The Bengali Novel (An Old and Rare Book)

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I am grateful to the Association for Asian Studies, Inc. for the invitation to deliver the Tagore Memorial Lectures, 1967 at the University of Wisconsin. Madison. I was happy to learn that this lectureship was established to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Rabindranath Tagore as an inter-university effort and lectures under the scheme have already been delivered at a number of American Universities. Few people have done more for promoting international understanding than Tagore and it is in the fitness of things that these lectures should be devoted to the interpretation of different aspects of Indian life and thought to the American people. Anything which contributes to greater understanding between the citizens of the two largest democracies in the world adds to the forces which are working for the establishment of peace and goodwill in the world.

Bengali poetry has already earned a place in world literature through the translation of Tagore's poems. Bengal's contribution in the field of the novel is not how- ever as well known. This is not a happy situation as stories and novels are more effective as media of communication between peoples than almost any other form of literature. Poetry moves people by its rhythm, assonance and associations, but very often these defy translation into another language. Historical and philosophical writing can influence thought but does not make a direct impact on the emotions which largely govern human action. Fiction combines the suggestiveness of poetry with the persuasive- ness of reflective writing. Novels hold the attention and influence thought and simultaneously establish emotional bonds between the writer and the reader.