WOMEN WRITERS OF INDIA

ASHAPURNA DEVI-I

Ashapurna Devi is an Jnanapeeth awardee and well known writer . She grew up in Calcutta, where her father was an artist. Married at a young age, in a traditional Bengali family, Ashapurna could not finish her school education. But she had an inclination to literary activities. At home she read different Bengali magazines and books.

Asha Devi wrote her first stories during 1930`s, for adolescents. Her first story was published in 1937, The Husband`s Lover, in which she touched the changing and contradictory expectations of men from women - as traditional, obedient wives and at the same time, as stimulating, glamorous lovers to show-off to others. She is known for her strong female characters.

Some times some critics have downplayed the importance of her writing, calling her the "kitchen writer". Her famous triology, Pratham Pratishuti, followed by Swarnlatha and Bukul Katha have covered the life-stories of three generations of women, over the changing rural and urban milieu in Bengal over twentieth century. In three books, once again Ashapurna touches on the contradictory expectations from women in contemporary Bengali society - at times oppressed and traditional follower of husband`s wishes, at times the apparently modern, good looking, well dressed campanion. At the same time, she explores the inner desires and aspirations of her women characters, unfettered by expectations of the men and families.

ASHAPURNA DEVI-II

Ashapoorna Devi

Ashapoorna Devi (Bengali: আশাপূর্ণা দেবী), also Ashapurna Debi or Asha Purna Devi, is a prominent Bengali novelist and poet. She was born in 8 January 1909. She has been widely honoured with a number of prizes and awards. She was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1976; D.Litt by the Universities of Jabalpur, Rabindra Bharati, Burdwan and Jadavpur. Vishwa Bharati University honoured her with Deshikottama in 1989. For her contribution as a novelist and short story writer, the Sahitya Akademi conferred its highest honour, the Fellowship, in 1994. She died in 1995.

