জ্যোতির্ময়ী দেবীর ছোটগল্পের বিষয়বিশ্ব/ The Thematic World of Jyotirmoyee Devi's Short Stories

Abstract

This paper explores the multifaceted thematic landscape of Jyotirmoyee Devi, a pioneering yet often underrepresented voice in 20^th-century Bengali literature. Far from the conventional narratives of her time, her short stories delve deep into the socio-cultural realities of rural and urban Bengal, reflecting a sharp critique of patriarchal structures, caste dynamics, and institutional hypocrisy. This analytical study examines how her ‘‘thematic universe’’ seamlessly integrates the historical trauma of the Partition of India with the silent, everyday struggles of marginalized individuals, particularly women. By portraying female protagonists who possess quiet resilience and intellectual clarity, Jyotirmoyee Devi dismantles the idealized, submissive tropes of womanhood. Furthermore, the paper investigates her unique narrative techniques and stark realism, which challenge contemporary societal norms. Ultimately, this study highlights her distinct contribution to Bengali fiction, positioning her thematic innovations as vital precursors to modern feminist and social consciousness in Indian literature.