Rajabali

• Author: Abul Bashar
• Genre: Novel (Upanyas)
• Format: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788172157272
• Pages: 180
• Weight: 269 grams
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers

Book Summary:

The protagonist of Rajabali is Sargon of Akkad from the desert lands of Canaan, also known as King Solomon. He begins his journey as a king and later becomes a prophet. However, his weapons are not divine but forged from iron, symbolizing the conflict between monarchy and divinity.

This novel explores the duality of power—
✔ The monarch’s desire to test divine authority
✔ The prophet’s struggle to prove himself through his own trials

Solomon’s royal and prophetic identities clash, creating emotional turmoil. Whether driven by divine intervention or human introspection, he ultimately discovers the true nature of his heart and destiny.

Despite drawing inspiration from Old Testament stories and folklore, every character in Rajabali—from Ishmael, Abraham, Bathsheba, to Anath—feels deeply human and realistic.
This novel attempts to explore the origins of humanity, religious beliefs, and the grand narrative of history in a way that is both profound and engaging.

About the Author:

Abul Bashar was born in 1951 and spent his early years in Tekka village, Lalbagh, Murshidabad.

• He holds a degree in commerce from Calcutta University and a diploma in Hindi literature.
• He worked as a schoolteacher in his village for over a decade before joining the weekly Desh magazine.
• His difficult childhood, marked by poverty and social inequality, led him to writing from an early age.

Literary Journey:

• His first book was a poetry collection titled Jor Uprooted Dalpala Bhanga Ar Ek Ritu (1971).
• He took a 10-year break from writing due to political involvement.
• He later returned to literature, shifting from poetry to storytelling with his debut short story Mati Chhere Jai.

Awards & Recognition:

🏆 Ananda Puraskar (1987) for his celebrated novel Phulbou