Short Biography

ASHAPURNA DEVI – the legendary doyenne of Bengali literature was born on 8 January 1909, at her maternal uncle’s place at Potoldanga in North Calcutta.
Her early childhood finds her in a traditional and extremely conservative family at Vrindaban Basu Lane amongst a large number of relatives. Due to the domination of her grandmother who was a staunch supporter of old customs and conservative ideals, the female children of the house were not allowed to go to school. Private tutors were employed only for the boys. It is said that baby Ashapurna used to listen to the readings of her brothers sitting opposite to them and that was how she learnt the alphabets.
Ashapurna’s father Harendra Nath Gupta was a famous artist of the time who used to work for the C. Lazarus & Co. as a designer , Sarola Sundari, Ashapurna’s mother came from a very enlightened family who was a great book lover. It was her “intensive thirst” for reading classics and story books which was transmitted to Ashapurna and her sisters in their early age.
Due to shortage of space Harendra Nath shifted his own family to a new house at 157/1A, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road (beside Khanna Cinema Hall), which provided freedom to Sarola Sundari and her daughters to read more and more according to their heart’s desire. In order to satisfy Sarola Sundari’s tremendous urge ofr reading there had been a continuous flow of various books and magazines from the different libraries of the time. As there was no dearth of leisure for the daughters and no bar to read adult books from very tender age. Ashapurna and her sisters had built up a love-relationship with books. Though Ashapurna had no formal education as such, she was no less self-educated.
Another fact was very remarkable which needs mention. The period in which Ashapurna was growing up was socially and politically a restless one. It was passing through a phase of agitation which resulted in a nationwide awakening. Though the children of Harendra Nath were far away from the direct touch of the outside world, they were quite sensitive to the restlessness going on throughout the country led by Gandhiji; and other political leaders who were ready to sacrifice their lives to bring independence. Thus different factors were responsible for nourishing specific culture which guided Ashapurna from her early childhood to youth, and carried her to a definite platform through various experiences and ideals of life.
According to Ashapurna –she and her sisters used to compete with each other by Composing and reciting poems. This gave rise to an unusual tenacity which inspired Ashapurna to send a poem to Sishu Sathi secretly to the then editor Rajkumar Chakravorty for publishing. The year was 1922, Ashapurna was thirteen and the name of the poem was “Bairer Dak”(The Call from the Outside). The poem was not only published, there was request from the editor to send more poems and stories. That was the beginning which developed into a never-ending flourish for Ashapurna culminating into a permanent place for her into the realm of literature.
Ashapurna got married in 1924 when she was just fifteen. She had to go to Krishnanagar to her in-law’s place leaving behind Calcutta of which she was so fond. She was married to kalidas Gupta. Since this period we find them changing places quite frequently. Three years later in 1927 the whole family settled in Calcutta for good at first in Ramesh Mitra Rload, Bhowanipur and later in a bigger house at 77 Beltola Road, where they lived till 1960. They had however, to shift witrh their own family to a separate flat near Golpark together with their only son Susanta, daughter-in-law Nupur and a granddaughter Satarupa. Later in 1967 another grand daughter Satadeepa was added to the family. Finally in 1970 Kalidas Gupta and Ashapurna built their own house in Garia at 17 Kanungo Park.Ashapurna lived there till she died on 13 July 1995.
Along with the normal chores of domestic life Ashapurna was making a room of her own through sheer power of will which realized her a significant place in the world of creative literature.
As mentioned earlier that publication of the poem ‘Bairer Dak’ marked the beginning of the odyssey of one of the most prolific creative geniuses of Bengali literature to whose credit go 242 novels and novelettes, 37 collection of short stories, 62 books for children. The number of her short stories runs into over 3000.
In the beginning of her writing career Ashapurna wrote only for the children – Chot Thakurdar Kashi Yatra was the first printed edition published in 1983, followed by others, one after another throughout her literary career.
In 1936 she first wrote a story for adults – “Patni O Preyoshi” published in the Puja issue of Ananda Bazar Patrika. “Prem O Prayojan” was her first novel for adults published in 1944.
Since this period her writing continued as a never-ending process. Most of her writings marked a spirited protest both for men and women, against the inequality and infustice stemming from the gender-based discrimination and narrowness of outlook for both ingrained in traditional Hindu society, Ashapurna Devi’s stories lay threadbare the oppression women have to face and made a fervent appeal for a new social order though not subscribing to the modern theoretical feminism of western mode. Her magnum opus – the trilogy – pratham Pratisruti (1964), Subarnalata (1967) and Bakul Katha (1974) symbolizes an endless struggle for women to achieve equal rights.
When she left for her heavenly abode she was at the peak of fame leaving behind an inexhaustible fund of unique literary creations which gained her respect and appreciation from all her readers. Ashapurna Devi had been widely honoured with a number of prizes and awards, the list of which follows this script.

Accolades

• The Lila Prize from the University of Calcutta (1954)
• The Bhutan Mohini Dasi Gold Medal (1966):
• The Raindrop Memorial Prize from the Government of West Bengal (1966)
• The Jnanpith Award (1976)for 'Prothom Protisruti'
• The Haranath Ghosh Medal from the Bangiya Sahitya Parishad (1988)
• The Jagattarini Gold Medal from the University of Calcutta (1993)

