PORTRAYING PARTITION: COMMUNAL HARMONY AND STRUGGLE IN SAMARESH BOSE’S SELECTED SHORT STORIES
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Abstract: Samaresh Bose (1924-1988) holds a significant position in Bengali literature, primarily due to his vivid portrayal of the socio-political turbulence of his time. This research paper delves into his selected short stories focusing on the Hindu-Muslim riots and the partition of India, examining how these events are depicted and their impact on common people. By analyzing stories like "Adab," "Gantavya," "Joynal," and "Nimai's Exodus," this study explores themes of communal harmony, displacement, and the human cost of political upheaval. Bose's narratives reveal the profound emotional and physical struggles of those affected, highlighting the resilience and solidarity that emerge amidst chaos. Introduction : Samaresh Bose, an eminent figure in Bengali literature, was deeply influenced by the socio-political upheavals of his time, particularly the Hindu-Muslim riots and the partition of India in 1947. Born in Rajnagar, Dhaka, Bose spent most of his life in West Bengal and was actively involved in trade unions and the Communist Party of India. His literary works often reflect the suffering of common people during tumultuous periods marked by famine, epidemics, riots, and refugee crises. This paper focuses on a selection of his short stories, namely "Adab," "Gantavya," "Joynal," and "Nimai's Exodus," to analyze how Bose portrays the riots and partition, emphasizing the themes of communal harmony, displacement, and the human cost of these events. Life and Literary Background : Samaresh Bose (1924–1988) has a special place in the world of Bengali literature. He was born in Rajnagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. However, he spent the majority of his life in the Naihati region of the North Twenty-four Parganas district of West Bengal. His literary life has passed through various conflicts. The ups and downs of his personal life are also noticeable. Professional and Political Involvements : He worked in the Ichapur gun factory and became involved with trade unions. He was an active member of the 'Communist Party of India'. At one time, he was imprisoned. However, upon his release from jail, he pursued a career in literary writing. While in jail, he wrote the novel 'Uttaranga', and after his release, he wrote the novel 'Nayanpurer Mati'. Literary Themes and Influences : On one hand, the sufferings and pains of the common people have come up in his literature; on the other hand, there have been famines, epidemics, riots, partition, and refugee problems. I have chosen 'Dangar Vibhishika: Context Deshbhag, Samaresh Bose's (Selected) Short Stories' as my topic. Therefore, in the discussion, my primary focus will be on the riots and the partition, as well as their effects I’ve chosen a few short stories to discuss riots and partition. They are- 1. manners 2. the destination 3. Joynal. 4. Nimai's emigration. ..........