Bengali literature

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Bengali literature refers to the body of writings in the Bengali language. It has a rich and diverse history, spanning over a millennium, and includes a variety of genres such as poetry, novels, short stories, and plays. Bengali literature is a significant part of the literature of India and literature of Bangladesh.

History

Early Period

The earliest works in Bengali literature date back to the Charyapada, a collection of mystical poems from the 8th to 12th centuries. These poems were written by Buddhist monks and are considered the oldest example of Bengali literature.

Medieval Period

During the medieval period, Bengali literature was heavily influenced by Sanskrit literature and Persian literature. Notable works from this period include the Mangal-Kāvya and the Vaishnava Padavali. The Mangal-Kāvya are a group of Hindu religious texts, while the Vaishnava Padavali are devotional songs dedicated to the god Krishna.

Colonial Period

The colonial period saw the emergence of modern Bengali literature. The 19th century was marked by the Bengal Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual movement that produced many prominent writers. Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, is one of the most celebrated figures from this period. His works include poetry, novels, and plays, and he is best known for his collection of poems, Gitanjali.

Post-Independence Period

After the independence of India and the creation of Bangladesh, Bengali literature continued to flourish. Writers such as Jibanananda Das, Shamsur Rahman, and Sunil Gangopadhyay made significant contributions to modern Bengali literature. The themes of their works often reflect the social and political changes of the time.

Genres

Poetry

Bengali poetry has a long and rich tradition, from the mystical verses of the Charyapada to the modernist poems of Jibanananda Das. Other notable poets include Kazi Nazrul Islam, known as the "Rebel Poet," and Jasimuddin, famous for his pastoral poems.

Novels

The novel as a literary form gained popularity in Bengali literature during the 19th century. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay is considered the father of the Bengali novel, with his work Anandamath being particularly influential. Other notable novelists include Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, and Humayun Ahmed.

Short Stories

Short stories have been an important part of Bengali literature since the early 20th century. Rabindranath Tagore and Satyajit Ray are among the most famous writers of Bengali short stories. Tagore's Galpaguchchha is a collection of 84 stories that explore various aspects of human life.

Plays

Bengali drama has a rich tradition, with roots in ancient Sanskrit drama. Modern Bengali theatre was significantly influenced by the works of Rabindranath Tagore and Girish Chandra Ghosh. Contemporary playwrights like Badal Sircar and Utpal Dutt have also made significant contributions.

Notable Figures

• Rabindranath Tagore
• Kazi Nazrul Islam
• Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
• Jibanananda Das
• Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay
• Sunil Gangopadhyay
• Humayun Ahmed

Related Pages

• Charyapada
• Bengal Renaissance
• Rabindranath Tagore
• Kazi Nazrul Islam
• Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
• Jibanananda Das
• Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay
• Sunil Gangopadhyay
• Humayun Ahmed