#Bengali zamindars

[depressedraisin]

here's how armand can still be bengali

why do i think so? no other good reason than i am bengali myself and i want armand to be. (also assad zaman's family is from bangladesh. bengali solidarity!!!)

bengal: the region in south asia comprising present-day bangladesh and the indian states of west bengal, odisha, assam and parts of bihar.

armand said in the season one finale, that takes place in 2022, he is a 514 year old vampire. is it 514 years including or excluding his human years? let's go with including. that means armand would have been born in 1508.

now what was going on in india and bengal in 1508? well, the mughals hadn't come to india yet; it's still about two decades before babur makes his way here. delhi was under the rule of the lodi dynasty, the delhi sultanate was in its dying days. most of north india, mainly uttar pradesh and bihar was under the jaunpur sultanate. bengal was still it's own independent kingdom, called the bengal sultanate. alauddin hussain shah had just seized power and become the sultan of bengal in 1494, beginning the hussain shahi dynasty (they ruled in bengal till 1538 when the mughals captured the region).

india as a country did not exist yet. even it's conception would be a few centuries away still. the subcontinent was a collection of big and small kingdoms and sultanates, constantly warring amongst themselves, some ruled by hindu rulers others by muslims, each with their own distinct histories and cultures. bengal was one of the most prosperous and thriving among them. the bangla language and bengali culture was just beginning to develop.

vasco da gama had arrived in india in 1498, landing at kozhikode on the malabar coast. this began the arrival of the portugese in india, and soon other european colonialists followed. they soon set up their capital in goa, built forts all along the western coast and established trade through obtaining licenses and exclusive permits from local rulers. they first made their way to the bay of bengal region around 1516, with the first portugese representative- a guy called joao coelho- coming to chittagong (present day bangladesh). the first factory was set up in chittagong the next year.

the portugese traded in spices and cotton and fruits and muslin and also slaves. the european indian ocean slave trade began with the coming of the portugese in the early 16th century. slavery in south asian societies had obviously existed long before, and it was a deeply complex and diverse system of dependency and regimes of slavery. slavery of youth and children was also pretty prevalent: it would not be uncommon for poor, farming families to sell away themselves or their children to zamindars (landlords) and colonial overlords in desperation. there were many, many cases of young children being forced to get onboard ships where they'd be held agains their will and taken to europe, the americas or south-east asia. goa and lisbon were the two cities that linked the movement of goods and people between the indian and atlantic oceans, but goa wasn't the only place where enslaved children were traded in portugese india nor lisbon the only european they were taken to.

one of those kids might as well have been arun.

i know the brief glimpse at the talamasca files showed armand's origin to be in delhi but in this particular scene he clearly says that he was sent *to* delhi, thinking he was going to work on a merchant boat.

this is just a theory i have btw. armand could've been from maharastra or the deccan as well idk. anyway.

armand is a monster, a vicious, villanious creature of unfathomable powers and ferocity. but he is also so deeply tragic. he had been forcibly torn away from his people and his land. he has no memory of his family or his humanity. he has lived for over half a millenium. the india he might've known hasn't existed for centuries, and he never got to know the one that exists today. the bangla he might've spoken no one remembers anymore. he has nothing left of the human he was except that name.

further readings (STRONGLY SUGGESTED!!!):

[jalebi-weds-bluetooth]

Saheb, Bibi Aur Ghulaam

#1

For IPKKND’s 13th anniversary, hosted by the lovelies @arshifiesta

1903, Kolkata

Nandkisore sat by the ghats, watching the sun set on the Ganges. Devotees offered prayers while lovers sat in the ferries, gently bobbing from one end of the river bank to the other.

Not too many summers ago he had arrived, with barely a paisa in his pocket, and only a few local words that he had picked from fellow travellers.

“What were you thinking about sahab?” Mohan, his rickshaw puller, asked. Nandkisore chuckled at being referred as a sahab. It would take him some time to get used to that honorific. Granted, his patent for a new type of printer at the printing press gave him a financial security that his ancestors had never seen, but that couldn’t really make him a sahab.

Nandkisore pointed to the sprawling mansion across the river.

Sheesh Mahal

Owned by the richest zamindar in the city. By a true sahab - Arnav Mullick.

“Oh Maa! Did you know him? Were you both friends? Is that how you learned how to make money?” Mohan asked.

“No, Arnav sahab was my employer,” Nandkisore said. The formidable Arnav Mullick was nobody’s friend but his kindest, sweetest wife was the closest friend Nandkisore ever had.

And the only thing he learned in the godforsaken house was tragedy.

— — —

1897, Kolkata

The white marbles and mirrors of Sheesh Mahal made it stand like a diamond amidst the city. A step into the haveli and one would think another city lived inside it. Water fountains to an army of servant, Nandkisore hoped to find some employment within that army.

As a Punjabi lad he struggled to find meaning between all the Bengali words thrown left and right at him, but he was able to piece together what all the househelp agreed on.

Since he hadn’t seen the haveli in entirety yet, he must see the central courtyard! Chhote sahab, although strict, disposed the idea of servants not being allowed in certain areas or using separate cutlery.

Huh, it was surprising that in a house of two brothers it was the younger one that wielded more power.

But why would anyone be surprised? Given his progressive ideals that made him a favorite amongst the workers and a sore in the eye among other zamindars, London return Chhote sahab brought the financially wrought Mullick household into prosperity.

The househelp clearly favoured him, reciting some of his speeches as well. For those who blamed modernization and London as an influence for his liberalism, he laughed that studying the English and seeing the effects of their Industrial Revolution opened his eyes in ways one could never imagine.

So Nandkisore was eager to meet Chhote Sahab. But before that - a trip to the main courtyard. There were whispers of tapestry belonging from the Mughal eras, intricate woodwork that took countless hours and men to produce, ingenious architecture that illuminated the courtyard at all times of the day.

Except nothing caught Nandkisore’s eyes apart from the lady in red, sitting on a swing.

“That’s Choto boumaa,” one whispered.

Nandkisore reddened, for having admired the wife of Chhote Sahab. But there was a genuine goodness in her that radiated an aura of kindness, of childishness.

Little bells chimed in the air as the youngest bride of the house swung high, her alta stained feet adorned with heavy payals, a Jalebi in her hand.

None could ever look at her with an evil eye. She was a good person. He knew it. He believed in it.

The bahu nearly jumped off the swing when a babu appeared. Given the way he strode to her with two helpers who had a pile of gifts - sarees and jewleries - that must be Chhote Sahab!

Then why did a chill run up Nandkisore’s spine?

“Dada, you have no business gifting things to my vwife.” A man strode into the courtyard, his gait enough to frighten the babu’s two helpers.

