Abu Ishaq's 'Surya Dighal Bari': A Document of the Socio-Economic Conditions in the Context of Partition/ আবু ইসহাকের ‘সূর্য দীঘল বাড়ি’ : দেশভাগের পটভূমিকায় এক আর্থ–সামাজিক অবস্থার দলিল

Abstract

Abu Ishaq's novel Surjo Dighol Bari portrays the struggle for survival of people amidst the backdrop of famine, starvation, and the Partition of India. Set in a socio-economic context where the entire Bengali nation, regardless of caste, religion, or creed, was caught in a state of turmoil, the novel highlights the desperate attempts of helpless individuals to stay alive. Religion and Partition were erasing human identities, and the freedom that once spun dreams in people's eyes ended in a terrifying reality - something the novelist vividly depicts. Reflecting the socio-economic and political life of an era, the novel captures both the moment just before the Partition and its aftermath: the exploitation of the poor, the politics and commodification of religion, and the famine-stricken people's struggle to preserve their existence despite many obstacles. The character of Joygun emerges as a symbol of humanity - someone who cannot be confined within the boundaries of caste, creed, religion, or race. For him, religion and nation are insignificant compared to life itself. The novelist exposes the traps set by society to sabotage the struggles of people like Joygun. This novel stands as a powerful document of the socio-economic backdrop of the Partition era.