Saratchandra Chattopadhyay’s Datta empathizing with noble human emotions, and singing the triumph of love, has delighted readers of all ages for nearly a century and is perhaps the most widely read of his novels. It will continue to do as long as people love ‘love stories’.
A romantic story, influenced by the Victorian notion of ‘romantic love’, it dwells on the growing attachment, despite all odds, between and affluent Brahmo woman and an indigent but brilliant young man, a Hindu. The novel is at once serious and light. With a deep understanding of human psychology combined with flashes of homour, with occasional barbs at religious bigots skillfully woven with respect for women, Saratchandra has cerated a delightful story that cannot grow old in its appeal.
Saratchandra Chattopadhyay (1876-1938) remains one of the most eminent Bengali novelists. Portrayal of women was his forte. His popularity is unabated even in the most widely read of his novel. It will continue to do so as long as people love ‘love stories’
Sukhendu Ray , a UK trained Chartered Accountant, retired as Managing Director and CEO of Guest, Keen Williams Ltd. After retirement he combined his corporate commitments with his passion for language and literature, and engaged in translation/ transliteration of reputed Bengali works into English. His translations include The Winged Horse (stories from Thankurmar Jhuli, 1997), stories of Jyotirmoyee Devi in The Impermanence of Lies (1998), modifications of Rabindranath Tagore’s Home and the world (2001) and Tagore’s writings for young people in selected writings for children: Rabindranath Tagore(2002).
Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay (1876-1938) is now firmly established as an immortal in the pantheon of writers in Bengal. He was indisputably the most widely read novelist during his lifetime. More than sixty years after his death his fame and popularity continue to endure. His books have been extensively translated to acclaim in many Indian language. His stories have remained a rich lode of mine for film makers in India since the days of the silent movies.
Data- the betrothed girl –was first published in 1918. It is one of Saratchandra’s most popular novels and is a perennial favourite. This story has been made into a film a number of times.
From certain historical references and the manners and mores of the lifestyle depicted. The novel can be situated during the period roughly between the sixties of the nineteenth century and the dawn of the twentieth. This period coincides with the high noon of the colonial rule and the reform movement-often described as the Renaissance –in Bengal. Essentially a romantic tale. It is set against a milieu of social and cultural conflicts spawned by reforms.
I have taken the liberty of some minor interpolations from the dramatized version of the novel.
A glossary of Bengali words/ expressions. Retained in the translation, is appended.
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