মানিক বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায় সমগ্র 1.3

Manik Bandopadhyay (1908-1956) was a prominent Bengali novelist, born on May 29, 1908, in Dumka, Bihar, where his father worked. His ancestral home was in Malabdiya village near Bikrampur in Dhaka district. His father, Harihar Bandopadhyay, was a graduate of Calcutta University in science and served in the Settlement Department, retiring as a Deputy Magistrate.

Manik Bandopadhyay's real name was Prabodh Kumar, with 'Manik' being his nickname. Due to his father's job, he attended various schools in Dumka, Ara, Sasaram, Kolkata, Brahmanbaria, Barasat, Tangail, and Midnapore for his primary and secondary education. He eventually passed the Entrance Examination in 1926 from the Midnapore District School. Afterward, he graduated from Bankura Wesleyan Mission College with an ISC in 1928 and later enrolled in the B.Sc. program at Presidency College, Kolkata, but left before completing his degree to begin his professional career.

From 1934 until 1940, he co-managed the Udayachal Printing and Publishing House with his brother. Simultaneously, he served as the assistant editor of the literary magazine Bangashree from 1937 to 1939. Additionally, he held positions as Provincial Organizer for the National War Front of the Government of India and as a Publicity Assistant in the Bengal office.

As a significant figure in modern Bengali literature of the 1930s, Manik's first story 'Atasi Mami' was published in the magazine Bichitra during his undergraduate studies, creating a stir among readers. Through diligence and dedication, he established himself as an accomplished author within a short span. Emerging as part of the Kallol group that broke away from Rabindranath Tagore and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s influence, he carved his unique literary identity.

Influenced by Freudian psychology in his early years, he later explored Marxism and became an active member of the Communist Party in 1944, remaining engaged with its activities until his death. He participated in organizations advocating for anti-fascist writers and artists. Through literature, he adeptly analyzed Marx's theories on class struggle while unraveling complexities of human psychology. The conflicts between urban and rural life prominently featured in both his novels and short stories.

Manik Bandopadhyay authored over fifty novels and around 225 stories. Some of his notable works include the novels 'Janoni' (1935), 'Dibaratrir Kabya' (1935), 'Padma Nadir Majhi' (1936), 'Putul Nacher Itikotha' (1936), 'Shahartoli' (1940-41), 'Chihno' (1947), 'Chatushkona' (1948), 'Sarbojanin' (1952), and 'Arogya' (1953). His short story collections such as 'Atasi Mami o Anyanno Galpo' (1935) and 'Manik Bandopadhyayer Shreshtha Golpo' (1950) are also highly regarded.

The novels 'Padma Nadir Majhi' and 'Putul Nacher Itikotha' are particularly famous for their popularity. The former has been adapted into a film. Manik displayed profound insight into human inner life and psyche throughout his works. His early writings showcased an intricate analysis of the subconscious mind's mysteries, while post-World War II narratives reflected a socialist perspective illustrating how social and economic realities impacted urban existence.

Despite facing severe poverty himself, Manik Bandopadhyay dedicated himself to literature as a profession; eventually receiving a literary scholarship from the West Bengal Government. His novel 'Padma Nadir Majhi' vividly portrays how poverty can alter human nature, particularly highlighting issues arising from the tension between sexual desire and survival needs.

In addition to his literary pursuits, Manik was involved in various social and cultural activities and associated with the East Bengal Progressive Writers’ Association. During the communal riots of 1946, he actively worked towards establishing unity and fellowship in Kolkata's Tollygunge area. He passed away on December 3, 1956, in Kolkata.