Tall, sharp nosed and not a hair out of place. His eyes held an icy wrath that could shake the soul out of any ordinary man. Nandkisore knew that that man had to Chhote Sahab.

Then who was the other man? And why was he gifting Chhoto Boumaa?

A bile rose up in NK’s through as understanding dawned.

“A wife who spends all her time alone? Perhaps you and I aren’t that different Chhote,” The babu scoffed.

“If I find you, again, near my wife, then you can find yourself another home.” The young bride cowered behind her husband - clenching her saree in anxiety.

“ARNAV! HOW DARE YOU!”

“Keep your voice down Shyam Mullick, if it wasn’t for boudi’s plea then…”

Of course, the other babu was Barrister Shyam Mullick. The older son, the heir eclipsed by his younger brother.

Shyam threw the gifts aside and stormed off. Nandkisore breathed a sigh of relief. Thank God Chhote Sahab had arrived in time, if not then Chhoto Boumaa would have had to deal with the sleaze of a brother in law-

“Your greed has no end, does it?” She yelped, her arms in Arnav’s brutal grip.

“Na, na ami-” her soft pleas for mercy had no audience in him.

Nandkisore dropped a metal bowl and ducked, Arnav sprang apart from his wife and walked away, while the fragile woman picked up the fallen Jalebi from the floor to put it away.

Her eyes were full of tears, and Nandkisore rued on the fate she had. Her home had two men who abused her and she had nowhere to run.

He was thankful Chhote sahab didn’t see him drop the bowl.

He was careful to tiptoe away.

“Darao,” he halted at Chhoto Boumaa’s order. She studied his face for a moment.

“Shukriya,” she whispered.

“Oh no no, please Chhoti Malkin-”

“Call me Khushi please,”

— — —

A/N; finally!!! Here’s my little contribution to the festival! Enjoy enjoy and let me know your thoughts 😊

[toobadwithnames]

Dakshineswar Temple

Situated on the banks of the holy river Hooghly, West Bengal, India, is the temple of  Bhavatarini, a form of Parashakti Adya Kali, otherwise known as Adishakti Kalika- well known as Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Rani Rashmoni, a Zamindar, philanthropist, and devotee of Kali Maa, erected the temple in 1855. The temple is well-known for its connections to Bengali mystics Ramakrishna and Ma Sarada Devi from the 19th century. Profoundly affected by the visionary dream of the Goddess Kali, Rani Ma searched for and purchased a 30,000-acre tract in the Dakshineswar village from Jake Hastie, an Englishman, who sold the 20-acre site, which at the time was known as Saheban Bagicha. Between 1847 and 1855, a sizable temple complex was constructed.

The primary temple was modeled after the Radhakanta temple in Tollygunge, designed in the Navaratna style by Babu Ramnath Mondal of the Bawali Raj family.

Radhakanta temple in Tollygunge

In addition to the main temple at Dakshineswar with nine spires, the temple compound also has rooms along the perimeter walls of a sizable courtyard. The garbha griha, or sanctum sanctorum, has the idol of Bhavatarini perched atop Lord Shiva. Both idols are set atop a pure silver lotus blossom with a thousand petals. Along the riverfront, there are twelve shrines to Shiva, Kali's consort, a Radha-Krishna temple, a riverside bathing ghat, and a shrine to Rani Rashmoni.

The Shiva Temples

The three-story, south-facing temple was constructed in the Bengali architectural style known as Navaratna, or "nine spires," and it has nine spires scattered throughout the upper two storeys. It is elevated on a high platform and has a flight of stairs leading up to it. It is 46 feet (14 m) square overall and rises to a height of more than 100 feet (30 m).

Dakshineswar Temple

[lalmohanpatnaik]

From Temples to Puja Mandaps to Chandi Medha

Growing up in a Cuttack locality has so many fond childhood memories. One of them is the Bengali style Bhoger Khichudi that we (children of the locality) used to feast on during Durga Puja.

Less than quarter of a km from our residence was located the Binapani Club (Estd 1888) at Badhei Sahi where Bengalis gathered together as Buxi Bazar Durga Puja Samity and organised Sarbojanin or Community Durga Puja in Mrinamayee Murti (clay idol) form. The puja is said to have been organised for the first time by Janaki Nath Bose( father of Subash Chandra Bose), then a flourishing lawyer of Cuttack alongwith some of his friends.

A highlight of Ashtami and Navami was the niramish (without use of onion and garlic) khichudi or khichdi. It had the regular rice and moong dal along with a few additions like spices, peas, potatoes and tomatoes.

The delicious bhog was served at lunch time 1- 2 pm to all those who were in the club around that time for free. The unique feature of their bhog was the individual attention that they gave towards each visitor.

The concept of Sarvojanin puja also brought people of the entire locality together, irrespective of their social strata. This community spirit reached its high point, when hundreds of people, both children and grown-ups regardless of their social backgrounds sat cross-legged in rows to have their delicious serving of hot khichdi bhog.

Before Sarvojanin Durga Puja came to be celebrated in Cuttack, it was mainly confined to the temples – Cuttack Chandi Mandir and Gada Chandi Mandir. It was not before 19th century that the millennium city started celebrating the Durga Puja influenced by Bengalis at a time when the entire country had come under British rule.

Till Orissa attained statehood in 1936 it was part of the larger Bengal Presidency. Initially, a burgeoning middle class of Bengalis who had settled in the erstwhile capital city – Cuttack started to observe Durga Puja in Mrinamayee Murti (clay idol) form. Later they gave way to community Pujas that were conceptualised in permanent puja mandaps.

The earliest worshipping of Mrinamayee Murti of Goddess Durga is traced to a thatched house in Binod Bihar-Balu Bazar area during Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s visit to Cuttack in 1512. The idol was consecrated in the presence of the Bengali saint.

The Bengali priest who had accompanied the saint stayed behind and followed it up by full-fledged Durga Puja in 1513 in the thatched house which is now the Binod Bihari temple and the Puja Mandap of Balu Bazar Puja Committee.

In 1890, the business community of Balu Bazar (then the prime business centre in the city) together with residents of the locality took up the responsibility of the Puja and converted it into Sarvojanin Durga puja. Till now the descendants of the Bengali priest (Banerjees) continue to be the main priest of the Puja Mandap. The Goddess here is known as ‘Elder Sister’.

The Goddess at the Chandni Chowk Puja Mandap is known as ‘Younger Sister’. Nobody knows why. In 1817, a Bengali family (Duttas) started puja of Durga in clay idol form in a thatched house at AstaSambhu temple. Subsequently, it received the patronage of the royal family of Darpani and was shifted to the present Puja Mandap.

