• Ashis Sahu

Mahasweta's Operation? Bashai Tudu , 1978, is written in the backdrop of the Naxalite movement in West Bengal from 1967-1977. In this distinguished novella she highlights the plight of the bonded and agricultural labourers in the hands of jotedars and moneylenders. What is more shocking is that the establishments also remain blind to such exploitation. In dealing with this realistic theme Mahasweta has also superbly expressed other side of her talent - the talent of a lyric poet. It is really surprising how she juxtaposes lyricism and realism. The realistic themes like the jotedars and moneylenders denying the government approved minimum wage to the labourers, denying the tribals drinking water from their wells and such like are treated with first hand experience . With similar ease she imagines the flashing of Paltakudi village into sight with the flashing of lightning, the moving of clouds with the moving of kites in the sky, the swelling of the river Charsha in rain with a beggar woman needing few days' food to blossom in her womanly glory and such like. Critical study will be made to show how blending of poverty and poetry makes this work significant and unique.

lobourer, jotedar, moneylender, lightning, cloud

"Blending of Poverty and Poetry in Operation? Bashai Tudu", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 5, page no.450-453, May 2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1905567.pdf

"Blending of Poverty and Poetry in Operation? Bashai Tudu", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 5, page no. pp450-453, May 2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1905567.pdf