Samaresh Basu's Narrative: The Voice of the Subaltern/ সমরেশ বসুর কথাসাহিত্যে নিম্নবর্গের কণ্ঠস্বর

Abstract

Samaresh Basu (also known as ‘Kalakut’) is a unique figure in Bengali prose, who brought a new dimension to the lives of the marginalized and subaltern classes. His literature was a raw and unfiltered document of the lives, struggles, and psychology of the working class, breaking away from the so-called 'bhadralok' (gentlemanly) literary tradition. His personal experiences— working in the Ichhapur factory and living with the fisherfolk— gave his writing a profound authenticity and sensitivity.

      In his timeless novel 'Ganga', he depicts the lives of the fishing community against the backdrop of nature's harshness. Characters like Tentele Bilas and Himi aren't just victims of poverty; they are indomitable fighters. Similarly, in works like 'Uttaranga' and 'Shrimati Cafe', he highlights the lives of factory workers, their relationship with machines, and the psychological aspects of class struggle. Samaresh Basu didn't view sexuality merely as a physical desire; he portrayed it as a reflection of the subaltern class's existential crisis and desperation. His controversial novels 'Bibor' and 'Prajapati' challenge the moral hypocrisy of middle-class society.

      However, the most significant aspect of his literature is his humanism. In stories like 'Adab', he shows how, even amidst communal riots, people from the lower class establish a shining example of humanity through their class solidarity and empathy. Samaresh Basu not only depicted the lives of the subaltern but also permanently established their unique language, culture, and voice in literature. His works are an immortal testament to the true lives and struggles of the subaltern.