• Dr Iram Zaidi

Bhabani Bhattacharya was an Indian novelist who wrote during the period of Indian independence and the aftermath of partition. His novels and short stories are known for their portrayal of the social realities of rural and urban India. Bhattacharya was a proponent of social realism, a literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century and sought to depict the social, economic, and political conditions of the time. Bhattacharya's works are characterized by their attention to detail, their focus on the lives of ordinary people, and their exploration of the social and cultural factors that shape their experiences. His novels often deal with themes such as poverty, caste, and gender inequality, and they offer a critique of the social and economic structures that perpetuate these injustices. One of Bhattacharya's most famous novels, "So Many Hungers!" (1947), tells the story of a group of Bengali refugees who flee from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) to India during the partition. The novel portrays the harsh realities faced by these refugees as they struggle to survive in a new and unfamiliar land. The characters in the novel are depicted as complex and multi-dimensional, and the novel offers a nuanced exploration of the impact of displacement on their lives. Another of Bhattacharya's notable works is "He Who Rides a Tiger" (1954), which explores the caste system in India and the ways in which it perpetuates social and economic inequality. The novel tells the story of a young man from a lower caste who struggles to escape the constraints of his social position and achieve success in life. The novel offers a critique of the caste system and its impact on the lives of those who are born into lower castes. Overall, Bhattacharya's fiction offers a powerful critique of the social, economic, and political conditions of India in the mid-20th century. His works are marked by their realism, their attention to detail, and their commitment to portraying the lives of ordinary people. Through his writing, Bhattacharya sought to challenge the dominant social and economic structures of his time and to offer a vision of a more just and equitable society. Bhabani Bhattacharya was an Indian writer and novelist who is best known for his contribution to the development of Indian English literature. He was a pioneer in using the Social Realism approach in his fiction writing. Social Realism is a literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century and emphasizes the realistic portrayal of society and social issues. Bhattacharya's works are deeply rooted in Indian society and culture, and they reflect the social and political conditions of his time. His novels and short stories deal with issues such as poverty, inequality, caste discrimination, and the struggle for independence. "So Many Hungers!", which is a powerful account of the poverty and suffering endured by the people of rural India. The novel depicts the lives of a group of peasants who are struggling to survive in a harsh and unjust world. Bhattacharya's use of vivid imagery and realistic dialogue brings to life the struggles and aspirations of the characters. Another novel by Bhattacharya, "Shadow From Ladakh", is set in the Himalayan region and deals with the theme of cultural conflict. The novel tells the story of a young Tibetan monk who is forced to flee his homeland and seek refuge in India. The novel explores the complex relationships between different ethnic and religious groups in the region. Bhattacharya's use of Social Realism in his fiction had a significant impact on Indian English literature. He brought a new level of realism and social consciousness to the genre, which had previously been dominated by British colonial perspectives. His works continue to be studied and admired by readers and scholars around the world.

Fiction

"Social Realism in the Fiction of Bhabani Bhattacharya", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 4, page no.c544-c551, April-2023, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2304274.pdf

"Social Realism in the Fiction of Bhabani Bhattacharya", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 4, page no. ppc544-c551, April-2023, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2304274.pdf