Hansuli Banker Upakatha (novel)

Hansuli Banker Upakatha (হাঁসুলীবাঁকের উপকথা) is a 1951 novel by Tarashankar Bandopadhyay, set in 1941. The novel explores life in rural Bengal, the realities of the Zamindari system that was responsible for much of the social inequalities in Bengal, as well as the changes in social perceptions with time.

The novel was written and published in various versions between 1946 and 1951. In 1946, it was first appeared in a shorter version in a special annual Durga festival issue of Anandabazar Patrika. Later, the novel was expanded and revised over the following five years, appearing in several editions during that time.

The novel was translated into English as The Tale of Hansuli Turn by Ben Conisbee Baer, published 2011.

Plot summary
The Tale of Hansuli Turn by Ben Conisbee is a novel that revolves around the life of a man named Hansuli, who becomes involved in a rebel group fighting for independence in rural West Bengal.

The story is set in the 1970s, a time when Naxalite militant movement was gaining momentum in India. Hansuli, the protagonist, is a simple farmer living in a small village called Mangalpur. He leads a peaceful life with his wife, Rupasi, and two children. However, their lives take a dramatic turn when the Naxalite movement reaches their village.

The rebel group, led by Kabir Chatterjee, is fighting against the oppression of the ruling class and the exploitation of the poor peasants. Hansuli, moved by the injustices he witnesses, decides to join the rebel group. He becomes an active participant in the movement, fighting alongside Kabir and his comrades.

As Hansuli becomes more involved in the rebellion, his relationship with his family begins to deteriorate. His wife, Rupasi, is fearful for their safety and pleads with him to leave the movement. However, Hansuli is dedicated to the cause, believing that through rebellion, true justice can be achieved.

Throughout the novel, the author explores the complexities of being part of a rebel movement and the toll it takes on both individuals and communities. The villagers in Mangalpur are torn between supporting the movement and fearing the consequences of their involvement. Hansuli's friend, Bhuban, represents this conflict, torn between loyalty to his friend and the safety of his family.

As the rebellion intensifies, the government cracks down on the Naxalite movement, leading to brutal crackdowns, imprisonment, and death. Eventually, Hansuli is caught by the police, leading to a tragic and poignant ending to the novel.

The Tale of Hansuli Turn offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people caught up in the turbulence of political movements and explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the price one pays for fighting for justice. It portrays the complex choices individuals must make when faced with oppressive systems and the impact these choices have on their lives and relationships.

Adaptation
Hasuli Banker Upakatha (film) was made in 1962 by Tapan Sinha based on this novel.