REVISITING BENGALI LITERARY HISTORIOGRAPHY: GAPS, BIASES, AND THE QUEST FOR INCLUSIVITY
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Abstract: Literature has often been perceived as a reflective lens through which society can examine itself, particularly within the context of a nation’s formative years. It plays a crucial role in shaping and sustaining national awareness. Since the mid-nineteenth century, numerous Bengali scholars have felt compelled to document the intricate evolution of literature from both the pre-colonial and colonial eras, recognizing its significance in fostering collective cultural and racial consciousness. This study critically examines the contributions of four major historians—Sushil Kumar De, Sukumar Sen, Asit Kumar Bandopadhyay, and Bhudeb Chaudhuri—who have played pivotal roles in constructing a structured history of Bengali literature. Their works, interconnected through mutual references, collectively form a fortified archive of literary historiography. However, these historians, influenced by the prevailing ideologies of their times, have inevitably left gaps and omissions in their narratives. This research aims to interrogate these silences, particularly concerning the exclusion of marginalized voices, the role of women, and the selective construction of Bengali identity. By analyzing their historical methodologies and ideological frameworks, this paper seeks to explore the possibility of a more inclusive, organic literary historiography that accommodates a broader spectrum of perspectives. Keywords : Bengali literary historiography, national consciousness, colonial influence, identity formation, historiographic gaps Introduction : Literature has long been recognized as a mirror of the society from which it emerges. This is especially true in the case of nations undergoing cultural and political transformations. Literature provides an essential foundation for the growth of national consciousness, offering an intellectual space for the negotiation of identity, memory, and history. From the mid-nineteenth century onward, Bengali scholars have engaged in the project of literary historiography, seeking to document the trajectory of Bengali literature from its pre-colonial roots to the colonial and post-colonial periods. Their works, driven by both academic inquiry and nationalist impulses, have contributed to shaping a structured understanding of Bengali literary tradition.
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Outcome: Towards an Inclusive Literary Historiography : This study reveals that the historiography of Bengali literature, while rich in scholarly analysis, has been shaped by certain ideological and methodological limitations. The primary outcomes of this research include: 1. The need for an alternative historiographical approach that integrates subaltern, folk, and minority literary traditions. 2. The importance of gender-inclusive historiography, ensuring the recognition of women writers in Bengali literary history. 3. A call for decolonizing Bengali literary historiography by incorporating indigenous methodologies and oral traditions. 4. The necessity of revising the canonical structure to accommodate a more pluralistic representation of Bengali literary traditions. Conclusion : Bengali literary historiography, as constructed by scholars like Sushil Kumar De, Sukumar Sen, Asit Kumar Bandopadhyay, and Bhudeb Chaudhuri, has played a foundational role in shaping the understanding of Bengali literature. However, these histories have also reinforced selective narratives, often marginalizing subaltern voices, women writers, and non-Hindu contributions. This research underscores the importance of re-examining these historiographical models to develop a more inclusive and holistic history of Bengali literature. By incorporating diverse literary traditions, oral histories, and alternative perspectives, future historiographical efforts can better reflect the complex and pluralistic nature of Bengali literary heritage.
Institutions
- Bangabasi Morning College