By end of 19th century, it was turned into Sarbojanin puja by pooling in the support of Dasah Sahis (ten localities). In the 1940s the Darpani royal family handed over the responsibility of Durga Puja to the people of the locality. Due to the royal link the idols of most Puja Mandaps in Cuttack were brought in a procession to the Chandni Chowk Puja Mandap before being taken for immersion to Purighat.

Even to this day the custom is being followed by around 40 of the old puja mandaps. The present number of Puja Mandaps have crossed 150. Of them around 80 observe Durga Puja in Mrinamayee murti form. The rest come up with idols of Mahadev and Hara Parvat.

Durga Puja in Mrinamayee murti form was also started by Late Swaroop Chandra Das, a Bengali Zamindar at his residence in Machua Bazar in as early as 1752. The Das family which continued with the tradition opened it up for the community of the locality two centuries later. The Goddess there is popularly known as Sarpa Durga.

Another Durga Puja in Mrinamayee murti form was started at Janakinath Bhawan, the ancestral house of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Oriya Bazar. When Subhas was rusticated following the ‘Oaten incident’ – alleged assault on E A Oaten, professor in history by students- he came to Cuttack in March 1916. In the same year Subhas along with friends of the locality started the Durga Puja.

Subhas returned to Calcutta within less than a year to resume his studies when Calcutta University revoked the rustication order. But his friends continued this tradition under the patronage of Subhas’s father Janaki Nath Bose. The puja was converted into a community celebration by the Oriya Bazar Sarbajanin Durga Puja Samiti when the entire Bose family decided to shift to Calcutta and settle there. Years later the Durga Puja started by Subhas Bose was shifted to the permanent Puja Mandap of Durgabari Samiti at Alamchand Bazar.

In 1832, Oriya and Bengali employees of the East India Company started Durga puja at Kazi Bazar. This is said to be the earliest Sarbojanin Durga puja in the city.

The Choudhury Bazar Panchayat Committee started Durga puja in Mrinamayee Murti form in 1872. Choudhury Bazar - one of the important business centres in Cuttack is said to have been named after one Manjinath Choudhury who constructed a Jain temple in the locality during the Maratha rule.

The mandap became a star attraction for visitors during Durga Puja when it pioneered use of traditional decorative craft associated with silver as base metal for the backdrop to the clay idol. With it came up the first Chandi Medha – silver filigree backdrop by using 250 kg of pure silver in 1955.

The ornamental style had then no parallel in the country as far as silver filigree was concerned. The Choudhury Bazar puja mandap continued to have the lone Chandi Medha in the city till the unique style was picked up by the Puja Mandap at Sheikh Bazar with a 350 kg Chandi Medha for their Goddess in 1991. Another 26 Puja Mandaps have since followed with Chandi Medhas made of 250 kg to 500 kg pure silver.

[zelihatrifles]

Bedanabala

The subtitle 'Her life. Her times.' suggests an autobiographical bent. However, the old narrator recounts the story mainly of her mother and her times. In fact, of her mother and her (surrogate) mother who was a victim of her 'mashi'. Indeed, the story goes back centuries, as long as there have been whores. Mahasweta Devi (and the translator rightfully retains the original Bengali words here) enumerates the different names which since the beginning of time have been used for those who are now called sex workers. If this small book is a little pedantic, it very well should be, because these 'fallen' women fall and stay fallen because men from noble families keep visiting and abusing them in secret. Sin gets transferred and branded onto the weaker sex who work only for their survival. Social work and the freedom struggle get intertwined in the whorehouses in the years leading up to India's independence, and yes, it should not surprise you that these women have heart and guts enough to shelter wounded rebels at the risk of getting raped by police officials. The lucidity of Devi's language is perhaps lost in translation, but its power is not. Bedanabala may be one special individual whose mother was born in a zamindar family, raised in a whore house, and married by a renegade but kind zamindar, but her life derives only from all those women who have come before her and struggled for their right to light.

[sremonconstructio]

Residential Architecture in Kolkata: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, has always been a city with a rich architectural heritage. From colonial-era structures to modern high-rises, residential architecture in Kolkata is a reflection of its unique history, culture, and evolving lifestyle. Residential Architecture in Kolkata Whether you're considering building a new home or just fascinated by architectural designs, understanding Kolkata's residential architecture provides insights into the city's past and its aspirations for the future.

Historical Influence on Kolkata’s Residential Architecture

Kolkata's residential architecture has been deeply influenced by its colonial history. British rule left behind stately mansions and bungalows with European elements like Doric columns, large windows, and high ceilings. These structures, often called "Rajbari" or "Zamindar Houses," represent an era of grandeur and opulence. While many of these historic homes are now being restored, they continue to influence modern residential designs.

In addition to the colonial influence, traditional Bengali architectural styles also play a crucial role. Homes with courtyards, verandas, and sloping roofs are common features in older parts of Kolkata. These designs are suited to the local climate, offering natural ventilation and protection from heavy monsoon rains.

The Shift Towards Modern Residential Architecture

As Kolkata has grown and developed, so too has its residential architecture. Today, the city is home to a mix of contemporary high-rises, luxury apartments, and gated communities. Modern designs focus on optimizing space, sustainability, and comfort, making them ideal for urban living. The trend of eco-friendly homes, equipped with solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and green terraces, is increasingly popular among new constructions.

Gated Communities and High-Rise Apartments

One of the major trends in Kolkata's residential architecture today is the rise of gated communities and high-rise apartments. These developments offer a range of amenities, including swimming pools, gyms, parks, and community halls. They cater to the growing middle and upper-middle-class population, offering a blend of luxury and convenience. High-rises in areas like New Town, Rajarhat, and South Kolkata are prime examples of this modern urban lifestyle.

Balancing Tradition with Modern Needs

Despite the city's modernization, there is still a strong appreciation for traditional architecture. Many homeowners and architects are now blending traditional elements with modern designs. For instance, it's not uncommon to find homes with contemporary interiors but exteriors that incorporate classic Bengali or colonial architectural details. This fusion allows homeowners to enjoy modern amenities while preserving Kolkata's architectural heritage.

Sustainable Architecture: The Future of Residential Design

As concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability grow, many architects in Kolkata are adopting green building practices. From using eco-friendly materials to designing homes with energy-efficient systems, sustainable architecture is gradually becoming the norm. Passive solar design, water-efficient landscaping, and rooftop gardens are just a few examples of how residential architecture in Kolkata is evolving to meet the demands of the future.

Conclusion

Residential architecture in Kolkata is a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity. Whether it’s the grandeur of colonial-era mansions or the sleek lines of contemporary apartments, each home tells a story of the city’s rich cultural heritage and its ongoing transformation. Residential Architecture in Kolkata If you're planning to build or invest in a home in Kolkata, you'll be part of a living architectural narrative that continues to evolve, honoring the past while embracing the future.

