Communalism and refugees in Abhijit Sen’s short stories/ অভিজিৎ সেনের গল্পে সাম্প্রদায়িকতা ও ছিন্নমূল মানুষের কথা

Abstract

In 70s, Abhijit Sen was one of those authors who started a new era in modern Bengali fiction. Most of his writings were based on different areas of East Bengal which is now Bangladesh, North Bengal, and Kolkata. His own experiences, observations and realizations were reflected in his plots. People from lower economic and social class, their Superstitions and life history as well as partition, communal riots, and struggle of refugees- all triggered him as a storyteller. After the riot, he witnessed the Hindu exodus as a victim. He brought these experiences in his stories. He expressed through his characters what he felt while leaving his motherland, family, their age-old homestead. These characters are mouthpiece of the author. He also showed that how the migrants faced different kind of troubles in this new land. Many people were left penniless and crossed the border almost bare handed. Uprooted refugees had to trespass into the barren lands of powerful people, were threatened and attacked, got driven away forcefully many times, fought with wild animals and serpents just to find a shelter for their families. Abhijit's characters even identified themself in those repulsed animals after driving them away and felt sympathy for them. They may adjust with their present, but Abhijit Sen's characters still struggle with their past. They reminisce about that part of land and try to keep the connection alive. Just like a Hindu, many Muslims also left India for their new land. They also had to settle their home in a new atmosphere. He depicted clash between two religions but ultimately wished for their harmony. He also talked about the tortures perpetrated on women caused by the partition.