ABSTRACT
In this essay, Dilip Basu, in his in-depth analysis of Mahasweta Devi’s fiction, acknowledges that Hajar Churashir Ma heralded the arrival of the Nation in Bangla Literature. Basu clarifies that his essay does not focus on the greatness of Mahasweta as a writer, but on her personal change which had an important effect on the transformation taking place at that time in the entire field of Bangla literature. The portrayal of society had begun to narrow down in most novels. As Basu points out, the bonds between the individual and society were becoming weak, and life was growing scattered and desolate. According to Basu, it was only after 22 to 24 years after India’s Independence that her literature truly developed. Only through depiction and narration would the individuals of this young Indian nation understand its unity/conflict with the greater Indian society. Hence, the nation had to be included in the reality depicted in the novels. The role of Mahasweta’s seminal novels in bringing about this change is emphasised here.