[anandapublishers]

Buy Old Bengali Books Online, Ananda Publishers All Book List

Singularity is almost invariably a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more difficult is it to bring it home.

It was six thirty in the evening. A taxi from Kolkata approached the mansion of the Neogis, the former zamindars of Baikuntthapur and halted before the gate. A stranger got out from the automobile. Upon disembarking, he was escorted to Soumya Shekhar Neogi, who was relaxing in his chair and enjoying the breeze. The latter wore thick glasses and was about to turn seventy.

Soumya Sekhar questioned, ‘Are you Rudrasekhar?’ The man sat down and gave Soumya Sekhar his passport. The latter gave it a short glance and returned it back. His cousin brother Rudrasekhar was someone he had never met before. Soumya's uncle had permanently left home twenty -seven years back. Soumya was drifting way back in his retrospection. He started revealing to Rudra that his uncle had not brought his son along when he later returned to their home in Baikuntthapur, suggesting that there may have been some conflict between the two men. The abrupt entrance of the elderly butler Jagadish ended Soumyasekhar's reminiscence. … ‘What is it, Jagdish?’ Thumri, the last of the fox terriers, had passed away, and Jagadish, with tears in his eyes imparted the news to his master. Its body was found in the bamboo jungle.

How might Thumri have perished? Was it murdered? Why would anyone murder an old pet? Pradosh Chandra Mitter (Mitra) alias Feluda must find out!  

Talent recognises brilliance right away, while mediocrity knows nothing greater than itself. Life is far weirder than anything the human mind can conceive of.

Samaresh Bose's novel Bibar was a milestone in the literary career of its creator. The novel added a fresh perspective to the Bengali writing. Bibar is one of the most critically acclaimed work of the author. According to the late author Santosh Kumar Ghosh, the work is one of the top ten Bengali titles. However, many readers and critics have stated that it is crude or indecent. It goes without saying that such ferocious disagreements can only be sparked by a piece of art that is in every way innovative, daring, compelling. In fact, it is. An entirely different tale about the destiny of a protestant who in the backdrop of crisis tormented humanity chooses to leave the security of traditional beliefs. This novel cannot be assessed using the conventional criteria because it is well ahead of its time.

Visit the official website of Ananda Publishers, www.anandapub.in  and download the ananda publishers all book list. If you buy old Bengali books online, do look for the Ananda classics.

[odishadetails]

SWABHAB KABI GANGADHAR MEHER

SWABHABA KABI GANGADHAR MEHER

Born: 9 August 1862 Place : Barpali Died: 4 April 1924 (aged 61) Pen name: Swabhaba Kabi Occupation: Judicial Moharir (Accountant) Language: Odia Education: Std V Genres: Poet Subjects: Devotion

Notable work(s) Tapaswini, Rasa-Ratnakara, Balaram-dev, Pranaya Ballari, Kichaka Badha, Indumati (First Published work), Ayodhya Drusya, Padmini (Last work)

Spouse(s): Shanta Devi, Champa Devi (After the death of Shanta Devi)

Children: Arjun Meher (died at the age of 12), Bhagaban Meher (Famous as Kabi-Putra), Basumati Meher, Laxmi Meher

Gangadhar Meher , renowned Odia poet of 19th century also known as Swabhaba Kabi,was a literary Midas, who transformed everything into gold by the alchemic touch of his genius. He was a born poet of delicate charm. His was a clean white style. His poem Bhakti (The Devotion) bears eloquent testimony to the change in religious outlook. He was essentially a poet of intuition and side by side he had a penetrating insight. Though poor in wealth and education, he was very rich in mind and culture. In almost all his writings there is a glimpse of originality.

Childhood--

Gangadhar was born in 1862 on the full moon day of Shravan at Barpali of present day Bargarh district of Odisha. Chaitanya Meher was working as a village Vaidya (Ayurvedic doctor) besides his family profession of weaving. But as he could not maintain his family with the income of these works, he opened a village school and began to teach a few children. Gangadhar Meher could read up to the Middle Vernacular Standard hurdling over diverse disadvantages, and his excessive desire for reading one day dragged him to the field of writing poems. As a young boy, he heard the Odia Ramayan composed by Balaram Das and afterwards he himself read it as well as the Odia Mahabharata by Sarala Das. He also read and mastered a great number of Sanskrit books; of which ‘Raghubansam’, deserve mention. He had proficiency in Hindi and Bengali. Tulsi Ramayan in Hindi used to be held by him in great respect. He used to read Bengali magazines and newspapers. Gangadhar, in his student life, read Sanskrit. Gangadhar got himself married at the age of 10. As his father’s pecuniary condition was not satisfactory, Gangadhar used to go to school in the morning and help his father in weaving in the afternoon. The poet’s weaving was as attractive and beautiful as his poetry. For his clear and beautiful hand writing people used to visit him for writing their documents. The pecuniary condition of the family improved a bit due to his hard labour when to the misfortune of the family, the ancestral house caught fire.

Career

The then Zamindar of Barpali, Lal Nruparaj Singh offered him the post of an Amin (Patwari). Coming to learn of amicable behaviours and good virtues of Gangadhar, the Zamindar promoted him to the post of a Moharir. He continued to serve in the said post and was transferred to Sambalpur, Bijepur and Padmapur and at last transferred to him own native place Barpali on a salary of Rs. 30/- P.M. The post was very liberal and magnanimous in his social life. During the last age of his life, the poet organized an All Odisha Social Conference of Mehers with a view to uplifting the entire weaver society. Nearly three thousand Mehers from different parts of Odisha assembled in the Conference. The poet put up twelve proposals for the reform of the society and all were passed unanimously.

Literary career

Gangadhar started composing poems from a very tender age. His first writings follow the style and technique of the ancient Odia writers. His first Kavya (poetic work) was “Rasa-Ratnakara”. Then being persuaded by some friends he changed his ways and wrote poems and kavyas in the modern Odia style. Kabibar Radhanath Ray praised his writing very much. Then Gangadhar Meher produced innumerable writings that have no parallel in point of sweet imaginativeness, in beauty and clarity of language, in the novelty of style, in point of forceful character painting and in the lively description of nature from different angles of vision. His writings are like precious jewels in the store room of Utkal Bharati (Odia language).

GANAGADHAR BOOK AVAILABLE HERE

[propertypistol11]

Behala, Kolkata: Unveiling the Hidden Gem of the South

Welcome to Behala, a vibrant and thriving neighborhood located in the southern part of Kolkata. If you're looking to buy properties in Kolkata, Behala is a fantastic choice. Nestled amidst greenery and steeped in history, Behala offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal location for real estate investments.

