Samayiki

• Author: Pradeep Basu
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers
• Language: Bengali
• Genre: Prabandha (Essay Collection)
• Edition: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9788172157654
• Pages: 688
• Weight: 920 grams

Book Description

Samayiki is a comprehensive collection of essays that delves into the 19th-century Bengali society and its evolving culture, as captured through the lens of old periodicals. The 19th-century Bengali periodicals serve as a rare treasure trove of the era's life and culture, offering an invaluable glimpse into the intellectual and cultural currents of the time. However, due to lack of preservation, many of these periodicals are facing decay, making this collection even more significant.

The essays are compiled from various influential periodicals such as Bibidarth-Sangraha, Rahasya-Sandarbha, Bangamahila, and others, and cover a wide range of topics including health, psychology, anthropology, geography, language, and music. The collection provides a historical snapshot of the scientific, philosophical, and cultural discussions that shaped Bengali intellectual life in the 19th century.

The selection includes works that reflect the fusion of Western knowledge and indigenous wisdom, revealing the debates and intellectual exchanges during the second half of the century. This collection is invaluable for anyone seeking to understand the broader trends in Bengali intellectual history and the social dynamics that underpinned the time.

Through this book, Pradeep Basu brings to light the critical role of periodicals in shaping modern thought and their significant influence on social, political, and cultural life in Bengal. It serves as a document of cultural heritage, preserving important writings that would have otherwise been lost.

Key Highlights:

• 19th-Century Bengali Periodicals: Focuses on the role of periodicals in shaping 19th-century Bengali culture and society.
• Diverse Topics: Essays cover a wide spectrum of intellectual pursuits such as health, psychology, anthropology, geography, language, and music.
• Preserving Intellectual Heritage: Highlights the fusion of Western science with indigenous knowledge during the colonial period.
• Extensive Collection: Essays from seminal periodicals like Bibidarth-Sangraha, Rahasya-Sandarbha, and Bangamahila that capture the essence of the era's social and intellectual life.

Key Contributors:

• Pradeep Basu: A former professor of Sociology at the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Kolkata. His academic contributions span sociology, philosophy, political theory, and music theory, and he has written extensively in both English and Bengali on topics such as social sciences, Western classical music, and the works of Michel Foucault.

Perfect For:

• History Enthusiasts: Those interested in the intellectual history and social transformation of 19th-century Bengal.
• Cultural Researchers: Scholars looking to understand the impact of Western science and philosophy on Indian thought.
• Bengali Intellectual Heritage Seekers: Readers interested in preserving and exploring Bengali periodicals and their role in shaping the modern intellectual landscape.