Question
Write in detail about the writer Kaliprasanna and his work Hutom Pyanchar Naksha.
Answer
Kaliprasanna Singha was a prominent writer of the 19th century Bengal renaissance, known for his literary works that reflected the socio-economic conditions of the time. His most famous work, Hutom Pyanchar Naksha, is a satirical novel that exposes the hypocrisy of the Bengali aristocracy. The novel, published in 1862, follows the life of a lower-class protagonist, Hutom Pyancho, who comes to Kolkata and interacts with the elite class. Through Hutom’s experiences, Singha highlights the corrupt and decadent nature of the Bengali aristocracy, their obsession with Western culture, and their disdain for their own roots.
Singha’s work is considered to be a classic of Bengali literature due to its use of a unique literary style and language. He wrote in the colloquial Bengali language, which was different from the Sanskritized Bengali used by most writers at that time. This made his work accessible to a wider audience, including those who were not well-educated.
Hutom Pyanchar Naksha also explores the issues of colonialism, Westernization, and the impact of these forces on Bengali society. Singha was critical of the westernization of Bengali culture and called for a return to traditional values. Through his novel, he also highlighted the plight of the lower class in Bengal, who were often ignored by the elites.
Singha’s contribution to Bengali literature goes beyond Hutom Pyanchar Naksha. He was a prolific writer who wrote plays, novels, and satirical essays. He was also a social reformer who worked for the betterment of society. Singha’s work remains relevant to this day and is studied by students of Bengali literature.