Behala boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples, historical landmarks, and traditional festivals that showcase the essence of Kolkata's identity. The neighborhood is known for its warm and welcoming community, offering a sense of belonging to all who choose to call Behala their home.

Historical Significance:

Behala has a rich historical background that dates back centuries. Discover the tales of the zamindars (landlords) who once inhabited this area, and explore the remnants of their ancestral homes that still dot the landscape. Visit Sabarna Sangrahashala, a museum showcasing the heritage and history of the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family, one of the oldest zamindar families in Bengal.

Cultural Delights:

Immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of Behala. Witness the grandeur of the iconic Behala Pujas during Durga Puja, when the entire neighborhood comes alive with beautifully crafted pandals and artistic displays. Experience the soul-stirring performances of Rabindra Sangeet and classical dance at local cultural events and festivals.

Architectural Marvels:

Behala is home to some magnificent architectural marvels. Visit the breathtaking Shakuntala Park, a fusion of art and architecture inspired by the famous play of the same name. Explore the unique temple complex of Ramakrishna Math, where spirituality and tranquility combine to create a serene oasis in the heart of Behala.

Nature's Retreats:

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life by exploring the serene green spaces in Behala. Take a leisurely walk along the picturesque Rabindra Sarobar Lake, a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Enjoy the tranquil ambiance of Haridebpur Park, perfect for picnics and rejuvenation amidst lush greenery.

Gastronomic Delights:

Behala is a paradise for food enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of culinary delights. Indulge in mouthwatering Bengali cuisine at local restaurants, savoring delicacies like macher jhol (fish curry), shorshe ilish (hilsa fish in mustard sauce), and chingri malai curry (prawn curry with coconut milk). Don't forget to treat your taste buds to delectable street food, such as kathi rolls and puchka (pani puri).

Shopping and Entertainment:

Behala provides ample opportunities for shopping and entertainment. Explore local markets like Behala Bazar and Behala Chowrasta, where you can find traditional handicrafts, textiles, and trendy fashion. Enjoy a movie outing at the popular Behala Cinepolis or catch a live performance at Satyajit Ray Auditorium for a dose of entertainment.

Conclusion:

Behala, Kolkata, is a neighborhood that offers a unique blend of heritage, culture, and natural beauty. With its rich history, architectural marvels, cultural festivals, and culinary delights, Behala promises an immersive and enchanting experience. So, come and explore the hidden gem of the south, uncovering the treasures that Behala has to offer and creating cherished memories in this captivating corner of Kolkata.

Source: PropertyPistol

[templetour]

Tarkeshwar Mandir Kolkata, West Bengal

The Tarkeshwar Mandir Kolkata, also known as the Tarkeshwar Mahadev Mandir, was built in the late 18th century by Raja Naba Kissen Bahadur, a prominent Bengali zamindar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the form of a lingam. According to local legends, the temple was built on the site where Lord Shiva appeared in the dreams of Raja Naba Kissen Bahadur and blessed him with a vision that helped him overcome a crisis. Since then, the temple has been a popular destination for devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva.

[ghostlycreatorconnoisseur]

Radhanatha Ray

In the latter half of the nineteenth century, Radhanath Ray was an early modernist poet who wrote in the Odia language. He was born into a Zamindar family in Baleshwar (then Bengal Presidency), which is now in Odisha, and is known as Kabibara (Poet Boon) in Odia literature. In his early years, he wrote in both Bengali and Odia, but eventually switched to write only in Odia. In the Baleswar district of Odisha's Kedarpur village, he was born on September 28th, 1848. He has written poetry and verse for nineteenth-century Odia literature.

On September 28, 1848, in the Orissan village of Kedarpur in the Balasore district, Radhanath Ray was born. He demonstrated talent and enthusiasm for Oriya literature while he was studying. In the early days of his writing career, he wrote both in Bengali and Oriya language, but after sometime, he focused on Oriya literature only and started writing in only Oriya language. When he was only 18, he wrote a book with collection of some poetries 'Kabitabali' in Bengali.

[royalbengaltours]

Tajhat Palace 

https://royalbengaltours.com/destinations/tajhat-palace/ Obsessed with the stunning Bengali architecture of Tajhat Palace! 😍 It's an absolute masterpiece that truly showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region. 🙌 #TajhatPalace #BengaliArchitecture #CulturalHeritage OMG, this palace is absolutely stunning! 😍 Built by the legendary Maharaja Gopal Lal Roy in the early 20th century, it's a perfect blend of Mughal, European, Hindu, and Islamic architecture. 🙌 #PalaceGoals #Architecture #Travel OMG, this stunning artifact truly embodies the opulence and majesty of Bengal's rich history! 😍🙌 #BengalTreasures #PastGlory #HeritageLove Obsessed with this museum showcasing the most exquisite Bengali artifacts from various eras! 😍🙌 #CultureGoals #BengaliPride #MuseumVibesOMG, just visited the stunning Tajhat Palace! This magnificent palace was built in 1906 for the legendary Hindu trader Maharaja Kumar Gopal Lal Roy (1887–1955), who moved from Punjab to Rangpur and became a jeweler and zamindar. The intricate architecture and rich history of this place left me in awe! #TajhatPalace #History #ArchitectureGoals (landlord). Check out this fascinating tidbit about Tajhat! The name, which translates to "crown market," is believed to have originated from Roy's jewelry business. How cool is that? #Tajhat #History #JewelryBusiness #CrownMarket OMG, can you believe that Roy single-handedly constructed this magnificent castle in the early 1900s with the help of 2,000 workers and a whopping $1.5 million?! 😱🏰 #goals #architecture #history Check out this incredible guy! Not only did he host kite-soaring events, but he also organized women's fairs on his land. How amazing is that? #eventplanner #womenempowerment #outdoorfunOMG, did you know that the incredible British builder Robert Fellows Chisholm was the mastermind behind the design of the stunning palace?! 😍 And that's not all, he also created the breathtaking Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata! 🙌 #architecturegoals #designerextraordinaireThis stunning abode lay forgotten until 1979. #abandonedbeauty #hiddenhistory #vintagevibes OMG, did you know that the Supreme Court of Bangladesh branch was actually used by none other than President Husain Muhammad Ershad himself from 1984 to 1991?! 😱 #history #amazing #supremecourt #bangladesh 🇧🇩 OMG, can we just take a moment to appreciate this incredible landmark?! 😍 The Department of Archaeology recognized its significance back in '95 and I couldn't agree more! 🙌 #historylover #landmark #archaeology In 2005, the Rangpur Museum made a move and transformed into an exquisite museum. #historylover #museumvibes #culturetripObsessed with the stunning Tajhat Palace! 😍 This U-shaped Indo-Saracenic palace is a perfect blend of Mughal, European, and Bengali styles. The open end facing west is just breathtaking! 🤩 #TajhatPalace #IndoSaracenic #MughalStyle #EuropeanStyle #BengaliStyle #ArchitectureGoals OMG, you guys! This place is seriously amazing! Two acres of pure magic, complete with two stories and four corner towers. You won't believe how stunning it is! 😍🏰 #Dreamy #CastleVibes #ArchitectureGoalsCheck out the stunning front facade of the palace! 😍 The imported white marble staircase leading to the upper level is absolutely breathtaking! ✨ #PalaceGoals #MarbleStaircase #LuxuryLiving Obsessed with the stunning front porch featuring four Corinthian columns, a triangular gable adorned with intricate carvings, and marble balustrades showcasing classical Roman figures (which have unfortunately been lost). 😍 #architecture #classicaldesign #historicalhomesJust toured the palace and I'm in awe! 😍 With 22 rooms spread across two floors, this place is fit for royalty 👑 The high ceilings, wooden beams, and intricate floral panels make it a true masterpiece. 🌸 Can't wait to come back and explore more! 🏰 #PalaceGoals #RoyaltyVibes #InteriorDesignInspo Obsessed with the intricate details of these stunning windows! 😍 The curved frames and stained-glass panels featuring Hindu mythology images are truly a work of art. 🙌 #architecture #design #hindumythology #stainedglassOMG, the center roof of the palace is giving me major Ahsan Manzil vibes with its stunning conical dome and intricate ribbed details! 😍🏰 #PalaceGoals #ArchitectureInspo #TravelGram Check out these stunning thin columns with semi-Corinthian capitals that are supporting the dome's neck! And did you notice that the neck is an eight-sided pentagon? So mesmerizing! 😍 #architecture #design #dome #columns #Corinthian #pentagonThe Tajhat Palace is an absolute must-visit for anyone interested in Bengal's rich architectural heritage! This stunning building is sure to leave you in awe and make a lasting impression on your heart and mind. Preserving Bengal's rich historical and cultural heritage is an absolute must for the generations to come! 🙌🏼 Let's ensure that our roots remain intact and our traditions are passed down to our children and grandchildren. 🌺 #BengalHeritage #CulturalPreservation #TraditionsForLife Discovering the cultural and historical significance of the area is an absolute must! 🌎🏛️ #TravelGoals #CulturalHeritage #HistoryBuff

