards:
Moitreya Jatak has been honored with the Ananda Puraskar, recognizing its literary excellence.

About the Author:
Bani Basu was born on 26th Falgun, 1346 (Bengali Calendar) and spent her life studying, teaching, and writing in Kolkata.

• Education: Lady Brabourne College → Scottish Church College (BA in English) → MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta (1962).
• Career: Professor at Howrah Bijaykrishna Girls’ College.
• Literary Contributions: Began writing during her student years, producing essays, short stories, poetry, and translations.
• Notable Translations:
  • Sri Aurobindo’s Sonnets (Shrinvantu)
  • Somerset Maugham’s Best Love Stories (1980, Rupa)
  • Somerset Maugham’s Best Stories (1984, Rupa)
  • D.H. Lawrence’s Best Stories (1987, Rupa)

Her first short story was published in Desh magazine (1981). She gained literary prominence with her debut novel, Janmabhumi Matribhoomi, serialized in Sharadiya Anandalok (1987).