Baishe Srabon marks the 78th death anniversary of Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore. There was no section of literature that Tagore didn’t leave his mark on. Tagore created pretty much everything including poems, short stories, novels, dance dramas, dramas and articles. His novels have enriched the Bangla literature.
Shesher Kobita is one of his great novels. Tagore wrote the novel when he was in Bangalore. The novel was published as a series in the magazine, Probashi in 1928, and was published in a book form the following year.
In the novel the readers also find Tagore’s self-reference, and significance in Bengali literature.
Set in Shillong, the novel recounts the love story of Amit Ray, and Labonno. Amit comes from a wealthy family, and was educated at Oxford University. Barrister Amit wants to break the ritualistic shackle of the orthodox society. He meets the stunning Labonno during a car accident.
Amit and Labonno express their feelings through a series of dialogues, and poems that they write for each other. The poem Nirjharini from the book was later published as a separate poem in the collection of poems known as Mohua.
Description of Labonno’s beauty in the novel set the character apart from contemporary womens’ characters of that time. Labonno’s complexion, and confidence made for a strong character back in the days.
In the 1920s, women were evaluated as objects rather than humans. At that time, Labonno’s personality, pride, and knowledge were like a breath of fresh air in Amit’s life. Labonno’s personality, confidence and self-respect made the character iconic. She became a symbol of feminism, and women empowerment.
Other female characters of the novel are also very interesting. They are all unique in their own ways.
Shesher Kobita refined the definition of a love story. Labonno’s sacrifice, and Amit’s reactions toward her decisions represent the pride, and platonic love.