[indizombie]

The collectors of the company were annoyed with the Greek merchants as they had good trade relations with the Khasias. British collectors suspected that the Greeks and other lower-class Europeans would supply guns and other weapons to the Khasias and incite them against the British to resist control of the company. The collectors often even seized arms from European traders in the hilly areas. They feared that the flames of the Khasia attack would affect the company's rule in Dhaka as well. So they kept a close watch on the Greek merchants. They also feared that these merchants would establish separate colonies by establishing their dominance in the Khasia region. In 1788, the company's fears came true as Bengali and Khasia zamindars, including Ganga Singh, attacked a company office in Pandua.

Tamara Yesmin Toma, ‘The Greeks and the limestone trade in Sylhet during the British period‘, Business Standard

[yourlocalaphrodisian]

Happy Late Women's Day!

Your boy got the date messed up but my social worker grandma went to a meeting yesterday and was telling stories about it and I went "wait it was Women's Day???" Your boy thought it was in August.

Anyway, today's post is dedicated to one of my all time favourite women in history.

Rokeya Shakhawat Hossein

More commonly known as Begum Rokeya. Mrs. Hossein was born in 1880 in the city of Pairaband, Rangpur in what was then called the Bengal Presidency of British India. She was a pioneer of women's rights in South Asia, and today I present to you the life and achievements of an Unsung Heroine of Bengal. Let me, today, tell you of Begom Rokeya, who changed the life of women not only in Bangladesh, but in the entire Indian subcontinent.

Born into an extremely conservative Muslim society, Rokeya Khatun was raised under extreme purdah in the family of a Zamindar (called Jomidar in Bangla). She was kept in her home under guard of her male relatives as was the case in every Muslim woman in Bengal. Her education was limited to the Muslim standard (for women) of Farsi and Arabic. However, Rokeya and her elder sister Korimunnesa, to the great disdain of their family, learnt both English and Bangla (called Bangala at the time) from their older brother, Ibrahim Saber.

Rokeya was married to Khan Bahadur Shakhawat Hossain, an Urdu-speaking deputy magistrate of Bhagalpur, Bihar, after the death of his first wife. Shakhawat Hossain was a member of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. As a liberal (rare at the time really), encouraged his wife to keep pursuing her dreams in learning Bangla. He also encouraged her to write and advised her (and she heeded) to take up Bangla as the primary language of her works. Shakhawat Hossain unfortunately passed in 1909, an year after his wife's first English work.

Rokeya's literary career began when she launched her essay 'পিপাসা/Pipasha (Thirst)'. She later published her most notable work 'মতিচুর (Motichur)', the first volume in 1904 and the second in 1922. She later wrote the Novelette Sultana's Dream, which was a satirical science fiction story where men and women reversed societal roles. The system was matriarchal and men were confined to mandanas (male equivalent of zenana, rooms in Indian and Irani houses were women were secluded to). Rokeya also depicts innovative gadgets such as cloud-condensers, solar ovens and flying cars which benefitted the entirety of society. Other literary works she has written consist of "পদ্মরাগ/Padmarag (Essence of Lotus)", "সৌরজগত/Shourjogot (Solar System)", "অবারধ বাসিনি/Obarodh Bashini (The Secluded Woman)", "বলিগর্থ/Boligortho (Sacrifice Pit)", "নারীর অধিকার/Narir Odhikar (Women's Rights; unfinished)".

Five months after her husband's death, Rokeya established Shakhawat Memorial Girls' High School, naming it after her husband. It was first set in Bhagalpur, where a majority of people spoke Urdu, with a total of five students. However, after a dispute with her in-laws over land, she moved the school to Kolkata where a majority spoke Bangla. She ran the school for 24 years.

Rokeya also founded Anjuman-e-Khawateen-e-Islam (Islamic Women's Association) which regularly held debates and conferences regarding the status of women and education. She advocated for reform, especially of women's rights. She gathered Anjuman-e-Khawateen-e-Islam to fight the conservative idealogy of Bengali Muslims by preaching the lost teachings of pure Islam, uncorrupted by misogynist men.

Every story has an ending, and Rokeya's ended on her 52nd Birthday. This great woman passed away at that date, leaving behind an incomparable legacy. Every woman and man of South Asia is indebted this woman. So on this day where we celebrate Women, let us celebrate Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Hossain.