Novels

• Aar Ek Ashapurna (Mitra & Ghosh)
• Agniparikha (Mitra & Ghosh)
• Asha Purna Devi r Rachanaboli[1-10](Mitra & Ghosh)
• Asha Purna Bithika (Nirmal Sahityam)
• Anamaniyaa (Karuna Prakashani)
• Bakul Katha (Mitra & Ghosh)
• Biswas Abiswas (Deb Sahitya Kutir)
• Chabibandha Sinduk (Mitra & Ghosh)
• Chitrakalpa (Mitra & Ghosh)
• Chosma Palte Jai (Deb Sahitya Kutir)
• Dibyahasini'r Dinolipi (Mitra & Ghosh)
• Drishya Theke Drishyantore (Mitra & Ghosh)
• Dwitiyo Adwitiyo (Nirmal Sahityam)
• Ei To Sedin (Ananda Pub.)
• Kalyani (Nirmal Sahityam)
• Ka(n)ta Pukur Lane'r Komola (Deb Sahitya Kutir)
• Laghu Tripodi (Puspo)
• Lila Chirontan (Mitra & Ghosh)
• Nakhyatrer Akash (Nirmal Sahityam)
• Noksha Kata Ghor (Karuna Prakashoni)
• Pancha Nodir Teere (Pal Publishers)
• Prem O Proyojon (Punascha, Nirmal Sahityam)
• Priyo Galpo (Nirmal Sahityam)
• Prothom Pratisruti (Mitra & Ghosh)
• Sashi Babu'r Sangsar (Punascha)
• Siri Bhanga Anka (Mitra & Ghosh)
• Shrimti Sat(m)a Jibon (Karuna Prakashoni)
• Sthan Kaal Patra (Karuna Prakashoni)
• Subarnalata (Mitra & Ghosh)
• Tin Prohor (Baluchori, Sunglass, Srinkholita)(Nirmal Sahityam)
• Trimatrik (Nirmal Sahityam)
• V.I.P Bari'r Lok (Karuna Prakashoni)

Rochonaboli #1

• Boloygrash
• Jogbiyog
• Nirjon Prithibi
• Charpotra
• Prothom Lagna
• Samudra Neel Akash Neel
• Uttorlipi
• Teenchanda
• Mukhor Ratri

Rochonaboli #2

• Agni Parikha
• Alor Sakhor
• Jibon Swad
• Aaar Ek Jhor
• Nodi Deek Hara
• Ekti Sondhya Ekti Sokal
• Uttoron
• Johuri
• Mayajaal
• Unpublished Short Stories
• Unpublished Non Fictions

Rochonaboli #3

• Premo O Proyojon
• Nabajonma
• Sashi Babur Sangsar
• Unmochon
• Bahironga
• Begboti
• Abohosangeet
• Unpublished Short Stories
• Unpublished Poetries

Rochonaboli #4

• Nepothyo Nayika
• Jonom Jonom ke Sathi
• Laghu Tripodi
• Du ye Mile Ek (Srinkholita and Sunglass)
• Suktisagar
• Sukherchabi
• Suyoranir Sadh
• Surobhi Sopno
• Unpublished Short Stories
• Unpublished Non Fictions

 Rochonaboli #5

• Mayadarpan
• Brittopoth
• Mittirbari
• Atikranto
• Sonar Horin
• Uro Pakhi
• Jugal Bondi
• Sesh Raai

Rochonaboli #6

• Kokhono Deen Kokhono Raat
• Baluchori
• Anobogunthita
• Unpublished Shortstories

Rochonaboli #7

• Bijoyi Basanta
• Ditio Adhyay
• Neel Porda
• Durer Janla
• Juganter Jobonika Pare
• Dui Meru
• Unpublished Shortstories

Rochonaboli #8

• Prothom Pratisruti (First Part)
• Polatok Sainik
• Pratikhar Bagan
• Jhinuk e Sei Tara
• Unpublished Shortstories

