Shoytan Novel by Bimalaprasad Mukhopadhyay PDF
Title: Shoytan (The Devil): Bengali Translation of Tolstoy’s Novel ‘The Devil’
Translator: Bimalaprasad Mukhopadhyay,
Original Author: Leo Tolstoy,
Genre: Bengali Novel, Translated Book,
Format: PDF, PDF Size: 6 MB, Pages: 172,
Shoytan Novel Translated into Bengali by Bimalaprasad Mukhopadhyay
Introduction
Leo Tolstoy, the towering figure of Russian literature, is celebrated worldwide for his profound exploration of human morality, spirituality, and social conflict. Among his lesser‑known works lies The Devil, a short yet powerful novel that reflects his inner struggles and ethical convictions. In Bengali, this masterpiece was translated by Bimalaprasad Mukhopadhyay under the title Shoytan, making Tolstoy’s moral vision accessible to Bengali readers.
Translation History
- In 1928, Elmer Maude first translated The Devil into English.
- By 1931, the novel had surprised literary circles with its brevity and restraint, proving that even a short narrative could carry immense depth.
- Inspired by its impact, Bimalaprasad Mukhopadhyay translated the work into Bengali. The serialized version appeared in Desh Magazine before being revised and published as a complete book.
Story Background
- Shoytan is deeply rooted in Tolstoy’s personal life. At a turning point in his journey, he grappled with the tension between physical desire and moral responsibility.
- The novel portrays the irresistible allure of the female body, the destructive consequences of lust, and the torment of conscience.
- Tolstoy wrote two different endings, reflecting his indecision. The first ending, where the heroine meets a tragic fate, aligns with his moral convictions about sin and temptation. The second offers an alternative resolution, leaving readers to ponder the complexity of human choice.
Literary Significance
- Tolstoy’s genius lies in transforming personal conflict into universal art.
- Shaytan captures the eternal struggle between human passion and spiritual discipline.
- Mukhopadhyay’s translation preserves the intensity of Tolstoy’s prose while making it resonate with Bengali readers.
Special Notes
- The novel’s backdrop is Yasnaya Polyana, Tolstoy’s estate, which played a crucial role in his later life.
- Scholar Chinmohan Sehanbis, who visited Yasnaya Polyana multiple times, contributed valuable insights and photographs—including Tolstoy’s grave—that enrich the Bengali edition.