Say her name, and never forget.

[ishita18c]

Bengali & Their Taste Buds

The state of West Bengal & Bengalis is famous or well-known all over the world for their cuisine. Bengali foods are responsible for the uniqueness of Bengal's culture. The foreigners & also people from several states of India have just come to Bengal craving for Bengali dishes. The origin of this special Bengali cuisine is traditional. From Nawabs, Zamindars, sweet makers of villages to British officers, all are behind this delicious and famous Bengal cuisine.

As India has a diverse culture, every zone from the north to the south offers something special dishes when we talk about a variety of foods. But in the case of Bengali traditional cuisine, you get the opportunity to have non-vegetarian to vegetarian and mouth-watering sweet desserts as well. Bengali's love for fish dishes will never-ending, and you will not be able to see any kind of love for moreish fish dishes among any other community of the world.

There is an old saying “Breakfast like a King”. And Bengali is the real king in that matter. " Ak CUP-CHAA e Sokal ta Suru" Bengalis are happy to see or happy to start their day with Luchi (round and small in shape, deep-fried and puffed homemade bread), Kochuri (stuffed Luchi), Porota (triangular or round pan-fried homemade bread with or without stuffing) served with Alurdum (a spicy and extremely luscious dish made by the potato) & Daal curry. Without these fried dishes, you can also find some foods which are made of puffed rice like Muri, Khoi, Chira. You will still get in the village areas of Bengal the leftover rice called "Panta Bhaat" as a preferable breakfast dish of the villagers. Bengal's people never limit their breakfast to only these Bengali dishes. They also like to plump for South-Indian, Chinese, Italian & Fry-up or English breakfast during weekends, holidays or on special occasions.

Now come to "lunch like a Prince". A Bengali meal is something where you can find every taste from Bitter to Sweet. Vegetarian to Non-vegetarian dishes. They always start with something bitter like Sukto (a dish prepared with bitter vegetables & herbs) & something called like Shak or leaves (fried). Next is Daal with Bhaja, there are several types of grams called Mushur Daal, Mugh Daal, Chola & Motor Daal with Bhaja called Aloo Bhaja(finger chips), Begun Bhaja (fried brinjal), so on.

Bengali always find their happiness in non-veg dishes. Without any recipe for fish, there is incompleteness in Bengali cuisine. From Maacher dimer bora (deep-fried of fish eggs) to Maach er Jhol (fish stew), Fish Kalia (spicy gravy preparation of fish), Maach er Bhapa (Steamed fish), Ilish maach bhapa, Ilish maacher paturi, Chingri maacher malaikari, Chital maacher muitha, Tel Koi, Pabda maacher jhaal all these are very famous parts of Bengali cuisine. Bengali can't imagine their occasions without fish.

"Maache, Jhole Bangali".

Any meat items are always considered as Bengali's favourite dishes. Kosha Mansho (spicy & delicious preparation of chicken or goat), Kochi Pathar Jhol or Murgir Jhol also mouth-watering preparation of Bengali cuisine. Bengali never desired Sunday without meat dishes.

Other loveable items of Bengali are Bengali Sweets or Desserts (Misti). Mik is one of the important ingredients from which a plethora of Bengali sweets & desserts like Rassogolla, Payesh, Misti Doi, Rabhri etc. are made of.

Ms Chatterjee as a homemaker gave her opinion on Bengali cuisine. She said as a Bengali she preferred Bengali dishes the most but she also expresses her support for Mughai & South-Indians Foods. She has remembered some traditional dishes which were made by her grandmother, mother like Kochur Shak with Ilish Maacher matha, Echor Chingri, Potoler Dorma and so on. She thinks in this busiest life schedule sometimes Bengali women can't manage all these dishes all the time but that doesn't mean they don't like those to eat. She has mentioned some simple but tasty dishes like Alo Bhaja, Maacher Jhol, Daal which are always liked by Bengali.

The traditional & key ingredients of Bengali food culture are Shorsher Tel (Mustard Oil), & Deshi Ghee. Kashundi a special sauce prepared out of Mustard paste is served with fried items is very well-known to Bengali.

Bengal has a past with several rulers like Nawabs & Mughals & British, So that in their list of preferable dishes we can be the witness of the Mughlai dishes like Biriyani, Kababs and murg tandoor, Chinese dishes like Chinese soups, Chowmin, Chilli Chicken & as well as British baked confectioneries, chops and cutlets, continental and so on. Bengali is in the habit of having tea from the Christian community, and nowadays, Bengali proposes their gossip or starts a brainstorming discussion with a cup of tea.

According to Sarbari Chatterjee, Bengalis love their food. When a bunch of Bengalis get together, the conversation mostly revolves around food, football and politics.

When we speak of Bengali cuisine, fish and rice (maach-bhaat) come to mind. But Bengali cuisine isn’t as fishy as one thing. A fabulous vegetarian spread and an amazing range of sweets are also hallmarks of the cuisine.

According to a report, it says that 98% of Bengalis are non-vegetarian and the rest of the people live on vegetables only.

Here is a graph on the vegetarian and non-vegetarian Bengalis.

Bengalis

Total

Non-vegetarian

2 %

Vegetarian

98 %

China Town, Park Street, BBD Bag, Dacre Street or Dacre Lane, Burabazar, College Street, Lord's more and so on places of Kolkata which are always in the mind of Bengali whenever they think about dishes which are different from "Bangali-Aana".

Bengali food is the concept of creativity & innovation which they styled from Breakfast to Dinner table.

[jaywritings]

The Magical Talisman

~ Translation of Lila Majumder's Bengali short story 'Shorboneshe Maduli'

When school reopened after the summer vacation, we were all flabbergasted to see Gupe, our friend, come to school with a talisman tied to his right arm. It was tied a little over the elbow, the shining spotless talisman, with the help of a dirty red thread. At first I thought it was made of gold, it was so shiny, but later Gupe informed me that it was made of lead. It had turned all shiny due to sweat, he said.

During lunch break I asked him, “What is it for, Gupe?”. In reply he told the most absurd story ever.

Apparently, when his grandfather was his age, one morning he woke up and found a bright, shining, pure black feather of a crow under his pillow. At first, he was tremendously happy. He felt that it will be great to make a quill out of the crow feather and write long letters to his friends. Then he got frightened. What a calamity! You should never touch a crow, it eats all sorts of rubbish, how did its feather turn up under his pillow? Before anybody saw anything he threw it away through the window.

But of all things that could have happened, again tomorrow morning he woke up and found a crow’s feather under his pillow. Now there is no suspicion at all, there’s even an obvious dirty crow-crow smell.