 Rochonaboli #9

• Prothom Pratisruti (Last Part)
• Subarnalata

Rochonaboli #10

• Bakul Katha
• Balir Niche Dhew
• Unpublished Shortstories

Works for Younger Audiences

• Aloy Adityer Iccha Patra Rahasyo (Ananda Pub.,1995)
• Amorabatir Antorale (1994)
• Baper Ta Ki Holo (1993)
• Bhaggi Juddho Bedhechilo (1986)
• Bhagyolakhi Lotarry (1990)
• Bhitore Ki Chilo (1985)
• Bhuture Kukur (1982)
• Bolber Moto Noi (1987)
• Cha(j)jone Mile (1979)
• Chutite Chotachuti (1982)
• Chotoder Srestho Golpo (1955)
• Chotoder Shresto Golpo (1981)
• Chotto Thakurdar Kashijatra (1938)
• Chotoder Bhalo Bhalo Golpo (1962)
• Dakaat r Kobole Ami (1972)
• Dibbosundarer Dibbogayan luv (1988)
• Doshti Kishore Uponyas (Ananda Pub.)
• Durer Basi (1978)
• Ek Kuri Golpo (1988)
• Ek Samudra onek Dheu (1963)
• Eker Modhe Teen (1991)
• Gaja Ukil Er Hatya Rahasya (Ananda Pub.,1979)
• Golpo Bhalo Aber Bolo (1958)
• Golpo Holo Suru (1955)
• Golper Moto Golpo (1961)
• Half- Holiday (1941)
• Hasir Golpo (1967)
• Jibon Kalir Pakka Hiseb (1985)
• Jugalratno Tiktiki Office (1992)
• Kanakdeep (1962)
• Karapaker Pakchakra(Karuna Prakashani,1997)
• Kato Kando Railgarite (1985)
• Kishore Amonibaas (1986)
• Kishore Bachai Golpo (1999)
• Kisor Sahityo Samagro (1983)
• Kishore Sahitya Samagro (1-3) (Mitra o Ghosh)
• Kisor Sahityo Samvar (1980)
• Kopal Khule Gelo Naki (1992)
• Kumkum (Deb Sahitya Kutir,1970)
• Majarumama (1992)
• Manikchand O Aro Choddo (1992)
• Manuser Mato Manus (1986)
• Mon Thaklei Mon Kamon (1996)
• Nije Bujhe Nin (1987)
• Nikharchai Amod (1982)
• Onara Thakbeni (1982)
• Pa(n)ch Bhuter Goppo (Punascha,1990)
• Panchasti Kishore Galpo (Nirmal Sahityam)
• Pakhi Theke Hati (1983)
• Planchet(Karuna Prakashani,1999)
• Poyela Doshra (1992)
• Raajkumar Er Poshake (Ananda Pub.,1975)
• Rahasyer Sandhaane (Nirmal Sahityam,1981)
• Raja Noi Rani Noi (1959)
• Rajai Golpo (1976)
• Rani Mayabatir Antardhyan Rahosyo (1993)
• Ro(n)gin Molat (1941)
• Sakaler Sapno (1994)
• Sarojanter Nayak (1992)
• Sattyi Amod (1992)
• Sei Sob Golpo (1967)
• Sera Baro (1988)
• Sera Rahasyo Samvar (1984)
• Shanirbachito Chotoder Shesto Golpo (1996)
• Sono Sono Golpo Sono (Deb Sahitya Kutir,1956)

Stories Published in Children Mags

• Anko Sir o Mozart [Sarodiya Anondomela,1995]
• Bhagye Thakle Kina Hoi [Uponyas]
• Bishe Bishkhay
• Bhut Namaibar Sahoj Podhdhoti [Sarodiya Anondomela,1986]
• Chutite Chotachuti [Uponyas,Sarodiya Anondomela,1981]
• Ghya(N)ch Kore
• Kagaj To Paro Na [Sarodiya Anondomela,1985]
• Kichhu Korena Kichhu Korbe Na [Agomoni,Deb Sahitya Kutir]
• Matra Ekkhana Than Eet
• Muskil Asan er Kolkathi [Sarodiya Anondomela,1989]
• Parar chhele [Sarodiya Anondomela,1987]
• Swapner Railgari [Boro Golpo,Sarodiya Anondomela,1983]
• Tibboti Lamar Coffin [Sarodiya Anondomela,1993]

