History in stories, stories in history: Historical consciousness in the works of Pramathanath Bishi/ গল্পে ইতিহাস, ইতিহাসে গল্প : প্রমথনাথ বিশীর রচনায় ঐতিহাসিক চেতনা

Abstract

One of the most well-known names in Bengali literature is Promothnath Bishī. In addition to writing essays, plays, and novels, he made a significant contribution to the field of short tales. A distinctive synthesis of politics, society, history, culture, and psychology could be found in his literary works. He added a distinctive element to Bengali literature's historical fiction heritage. His historical fiction serves as a means of understanding a specific era, culture, character, and age in addition to being a source of literary enjoyment.

Through an analysis of a few historical short stories, this essay will try to comprehend his historical consciousness, the impact of imagination, intentions, and his inquisitive approach to the human mind. Following Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay and Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay, Promoth nath Bishī contributed a unique perspective to the historical fiction genre. History is not only a backdrop in the short stories of his kind but rather it serves as a vehicle for exposing character psychology, self-criticism, and societal and personal crises.

He never condoned social or personal injustice. Through satire and irony, he boldly voiced his protest against all wrongs. His historical short stories, however, showed an attempt to uphold traditional practices. This essay will seek to highlight his historical awareness, creative uniqueness and significance, through a study of his (selected) historical short stories.