If you want a brief understanding of how the human society of Bengal evolved over the past three millennia, “Behular Poth Dhore Ek Nishad Putrer Golpo” is the book to read.
Written by young author Khandker Neaz Rahman, the book tells the story of a struggling people living in the area of Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river basin, which covers the northern part of the ancient India – including the ancient Bengal.
Neaz aimed mostly at young readers when he took to pen and paper to shed light on over 2,500 years of history, focusing on people from different communities in the river basin who have been neglected and ignored by the “higher powers” of society, struggling to find their places in this ever-changing society.
And the struggle still goes on. Most of these people were born in families that were deemed “untouchables,” or Nishad, under the Indian caste system. Times have changed, but Nishads are still where they were hundreds of years ago – still fighting for their identities, for their rights to live as equals.
As the writer explores the historical facts and events of Bengal, he finds himself relating to Nishads. As the story progresses, Nishad becomes a symbol of all oppressed people in Bengal.
In the end, the author finds hope in the modern generation of youth. The Shahbagh Movement of 2013 gives him hope that the oppression of people by centralised power will be abolished.
Narrating the story, Neaz touches different aspects of Bengal’s history: its culture, geography, philosophy, trades and economy, agriculture, religions, languages, politics, travellers and the ruling system.
The 192-page book also carries maps of the ancient Bengal couples with historical figures and references.
Published by Ankur Prakashani, the book is available at Amar Ekushey Boi Mela 2016.
Ninth day sees better sales
The ninth day of Amar Ekushey Boi Mela 2016 yesterday closed with better sales than the previous days, according to the stall attendants.
“As more people are visiting the fair, book sales are increasing too,” said Zahirul Abedin Jewel, proprietor of Ityadi Grontho Prakash.
At least 110 new book were released at the book fair yesterday, raising the number of new arrivals this year to 877.
