শরৎচন্দ্র চট্টোপাধ্যায়ের সাহিত্যে জাতীয়তাবাদী চেতনা ও বিপ্লবী আদর্শ : ‘পথের দাবী’ উপন্যাসের আলোকে একটি বিশ্লেষণ/ Nationalist Consciousness and Revolutionary Ideology in the Literary Works of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay : A Study of Pather Daabi

Abstract

Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay is widely regarded as one of the most eminent and influential novelists of Bengali literature, whose works continue to remain popular and relevant among Bengali and Indian readers. Along with his literary identity, he was also an active political personality, which is why nationalist and political elements are clearly reflected in his literary works. As a conscious citizen of a colonized country suffering under British imperial exploitation, Sarat Chandra deeply felt the painful reality of subjugation, and this experience led to the emergence of his political consciousness.

                The development of his patriotism and political thought was not confined merely to theoretical reflection; rather, it was shaped by his practical experiences and realizations in life, which complemented his literary creations. As a writer, he considered it his moral duty to use his pen for the liberation of his enslaved country, and he fulfilled this responsibility with remarkable dedication throughout his life. Consequently, his intense protest against British rule is evident in novels such as Pather Dabi, Asamapta Jagaran, and the unfinished unpublished work Agamikal, as well as in essays like Taruner Bidroha and Satya O Mithya.

                Among these works, his timeless political novel Pather Dabi (published in 1926) stands out as a powerful critique of British imperialism. The novel was so critical of colonial rule that the British government was compelled to confiscate it and ban its publication.

               The purpose of this research paper is not merely to evaluate Sarat Chandra as a literary figure, but rather to analyse the political ideas embedded in his writings. Furthermore, it seeks to examine how his political thoughts and nationalist consciousness are expressed through literature. Finally, the paper also attempts to explore the contemporary relevance of Sarat Chandra’s political ideas.