The Contribution of Manilal Gangopadhyay to Bengali Children’s Literature/ শিশুকিশোর সাহিত্যচর্চায় মণিলাল গঙ্গোপাধ্যায়

Abstract

Manilal Gangopadhyay made a distinctive contribution to Bengali children’s literature through his simple narrative style, romantic imagination, and creative blending of folklore, supernatural elements, and moral teaching. His literary career began with the Bharati magazine in 1908–09, influenced by his close association with Abanindranath Tagore, whose style and imagination left a visible mark on his work. However, in contrast to Abanindranath’s elevated artistic tone, Manilal’s stories were marked by lightness, clarity, and an ease that made them especially attractive to younger readers. Among his most celebrated works is Japanese Fanus (1909), a collection of ten folktale-inspired stories rooted in the life of rural Bengal, childhood ideals, and animal fables, all tinged with fantasy and the supernatural. Stories like Urashima, The Woodcutter, and The Fox not only entertain but also implant moral lessons—showing the dangers of greed, the value of honesty, and the triumph of wit. Unlike Abanindranath, whose writings often avoided overt morality, Manilal emphasized didactic elements, making his tales valuable for shaping young readers’ ethical sense. His later collections such as Bharatiya Bidushi (1910), Jolchhobi (1918), and above all Kayahiner Kahini (1945) display a rich variety— ranging from historical portraits of learned Indian women to adaptations of foreign tales and original ghost stories. Kayahiner Kahini in particular highlights his mastery of supernatural narration.

         Although spooky, the stories avoid cruelty, keeping them appropriate for children while still engaging their imagination with mystery and fear. Works like The Skeletons’ Wedding or The Talking Ghost’s Request exemplify his blending of humerus, wonder, and eeriness. Manilal’s literature may broadly be classified into three phases: in the beginning, influenced heavily by Rabindranath and Abanindranath Tagore; in the middle, moving towards original creations rich with romantic fantasy and ghostly imagination; and finally, in his later career, turning toward more socially aware stories exploring religion, tradition, love, and human character in simple prose. His writing remained accessible, colourful, and deeply engaging for children, with special focus on moral values, empathy, and imaginative freedom.

         Thus, Manilal Gangopadhyay occupies a unique place in early 20th-century Bengali children’s literature. Through works like Japanese Fanus, Jolchhobi, and Kayahiner Kahini, he enriched the field with tales that united folklore, fantasy, supernatural themes, and ethical instruction. His contributions shaped the imaginative and moral world of Bengali children, making his works an invaluable treasure within the broader heritage of Indian child literature.