Exploring 'Ideas, Thoughts and Memories': A Rich Anthology of Bengali Literary Essays
This anthology, edited by Kalpana Bardhan, brings together 46 essays by 31 distinguished Bengali authors, offering a diverse and rich collection of literary works from the 19th century to the present day.
Bengali LiteratureLiterary EssaysTranslationCultural HeritageKalpana BardhanReal EstateMay 17, 2025
In his foreword, Ashis Nandy comments that this book is a reminder to a new generation of Bengalis of a lost world and a lost skill. He notes that the Bengali literary sphere once boasted of writers who used Bengali for both creative work and serious nonfiction, in contrast to those who used English or Bangla alternately. Nandy raises a pertinent question: Is this book a lovable but doomed venture? Given that many children born and raised outside Bangla-speaking regions struggle to access the language, he expresses hope that the new generations of diasporic Bengalis will find in these pages clues to their cultural roots and a new multicultural sensitivity.
For many readers, this anthology is a treasure trove. It brings together essays that are scattered across books and magazines, making them easily accessible. The volume covers a wide array of themes and writing styles, from brilliant descriptions of Calcutta's markets to historical events like Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. It includes essays on class, history, culture, and the arts, as well as memoirs and reminiscences.
Hayat Mamud's 'Not Ashamed being just a Bengalee' is a powerful reflection on what it means to be a Bengali in contemporary South Asia, critiquing Bengali sub-nationalism. Partha Chatterjee's 'The Isolation of Jogen Mondol' delves into an important historical figure in Bengal's pre-partition caste politics. Other notable pieces include Ganesh Pyne's 'Deliberately he swims against the current' and Sukumari Bhattacharji's historical assessment of 'Mrichchhakatika'.
Apart from the diverse subject matter, the volume raises significant questions about translation and the role of translators. Bardhan highlights the paucity of good translations and the importance of evaluating and studying translations. She emphasizes the need for a supportive ecosystem for re-translations of important literary works. This is particularly relevant in a country where a significant portion of the population speaks multiple languages, and many write in more than one.
While the anthology is a valuable resource, it could benefit from a list of contributors at the end, providing readers with a sense of time and context. Some of the endnotes are inadequate, and a few pieces could have benefited from stricter editorial intervention. Despite these minor issues, Bardhan's anthology fills a crucial gap in reaching out to an audience that might otherwise not have access to these stimulating works.
In conclusion, 'Ideas, Thoughts and Memories' is a significant contribution to the literary landscape of India. It not only showcases the richness of Bengali literature but also underscores the importance of translation in preserving and sharing cultural heritage. For many, it is a reminder to take translation seriously and to appreciate the diverse voices that contribute to our idea of India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the editor of 'Ideas, Thoughts and Memories'?
The anthology is edited by Kalpana Bardhan, a social scientist and translator.
What is the time span of the essays in this anthology?
The essays span from Bhudeb Mukhopadhyay (1827–1894) to the contemporary Anita Agnihotri (b 1956).
What is the significance of the anthology according to Ashis Nandy?
Ashis Nandy comments that the book is a reminder to a new generation of Bengalis of a lost world and a lost skill, and hopes it will help diasporic Bengalis connect with their cultural roots.
What themes are covered in the essays?
The essays cover a wide array of themes, including Calcutta's markets, historical events, class, history, culture, and the arts, as well as memoirs and reminiscences.
What does the editor highlight about the importance of translation?
Bardhan highlights the paucity of good translations and the importance of evaluating and studying translations, emphasizing the need for a supportive ecosystem for re-translations of important literary works.
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