About the Book

A FINE INTRODUCTION TO ONE OF INDIA'S MOST BELOVED WRITERS.

Saratchandra Chattopadhyay occupies a central place in modern Indian literature. His writing, marked by realism, emotional depth and social critique, continues to resonate with readers because of its timeless portrayal of the human condition. Exploring themes such as marriage, poverty and caste, class and gender inequality, Saratchandra painted a vivid picture of the lives of ordinary people.
Weaving the complex nuances of love, sacrifice, betrayal and moral dilemmas into cinematic storytelling, he created strong, memorable characters. His prose was simple yet powerful, making his works accessible to a wide readership.
Saratchandra's short stories contributed to the social and cultural renaissance in twentieth-century Bengal. His works influenced an entire generation of Bengali writers who came after him. He remains one of the most widely translated and read authors in the country.
The stories in this collection, selected and translated by Anchita Ghatak, are a fine introduction to one of Bengal's most loved writers.

About the Author

Saratchandra Chattopadhyay (15 September 1876-16 January 1938) was one of the most celebrated Bengali novelists and short story writers of the early twentieth century. Born in Debanandapur, Bengal, he grew up in poverty, which deeply influenced his sensitivity towards social issues. His works often depicted the struggles of ordinary people, especially women, against the rigid norms of a patriarchal society. He wrote extensively about Bengali society, both rural and urban, capturing themes of love, sacrifice, injustice and reform. His notable works include Devdas, Parineeta, Srikanta, Pather Dabi and Charitraheen, many of which have been adapted into films.