‘কি মায়ায় বেঁধেছ আমায়!’ : সৈয়দ মুস্তাফা সিরাজের ‘মায়ামৃদঙ্গ’ উপন্যাসে সমকামিতা প্রসঙ্গে দু’চার কথা/ . ‘What illusion have you bound me to!’: A few words about homosexuality in Syed Mustafa Siraj’s novel ‘Mayamridanga’

Abstract

The reflection of sexuality in literature is not a new phenomenon. Sexuality has been reflected in Bengali literature since ancient times. Sexuality has various dimensions. However, while heterosexuality has received considerable attention, homosexuality has not received as much. Homosexuality is being widely reflected in contemporary literature. Responsible writers have taken up their pens to dispel the misconceptions about homosexuality that are deeply ingrained in people’s minds. They have spoken out in defense of people’s human rights. The right to sexuality is undoubtedly a human right. Narrow-minded sexual politics attempts to undermine this human right. On the other hand, compassionate writers are determined to grant human dignity to people. For them, homosexuality is not merely a physically driven, perverted sexual act. They firmly believe that romantic love relationships exist among homosexuals as well. Syed Mustafa Siraj is one such writer. In his famous novel ‘Mayamridanga’, he has unveiled a unique world of homosexual relationships to the readers. He has established that homosexuality is not merely lust; it is love. Here, I have primarily tried to briefly present the topic of homosexuality. I have tried to say that homosexuality is a natural sexual orientation, not an unnatural sexual practice that goes against nature. I have tried to analyze how the novel ‘Mayamridanga’ gives expression to the relationship between one man and another. This novel is an exceptional novel by Siraj. This has enriched the world of Bengali novels centered on homosexuality. In this novel, Siraj has poured out the wealth of his personal experiences. Many claim this to be Siraj’s autobiographical novel.