Tarashankar’s ‘1971’

Tarashankar Bandopadhyay 1971 (Daily Star Books,2015) was initially supposed to be published as two separate novellas, Shutpar Tapashya and Ekti Kalo Meyer Kahini, both of which would be released together. Being ill at the time, the author announced that the two stories should be compiled and published as one book—among the last verdicts given by the great artist regarding his work. He would pass away soon after.

The book paints a picture of the massacre, political undercurrents, and finally the struggles of rural life, in 1971. After independence, most people became landless in Bangladesh. The working classes could find no work in the villages. And then a devastating famine hit the population, made worse by some of the exploiting upper classes. Set against this backdrop, the first story, "Ekti Kalo Meyer Kahini", captures the struggles of hundreds of women caught in the crossfires of the war. The second story, "Shutpar Tapashya", depicts the secret socio-political activities of West Bengal while, in the background, political structures collapsed with the loss of confidence in Congress's rule and the Naxalite revolution continued to unfold.

Despite the differences in geographical setting, the two stories share a raw portrayal of the nuances and the loss and suffering of ordinary lives. As in all his works, the novellas are marked by his characteristic short length, simple words, and timeless storytelling. 

1971 and other Daily Star Books publications are available at 25% discount on Rokomari until December 31, 2020.