Describe the development of novels in Bengal.
Answer:
- In the 19th century, the early Bengali novels lived in two worlds. Many of those novels were located in the past, their character, events and love stories were based on historical events.
- Another group of novels depicted the domestic life in contemporary settings. Domestic novels frequently dealt with social problems and romantic relationships between men and women.
- Novels were read individually. Sometimes, in a group also. The great Bangla novelist Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay would host a ‘jatra’ in the courtyard, where novels were read aloud among family members.
- The novel was also relished for its language. The prose style became a new object of enjoyment. They also used Mayeli, the language associated with women’s speech.