The Nomadic World of Shepherds: A Cultural and Socio-Political Study/ ভেড়িহারদের জগৎ : একটি সাংস্কৃতিক ও সামাজিক-রাজনৈতিক অধ্যয়ন

Abstract

After independence, Bengali literature witnessed the opening of new horizons. Moving beyond the secure narratives of elite society, writers began to explore the real struggles of life. The lives of people living in rural and peripheral regions emerged as an infinite source of new themes in literature. The depiction of marginalized people’s daily lives became a prominent subject. One such novel is Bhagirath Mishra’s ‘Charanbhumi’ (1994), which centers around a group of shepherds (sheepherders) leading an uncertain and insecure nomadic life. They take shelter with a certain number of sheep and keep moving indefinitely, caught in the bondage of circumstances. Themes such as love, trust, and above all, political upheavals run through the novel.

Several critical questions arise from this work : What exactly is a “goth” (a nomadic settlement or camp)? What are the unique characteristics of diverse ‘goth’ cultures? What is the lifestyle in these “goth”s? How is the shepherd society structured? This essay attempts to address these questions.

The post-independence period was marked by significant political and social changes, including the abolition of the Zamindari system, the transformation of feudal structures, establishment of Panchayat systems, the rise of Naxalite, peasant, and labor movements— all occurring simultaneously but often fragmented. While political leaders’ growing power and corruption showed a glimpse of liberation to the common people, it also endangered the lives of some marginalized tribal communities.

‘Charanbhumi’ portrays the peaceful ‘goth’ life on one hand, while on the other, it reveals emerging new problems. The novel chronologically traces unknown challenges, protests unethical oppression, and conflicting tensions. Through these conflicts, the lives of the shepherd communities evolve considerably.

          Centered on ‘goth’ life, several other novels from the five decades following independence also explore similar themes. These include Samaresh Basu’s ‘Bathan’ (1984), Saikat Rakshit’s ‘Harik’ (1990), and Anil Ghorai’s ‘Neel Dukkher Chhobi’ (2001). Basu’s novel narrates the life of the ‘Gop’ community, traditionally cow herders; Rakshit’s work highlights occupational conflicts within the untouchable ‘Hari’ pig-rearing community; and Ghorai’s novel depicts the ‘Kakmara’ community, pig herders in Tajpur, as dedicated preservers of their folk culture, seemingly untouched by contemporary developments.

          Comparatively, ‘Charanbhumi’ stands out by vividly portraying ‘goth’-life and the political scenario of the time, focusing on the daily struggles, internal conflicts, and survival tactics of the shepherd communities. This essay also investigates alternative solutions they seek to address their problems amid changing circumstances.