Aarkathi Novel by Bhagirath Mishra Bengali PDF.

Book Title: Aarkathi Novel (আড়কাঠি),
Author: Bhagirath Mishra,
Genre: Bengali Novel,
File Format: PDF,
Pages: 160,
Size: 7 MB,

Aarkathi (আড়কাঠি) by Bhagirath Mishra – A Powerful Bengali Novel Reflecting Human Struggle

Renowned Bengali novelist Bhagirath Mishra presents a gripping tale in his novel Aarkathi (আড়কাঠি), a work that delves deep into the complexities of rural life, morality, and human exploitation. The story is rich in local dialect, emotion, and realism — a hallmark of Mishra’s literary genius.

Meaning and Significance of the Word ‘Aarkathi’

The title Aarkathi (also spelled Aarkathi) carries deep symbolic meaning.
In Bengali, the word ‘Aarkathi’ refers to a broker or middleman, particularly one who recruits laborers for plantations, mines, or factories. Historically, the term also connotes a trafficker or slave trader — a person who profits from human suffering and deceit.

Thus, the term embodies both economic exploitation and moral decay, mirroring the darker realities of rural Bengal where people are often caught between poverty and manipulation. In Mishra’s novel, Aarkathi is not just a person — it is a social archetype representing corruption, greed, and moral conflict.

About the Author – Bhagirath Mishra

Bhagirath Mishra (born 1947) is one of Bengal’s most prolific and respected fiction writers. A postgraduate in Geography from Kolkata, he served in the West Bengal Civil Service before dedicating himself to literature.

Over his long and distinguished career, Mishra has authored 12 novels, over 200 short stories, essays, plays, and humorous works. His writing vividly captures the rhythms of Bengali life, blending realism with lyrical intensity.

His notable works include:

• Aarkathi Novel
• Janguru
• Mrigaya (Vol. 1–3)
• Rahasyer Golakdhandha
• Amar Ekannati Galpo
• Taskar

Mishra’s storytelling explores the lives of marginalized people — tribals, villagers, and the working class — with rare empathy and precision. His works have been translated into English by Subhashis Gangopadhyay, Mrinal Kanti Dasgupta, Amlan Biswas, and Amita Roy, making his literary voice accessible to readers beyond Bengal.

Awards and Recognition

Bhagirath Mishra’s literary excellence has earned him several prestigious honors, including:

• Bankim Award
• Somresh Basu Award
• Tarasankar Award

He was also awarded a Certificate of Honour (1993) by Madhuparni magazine for his contribution to Bengali short fiction. His writings are now subjects of academic research across West Bengal.

The Journey of a Literary Visionary

Mishra’s literary journey began early. While studying at Ashutosh College, his story won second place in a competition in 1966, leading to its publication the following year. In 1978, his story Kadamdalir Sadhu appeared in Madhuparni magazine and received high praise, followed by Lebaran Badygar, which solidified his reputation in North Bengal.

By 1981, he had published nearly forty stories in leading magazines such as Desh Patrika, Vartika, Prama, and Anushtup. His first major story collection, Zaigensia and Other Stories, was released in 1983, and his debut novel Antargat Neelsrot appeared in Prama magazine in 1990.

Between 1996 and 2000, he released his magnum opus — the five-volume novel Mrigaya — which took 15 years to research and complete. Drawing from his fieldwork and travels through remote Bengal, Mishra depicted the tribal experience and the socio-political landscape with authenticity and depth.

Other Works and Interests

Apart from fiction, Bhagirath Mishra has written travel literature, humor, and essays. His humorous column Arbachiner Journal appeared in the Uttar Banga Sangbad newspaper, and Laghupuraan remains a reader favorite. Beyond writing, Mishra is also known as a magician and bonsai expert, reflecting his wide-ranging interests and creativity.

Significance of Aarkathi in Bengali Literature

Aarkathi Novel stands out as a novel that boldly explores themes of exploitation, morality, and human survival. Through the character of the Aarkathi, Mishra exposes the underbelly of society — where the poor are reduced to commodities and human dignity is compromised for profit.

The novel’s use of regional dialects and authentic settings adds realism and emotional depth, making it one of the most impactful works in modern Bengali fiction. Readers and critics alike have praised Aarkathi for its storytelling brilliance and social relevance.

Conclusion

Bhagirath Mishra’s Aarkathi is not just a story — it’s a reflection of Bengal’s social consciousness. With powerful narration and vivid characters, the novel compels readers to confront uncomfortable truths about exploitation and morality.

For lovers of Bengali literature, Aarkathi remains an essential read — a testament to Bhagirath Mishra’s unmatched ability to weave empathy, realism, and storytelling into a single powerful narrative.

Download Aarkathi Bengali Novel PDF

Readers who wish to experience this remarkable novel can download the Aarkathi Bengali Novel PDF (7 MB, 160 pages) from the link provided below.

Download Link: Aarkathi Novel by Bhagirath Mishra – PDF