Nirbachita Saras Galpa by Prabhat Kumar Mukhopadhyay [Hardcover]

“Among the five Pandavas in writing short stories, you are like the versatile Arjuna, with arrows shooting from your Gandiva like rays of the sun”—these words were candidly conveyed by Rabindranath himself to Prabhatkumar Mukhopadhyay (1873-1932). In the days when those inspired by Rabindranath’s short story writing added various splendors to Bengali storytelling, Prabhatkumar stood out as a particularly bright star among them. There is no doubt about his supreme skill in writing short stories and novels. However, it may be particularly mentioned that Prabhatkumar's success in writing humorous stories was greater. No other writer has been able to achieve his level of expertise in this regard. The simple, gentle, refined, and lively stories filled with unblemished humor were distinct and complete in their artistic approach, a hallmark of Prabhatkumar's unique style. As Rabindranath himself said, “Your stories are very good. In the wind of laughter, the sails of imagination lift and rush forward with a whoosh. There is no sense of burden or obstacle anywhere.”

This collection comprises ten such 'very good' and effortless humorous stories by Prabhatkumar. The stories in this collection have been selected by one of today's leading writers, Bimal Kar. Needless to say, this unique collection will be memorable not just for the irresistible allure of Prabhatkumar's humorous stories but also as a new evaluation of a popular writer of that era through the eyes of a writer of this era. Besides Bimal Kar's distinguished preface, the book also includes a long, informative, discussion-rich introduction by Dr. Ujjalkumar Majumdar. Stories like 'Bouchuri', 'Rasamayir Rasikata', 'Pranay Parinam', 'Nishiddha Fal', among others, are not just treasures in Bengali humorous literature but timeless joy reserves. The past fragrance embedded in these stories, from an era that has vanished from Bengali life, will keep us enchanted. Today's readers, upon reading these humorous stories, might realize how captivating and artistic humor can be. How beautiful, how vibrant.