From then afterwards, Gupe’s grandfather became a pure vegetarian, shaved off his hair, returned the neighbour’s tree-shaving scissors after six whole months, and bathed in the Ganges.

After he finished his bath, he got out and noticed a sage standing at the bank of the river, smiling at him. He was clad in orange robes from head to toe, with a religious mark in his forehead and a great black knot on his head. Gupe’s grandfather bowed towards him. Immediately, the sage tied a talisman with the help of a red thread around the part over Gupe’s grandfather’s right elbow. Then he stroked his shoulder fondly, saying kindly, “From now onwards, you no longer have anything to be afraid of, my son. All the beasts and thieves will pass aside.”

The stroking was rather tickling Gupe’s grandfather, but he ignored it and said doubtfully, “Are you quite sure, sir?”

The sage became somewhat startled by the tone of Gupe’s grandfather’s voice. He brought out a thread-tied glasses from his bag, wore it, and peered at Gupe’s grandfather. He jumped with shock.

“Aeee, what is this! Who are you?! I thought you were Poltu Zamindar! It was him I had to give the talisman to! Give it back, son, it’s not for you.”

But who listens. Who will lose this lifetime opportunity? Has anyone ever given Gupe’s grandfather something this special? He lifted his dhoti and ran away as fast as he could.

When he came home he looked in surprise at the mango tree in the neighbourhood; the tree whose ripe mangoes all with their branches had reached completely over their house’s terrace. Since it was their neighbour, Nepal, who had planted that tree, they hadn’t had the courage to pluck out the fruits from the branches, even though it was tantalizingly in reach. But now all the mangoes had strewn themselves across the floor of the terrace. It was also noticed that since dawn, cold fresh water was coming from the new well. The net which Felada had submerged in the pond at night was granted with a huge fish. One of Gupe’s grandfather’s friends had borrowed five rupees from him last year, today he returned it. Over that, there was a feast thrown in Sunday afternoon. Everybody’s smiling in the house, even his grim grandmother.

Grandfather was astounded at the power of the talisman. He silently payed his respects towards the sage a thousand times over.

From then onwards, the house started having all the good luck in the world. There was money, there was a huge amount of cattle, the boys got big important jobs, the girls were married off to important, rich, respectful families. Once Gupe was telling this story of all these magical turn of events at his uncle’s house, and getting all excited while narrating, he ended up tearing six pages of the twentieth book of the Goosebumps Series.

Gupe ended the anecdote by saying seriously, “This is the very same talisman. For forty years and a month it was tied to my grandfather’s arm, he had never once opened it. There’s a white mark on his arm now that he has opened it, he told me that he had been wearing the talisman for so long that it almost become part of his skin, the talisman itself sometimes tickled and had to be scratched!”

According to Gupe, when he had ardently nagged to his grandfather that he will neither apply oil, neither bathe, neither eat, if he wouldn’t give him the talisman, Gupe’s grandfather had immediately tied the talisman around his grandson’s arm. Gupe had also added that even if he ate something, he will eat so less that after some days he will become very hungry, and his arms and legs will start shaking, froth will come out of his mouth, his eyes will turn over—Gupe had said this much, when his grandfather tweaked his own ears and immediately tied the talisman to Gupe’s arm.

Gupe found out that the talisman was as powerful as ever. In half an hour, his uncle’s fountain pen’s nib had broken, and Gupe was given it. Even though later Gupe’s uncle had asked him for the pen; that was the very reason Gupe had left his uncle’s house even with still two days left for the vacation.

As soon as he came home, he was told that his tuition teacher has mumps, his cheeks now resemble a pumpkin, even if he gets cured, it will take at least a month.

Now I felt that Gupe was talking bluff. He is saying that if he wears the talisman and say something will happen, that thing is bound to happen. We all created a hullabaloo over this – Can something like this ever happen?

Naga said, “Only Jesus Christ can do something like this-,”

Gupe turned red like a beetroot in anger, and pointing a sharp and long nail at Naga, he said, “You will get a punishment and stand throughout in today’s Science class.”

And that was exactly what happened. Not only did he stand throughout the class, he also had his ear tweaked. After this, nobody had the courage to tell Gupe anything again. Gupe just had to look at his talisman and say something, and all the other students will take that as true. In fear of getting cursed, everyone gives Gupe whatever he asks for.

In three weeks the class is quaking under Gupe’s new power. He started doing whatever he liked. Even forcing Kalipod to shave off his hair because Gupe didn’t like his new haircut.

Everybody started getting thin as days went past by. Naga’s shirt got so loose, that his elder brother accused Naga of taking his shirt. He scolded, “Don’t you see it’s got all loose and flabby? It’s either father’s or mine.”

Gupe also started taking over everybody’s things. Pencils, rubbers, sharpeners, colour pencils; the weight of all these threaten to tear apart his pockets nowadays. To prevent that from happening, he took my tiffin box to keep them securely. I got furious. I started stuttering. Shaking my head, I said, “L-Look Gupe, you are getting worse nowadays. This is getting too much now. I solved all your sums yesterday. You ate more than half of my tiffin. I ended up having a scolding in English class because you were blabbering away. Don’t cross the limits, I am telling you!”

With an angry mind I said all these in one breath, unable to stop once that I have started. Gupe started getting ready to curse me. As his eyes became small like two tiny pinpricks, he gulped, cleared his throat, pointed towards me, and said in a ringing voice, “Today is the last day of your life. Even if the day passes by, the night will not.”

The whole class was in pin-drop silence. Then the teacher entered the class, and nothing more was said.

After a while, my throat felt somewhat dry, my breath started coming out louder, the roots of my hair started shaking, my stomach felt empty. I realized that the curse of the talisman was upon me. I heard nothing of the teaching today, I didn’t bother to take down my homework, I didn’t listen to anyone’s rebukes in the drawing class. The one whose it was the last day in Earth, what else does he have to think about? I pushed my tiffin box into Naga’s hand in class, like I was letting Gupe feast on it, whatever happens. When the bell rung I determinedly decided to destroy that talisman before I go.

I saw Gupe’s old servant, Bhoddu, tidying Gupe’s books, while Gupe stood by and watched. Suddenly I got all heated, and rushed towards Gupe, pushing him against the wall, snatching away that talisman and breaking it into pieces. I should also have given him a beating, but I didn’t do anything. Gupe simply stared at me.

Then the servant came running and started bawling, “Aee, what did you do! That was my infallible stomach-ache cure talisman. I brought it from Kalighat for two paise. I knew earlier that whatever is given to Gupe is bound to get destroyed!”

We all stared open-mouthed at Gupe. He should have said something, but he simply casually took out two paise from his pocket, threw it towards Bhoddu, and went home smiling serenely.