Reform and Change in Early 20th Century Bengali Society: A Study of Chattopadhyay's Novel Nishkriti

Abstract

The goal of this research is to examine the societal reforms and modifications that took place in early 20th-century Bengal as a result of the flourishing Bengali Renaissance, as portrayed in Chattopadhyay's novel Nishkriti. The study technique included a qualitative analysis of Nishkriti with an emphasis on finding and evaluating themes connected to societal reforms and transformations in early 20th-century Bengal. To gather relevant data from the novel and conduct a thorough analysis of it, the research employed a content analysis technique. The study discovered that Nishkriti depicts a variety of societal reforms and transformations, including the promotion of females' education, the dissolution of joint families and the creation of nuclear families, the abolition of superstitious customs, the penetration of new ideas and creative business strategies, and empowerment of females. The novel also shows how children were drawn to fashionable practices and trends, which reflects shifting society attitudes. Ultimately, the study comes to the conclusion that Nishkriti accurately captures the spirit of change in Bengali society at the turn of the 20th century. The novel describes the social reforms and improvements that occurred during the Bengali Renaissance, including the abolition of superstitious customs and the empowerment of formerly oppressed groups as a result of growing consciousness and enlightenment. The novel also emphasizes the advent of fresh concepts and methods that contributed to the transformation of Bengali society.

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