Tarashankarer ‘Kalindi’ uponyase santal jibon o songram/ তারাশঙ্করের ‘কালিন্দী’ উপন্যাসে সাঁওতাল জীবন ও সংগ্রাম

Abstract

The central theme of Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay’s novel Kalindi (1940) revolves around the conflict between the feudal zamindari system and emerging mercantile capitalism. In the process, the novel also touches upon the rich tradition of tantric practices in Birbhum and the historic Santal Rebellion of 1855. Alongside, it vividly portrays the customs, beliefs, festivals, marriage systems, and worldview of the Santal community. Being born into a zamindar family himself, Tarashankar approaches the Santals with deep empathy. While highlighting their rebellious spirit, he also describes the Santal society and culture with rare sensitivity, breaking away from the typical upper-caste gaze. Particularly captivating is the section where the Santal myths about the creation of the earth and the nature of their community are explored. This simple and innocent community has repeatedly been displaced from their homeland in the name of "development," pushing them towards an uncertain future. As a result, they remain marginalized to this day. According to the author, the root cause of this plight lies in people like Indra Ray (the zamindar), Shreebas Pal (the moneylender), and Bimal Mukherjee (the factory owner) — who have historically exploited the tribal Santals for their own selfish interests. Tarashankar expresses strong condemnation toward such ruthless and self-serving individuals throughout the novel.