Pakhik Anondomela Golpo Sankalan

• Tiktiki,Ateendriyo Shakti o Bedanto Bardhan [11 January 1989,illustration - Krishnendu Chaki]
• Kopaal'er Naam Gopaal [9 June 1993,illustration - Debashish Deb]
• Mojaru-Mama [17 October 1984,illustration - Anup Roy]
• Ninkhonj Niruddesh Hote Gele [7 January 1987,illustration - Krishnendu Chaki]

PujaBarshiki Anondomela Golpo Sankalan

• Bahadur [Sarodiya Anondomela,1971]
• Hoito Eirokomi [Sarodiya Anondomela,1992]
• Char Buror Adda [Sarodiya Anondomela,1996]

Dosti Kishore Uponyas

• Raajkumar Er Poshake [Anandomela]
• Gaja Ukil Er Hotya Rohosya [Anandomela]
• Bhuture Kukur [Anandomela]
• Lonka Morich O Ek Mohamanab [ Pakhyik Anandamela,March 1983]
• Manusher Moto Manush [Sharodiya Kishormon]
• Chara Pute Gelen Nantu Pise [ Pakhyik Anandamela,1987]
• Bomar Cheye Bisham[ Sharodiya Kishor Bharati]
• Somuddur Dekha [ Sharodiya Kishor Bharati,1988]
• Aloy Adityer Iccha Potro Rohosyo [Anandomela]
• Harano Theke Prapti [Anandamela]                          

ASHAPURNA DEVI-III 
Ashapurna Devi is a prominent novelist and poet of Bengali literature. She was born in 8th January, 1909, in North Kolkata at her maternal uncle`s place. She is one of the legendary personalities of Bengali literature. Ashapurna Devi belonged to an extremely traditional and highly conservative family. In her family, because of the conservative ideals and the domination of her grandmother, the female kids of the house were not permitted to go the school. There were private tutors for the boys of the house. Ashapurna Devi, when she was a kid, used to pay attention to her brother`s readings. And in this way she studied the alphabets. Her father was a famous artist and designer and her mother was a huge book lover. The intensive interest of her mother for reading novels, short stories and classics transmitted to Ashapurna Devi at a very early age. Later on her family shifted to their new house and that gave complete freedom to Ashapurna Devi, her mother and her sisters to read as much as their heart`s desire. In their house, there had been constant flow of magazines and different types of books all the time. Ashapurna Devi was self educated and she had built a love relationship with reading and books. She got married at the age of 15 and she moved to Krishnanagar, West Bengal. Ashapurna Devi died in the year 1995.

Ashapurna Devi began writing at a very young age. She and her sisters used to compete by writing and composing new poems. This factor inspired her to send a poem to the then editor of a popular children`s journal "Sishu Sathi". Her first poem got published when she was just 13 years old. The name of her first poem was "Bairer Dak" (The Call from the Outside). The editor requested her to send more stories and poems. It was the beginning of her never-ending career of Ashapurna Devi in the sphere of literature. In the initial stages she wrote only for the kids. In the 1936, her first adult story "Patni O Preyoshi" was published in the special issue of `Anandabazar Patrika`, the leading daily of West Bengal. Ashapurna Devi`s first adult novel was "Prem O Prayojan". "Pratham Pratisthuti", "Swanlatha" and "Bukul Katha" comprise her popular trilogy.

The writings of Ashapurna Devi are popular for their strong female characters. She wonderfully touched the contradictory and changing expectations of a man and woman relationship. She portrayed the female characters as obedient wives, traditional and stimulating as well. For her female centric themes, critics have described as "kitchen writer". Through her writing she tried to explore the aspirations and inner desires of the women characters and their expectations. This legendary writer strived to make the female characters of her novels break the walls and limits made by the men and to liberate themselves. She portrayed the fights of women with the whole cruel world of men. Her books depict women characters in various ways. For instance, at times she is portrayed as very modern and good looking whereas at times she is portrayed as highly oppressed and traditional.

Throughout her career in the realm of Bengali literature, Ashapurna Devi penned down 242 novels, 62 children books and 37 short stories collection.