Rakhaldas Banerjee's 'Shashank': History vs. Narrative/ রাখালদাস বন্দ্যোপধ্যায়ের ‘শশাঙ্ক’ : ইতিহাস বনাম আখ্যায়িকা

Abstract

In his narrative Shashanka, Rakhaldas Bandyopadhyay sought to rekindle the spirit of a humiliated and oppressed Indian populace by portraying the independent Bengal of the 7th century against the backdrop of 19th and 20th-century colonial India. At that time, the extraordinary valor of the Sikhs, Marathas, and Rajputs was well known throughout the country. Yet, instead of choosing any of these non-Bengali figures as his hero, Rakhaldas presented Shashanka, the ancient sovereign ruler of Bengal, who had liberated Gauda - present-day Bangladesh - from the shackles of subjugation.

          Bandyopadhyay’s narrative constructs a powerful dichotomy between freedom and subjugation, strength and weakness, through which he explores the conflict between Hinduism and Buddhism in 7th-century India. One of the most contentious questions in history is: was Shashanka truly anti-Buddhist? History has often portrayed Shashanka through a one-sided lens, resulting in a simplistic evaluation of his character. Rakhaldas Bandyopadhyay, however, diverged from this conventional historical narrative in his Shashanka, attempting instead to offer a more nuanced view.

           By presenting the actions and motivations of both Shashanka and the Buddhist monks, he created space for a re-evaluation of Shashanka’s character. Many of the allegations against Shashanka appear, in Rakhaldas's portrayal, to be exaggerated. Hence, he provides counter-arguments to defend Shashanka and absolve him of such accusations. Conversely, he casts doubt on the conduct and ideals of the Buddhist monks by portraying them in a tainted, morally ambiguous light.

            In those of Rakhaldas Bandyopadhyay’s novels that depict the socio-cultural fabric of the Hindu-Buddhist era, the Buddhist monks are often shown in a degenerate and decayed form. As a novelist, he fails to maintain an impartial perspective in this regard. His portrayal of Buddhist monks reflects a nationalist sentiment, rooted in his ideological convictions. Consequently, Shashanka is presented as the epitome of masculine prowess. Through the heroic tale of this Hindu patriarch and his immense strength, there is a discernible and conscious attempt to assert Hindu national pride.