Magnanimous Kunti by Samaresh Basu/ সমরেশ বসুর কলমে মনস্বিনী কুন্তী

Abstract

Samaresh Basu wrote a number of books based on Puran-Mahabharata under the pseudonym Bhramar and Kalkoot. Such as, ‘Shamba (1978)’, ‘Juddher Sesh Senapati (1984)’, ‘Prachetas (1984)’, 'Pritha (1986)', ‘Antim Pranay (1987)’ etc. ‘Pritha’ was published in the magazine 'Prasad' under the pseudonym 'Bhramar'. In such books, the author analyzed the traditional story of the Puranas in a new perspective.

            One of the memorable Panchakanyas in Puranas, Empress Kunti has been recreated in the light of the author's spirit in this book. In the present article we will discuss how the character of Kunti has been recreated by Samaresh Basu in 'Pritha'.

             At the beginning of the story, before reaching the context of Kunti, the author undertakes a very realistic analysis of heaven-hell, Gods-demons, Samhita era-Puranic era, male-female relationship, marriage customs, child birth and the position of women in society. Then he explained the solitude, self-immolation and transition of Kunti from a feminist perspective.

             The story of love-marriage-motherhood-heroism-restraint-pain-sacrifice of this remarkable female character of Mahabharata has been captured in a new way in the unique writing of Kalkoot. Inventing many thoughtful arguments the author tried to establish the father-son relationship between Yudhisthira-Vidura and Karna-Durbasha. How the author incarnated new contexts in the familiar story of Mahabharata and how he made it acceptable by arranging relevant arguments in favour of his new thoughts – this essay will try to elaborate these points.