The Pioneer of Autobiographical Writing in Bengali: Rassundari Devi (Amar Jiban)

Abstract

Literature is the mirror of social life and historical facts. It reflects the behaviour and nature of the people and nation. The autobiography written by Rassundari Devi is not mere a literary piece of writing but a representative document to show the status of women in nineteenth century particularly in Bengal. Rassundari Devi struggled against the enemical forces which were anti progressive.She silently protests against male chauvinist attitude to become literate and litterateur. It was her rigorous effort that first authentic autobiography in Bengal came to be written. The autobiography of Rassundari Devi became the precious treasure of Indian literature. Amar Jiban, is the creativity of literary genius of her author. The autobiography Amar Jibanof Rassundari Devi gives the social, economic and historical status of women in nineteenth century Bengal. Her thought-provoking writings reveal her psychological agony, anguish intense hardships, spiritual sufferings and mental toughness. She was the embodiment of Indian womanhood in nineteenth century.Amar Jiban has been translated in English by Enakshi Chatterjee. It has been written in Bengali.