Amritalal Basur Jibani O Sahitya by Arun Kumar Mitra Bengali eBook PDF.
Title: Amritalal Basur Jibani O Sahitya (Life and Literature of Amritalal Basu),
Author: Arun Kumar Mitra,
Genre: Biography (Life History), Biographical Book,
Format: PDF, Pages: 591 (17MB),
Amritalal Basur Jibani O Sahitya authored by Arun Kumar Mitra.
Introduction
Arun Kumar Mitra’s book, “Amritalal Basur Jibani O Sahitya” (Life and Literature of Amritalal Basu) is a rare and invaluable contribution to the history of Bengali literature and culture. It presents a detailed biography of Amritalal Basu (1853-1929) along with a critical review of his entire literary work.
Amritalal Basu was not only a playwright and actor, but also a poet, novelist, essayist, orator, social reformer, educationist, and patriot. His multifaceted personality and diverse talents earned him the admiration of his contemporary scholars and cultural figures. Yet, until Dr. Mitra’s endeavor, no complete biography or comprehensive study of his literary works had been published.
Amritalal Basu’s Role in the Theatre World
At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Amritalal played a significant role in shaping the history of Bengali theatre. He was one of the founders of the Bengal General Rangalaya (public theatre) and a dedicated supporter of its reform and development. His contributions as a skilled director and a capable teacher of drama were extraordinary.
Through his plays and farces, Amritalal provided immense joy to audiences, and the popularity of his performances is documented in contemporary newspapers. His works not only entertained but also generated revenue for the theatre, proving his importance in the cultural landscape of Bengal.
Beyond the Stage
Although he is primarily remembered as a writer of farces, Amritalal’s creative genius extended far beyond this. He was a renowned storyteller, novelist, and essayist. His speeches and writings reflected his deep social consciousness and patriotic spirit. He embodied the qualities of a cultured citizen—well-educated, witty, and engaging in conversation—setting a high standard of civic refinement for his time.
Challenges in Documenting His Life
One of the difficulties in compiling Amritalal’s biography was the lack of reliable source material. Many valuable documents, diaries, and manuscripts have been lost over time. While extensive biographies have been written about other playwrights like Michael Madhusudan Dutta, Dinabandhu Mitra, Jyotirindranath Tagore, Girish Chandra Ghosh, and Dwijendralal Ray, Amritalal’s life remained largely undocumented.
Despite this limitation, Dr. Mitra has reconstructed Amritalal’s life by gathering scattered information from encyclopedias, periodicals, memoirs, and unpublished letters. His work illuminates not only the individual Amritalal but also the cultural milieu of late 19th-century Bengal.
A Unique Biography
Traditional biographies of spiritual leaders or “great men” often idealize their subjects, but Dr. Mitra’s work presents Amritalal as a “great man of action and an ordinary human being.” His biography is historical rather than hagiographic, portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of the individual to provide a complete picture to the reader. This approach makes the book unique in Bengali biographical literature.
Structure of the Book
The book is divided into three parts:
- Part One: A detailed biography of Amritalal Basu, reconstructing his life and contributions.
- Part Two: A critical analysis of his literary works, particularly his plays and farces, enriched with contemporary reviews and performance records.
- Part Three (Appendix): Excerpts from Amritalal’s previously unknown personal diaries, adding significant historical value. Rare photographs further enhance the book’s importance.
Legacy and Relevance
“The Life and Literature of Amritalal Basu” (Amritalal Basur Jiban O Sahitya) has rekindled interest in Amritalal’s writings among Bengali readers. His work remains a source of inspiration, and Dr. Mitra’s book ensures that his legacy will be preserved for future generations.
For students, researchers, and lovers of Bengali literature, this book is not just a biography but a cultural document that sheds light on the vibrant theatrical and literary world of 19th-century Bengal.
Availability of the Book
To make this rare and valuable work easily accessible, a PDF version of “Amritalal Basur Jiban O Sahitya (The Life and Literature of Amritalal Basu)” is provided on this webpage. Readers can download or read the book online to explore the life and literature of one of Bengal’s most versatile cultural personalities.
Download PDF: A Rare and Invaluable Biography of Amritalal Basu.
Amritalal Basur Jibani O Sahitya (Biography and Literature of Amritalal Basu) PDF
