Durgesh Nandini

Durgesh Nandini, Bankim Chandra’s masterpiece that ushered in a fresh breath of air in Bengali literature is, on the surface, a tale of instant attraction and infatuation of two young hearts. But the most effective symbol of heroic-romance in the novel is the matchless Bimala whose inimitable character, sophisticatedly handled by Bankim, offers unusual and engaging possibilities of multiple readings and presents a vision that rejects narrow divisions and discriminations on the grounds of religion, caste and sex, in short, a world without social barriers. In the words of Romesh Dutta, "When Durgesh Nandini was first published it was as if a new light flashed all of a sudden across the firmament of Bengali literature … From Calcutta and Dacca, from the west and east, a joyous note of welcome arose, and Bengalis realized that a new era had begun … new ideas and new fancies had appeared in literature, with Bankim Chandra at the helm." This masterpiece is brought to you in a superb and fluent translation by B.M. Bhalla, a poet, critic, educationist and translator par excellence. Be transported to the eras of kings and nobles, of honour, courage and valour.