Raghab Bandyopadhyay’s ‘Badaar Bettanta’ : Prantiker Protidhwani/ রাঘব বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায়ের ‘বাদার বেত্তান্ত’: প্রান্তিকের প্রতিধ্বনি

Abstract

In the 1970s, Raghab Bandyopadhyay's short stories emerged as a distinctive literary trend. His collection, ‘Baadar Golpo’, stands out for its profound exploration of the marginalized ‘Baada’ communities residing in the waterlogged regions bordering the Sundarbans, the southernmost part of West Bengal.

These stories paint a vivid picture of lives perpetually teetering on the brink, where the relentless ebb and flow of saltwater have rendered any semblance of stability elusive. The ‘Baada’ people, year after year, grapple with the twin scourges of poverty and malnutrition, their frail bodies succumbing to the harsh realities of their existence. Often, they are reduced to a state of utter destitution. The powerful elite, far removed from their suffering, continue to exploit these marginalized communities, leaving them with little hope for a better future.

Despite their understanding of their plight, the impoverished ‘Baada’ people are unable to collectively resist their oppressors. The stories delve deep into the complexities of their lives, capturing the anguish of their existence, their struggles for survival, and the erosion of their physical and mental well-being. The narrative is enriched by the use of colloquial language, reflecting the regional dialects of the ‘Baada’ people. Raghab Bandyopadhyay's masterful storytelling, marked by vivid imagery and evocative descriptions, transports the reader to the heart of the Sundarbans. The ‘Baada’ people, surrounded by the dangers of the mangrove forests, the threats posed by tigers and crocodiles, and the constant exploitation by moneylenders, lead lives characterized by a multifaceted social reality. It is this intricate interplay of environmental, social, and economic factors that breathes life into the ‘Baada’ narratives.