Reconstruction and R Ling of Etel History in Novel: a Study Through The

International Journal of Management (IJM) Volume 11, Issue 11, November 2020, pp. 1040-1045. Article ID: IJM_11_11_096 Available online at http://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJM?Volume=11&Issue=11 Journal Impact Factor (2020): 10.1471 (Calculated by GISI) www.jifactor.com ISSN Print: 0976-6502 and ISSN Online: 0976-6510 DOI: 10.34218/IJM.11.11.2020.096

RECONSTRUCTION AND RETELLING OF HISTORY IN NOVEL: A STUDY THROUGH THE ASSAMESE NOVEL

Ankur Dutta Dibrugarh University, Assam, India

ABSTRACT History is the memory of bygone age. The history in itself has no meaning unless it is connected to the present. Literature can be a medium to enlighten the history. Because literature reflects various subject of the bygone age. Especially in the historical novel can appear significantly in this case. There are two different ways where history can appear in novel. One is reconstruction of history in novel, and another is retelling of history in novel. In the method of retelling novelists cannot do any major change of history in novel but in reconstruction method novelist can give multiple interpretations of a historical event in his novel. It is notable that this paper tries to discuses topic through the present Assamese historical novel. The Assamese Language is the one of the notable Language in the Modern Indian Language family. Assamese literature has also an important part of Indian Literature. There are all types of literary genres in modern Assamese literature. In the area of novel literature, there are strong trend in Assamese literature. The Assamese Novel was born since in the late nineteenth century. The influence of the western literature was the main cause to start of Assamese Novel. Assamese novel began through the historical novel. It is notable that before independence, the main trend of Assamese novels was based on historical novel. Different Assamese novelist tried their hands in contributing creation of the Assamese historical novel. Among of those Padmanath Gohainbaruah, Laximinath Bezbarua, Rajanikanta Bodoloi, Hiteswar Barbaruah, dandinath kalita was pioneer of the Assamese historical novel. There are many historical novel were published in 21st period. This paper is trying to discuss about the reconstruction and retelling of history in the present Assamese historical novel. Key words: History, Reconstruction, Retelling, Novel, Historical novel. Assamese. Cite this Article: Ankur Dutta, Reconstruction and Retelling of History in Novel: A Study through the Assamese Novel, International Journal of Management, 11(11), 2020, pp 1040-1045. http://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJM?Volume=11&Issue=11

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1. INTORDUCTION History is a record of facts. The facts of history can be reconstruction and retelling in the novel. The historian and novelist both dealing with past but novelists have to more power to interpretation of history. Because of imagination is the essential part of novel. In this context Jerome de Groot side that, “History seems to provide a set potentialities and possibilities. From its begins as form the historical novel has queried, interrogated and complicated fixed ideas of selfhood, historical progression, and objectivity.”.1 The History can appear in novel in two different ways. One called reconstruction and anther is retelling. In context of reconstruction Johan Buchan has said that an historical novel is simply a novel which attempts to reconstruct the life, and recapture the atmosphere, of an age other than that of the writer.‟‟2 It is notable that in reconstruction method novelist gives us various interpretations of a historical event or character. However retelling is the simple methods to reflect past event in the novel. There is no given idea beside original history in these methods. In Assamese novel both methods are used by the novelists in their novels. Assamese novel began towards the “Bhanumoti” by Padmanath Gohainbaruah. “Bhanumoti” was first published in serially in “Bijullee” (1890-91) magazine. On the other hand in next year Laxminath Bezbaruahs “Padmakumari” published in serially in “Jonaki” (1891-92). That‟s why we can say that Padmanath Gohainbaruah and Laxminath Bezbaruah was the pioneer of Assamese novel. “Padmakumari” and “Bhanumoti” those two novels ware recognized as historical novel. So we can says that Assamese born through historical novel. In the starting period of the Assamese historical novel through Rajanikanta Bardoloi it becomes stronger and widely established. Rajanikanta Bardoloi was the pioneer of Assamese historical novel. Birinchi Kumar Barua give his opinion that “Influenced by Sir Walter Scott, and possessing the same pure relish for the charm of the wayside, the same ringing humor and infectious vivacity as of scoot and the great Bengali novelist, Bankimchandra, Bardoloi took up his pen to portray the history and social conditions of a critical period of Assamese national existence, and the work he produced endures for its depth of philosophic comment, descriptive power, fidelity to life, creative imagination and charm of style.”3 That‟s why Rajanikanta Bardoloi is an ideal for Assamese historical novelist. After Bardolois Assamese historical novel were getting their variety by Hiteswar Barbaruah, Daibochandra Talukdar, Dandinath Kalita, Padma Borkataki, Navakanta Baruah, Devendranath Aasjya, Tolikya Bhattachjya and some others in twenty century. In 21st century significantly novelist of Assamese literature are special interest in the area of historical novel. So historical novels are one of the main trends of among Assamese novel in 21st century. In this paper discuss about how novelists reconstruction and retelling of Assam‟s history in their novels.

1.1. Objective The objective of this paper are given bellow- 1 Discuss about the how reconstruction and retelling of history in novel

1.3. Methodology The Method for the study is mostly analytical. Also a descriptive approach has been adopted for this paper. In this paper only 21st century Assamese historical novel has been sleeted for the discussion.

2. RECONSTRUCTION AND RETILING OF HISTORY IN THE ASSAMESE NOVEL Through the literature or novel history can more interesting than history-text books. According to E A Baker „„Historical fiction is not history, but it is often better history….may

http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJM 1041 [email protected] Ankur Dutta easily teach more and carry a deeper impression than whole chapter of description and analysis…will probably succeed in making a period live in the imagination when textbooks merely give us dry bones.”4 So, through the reconstruction and retelling of historical events and figures in historical novels can be fascinating and interesting transforming of dry facts. Assamese historical novels are already enhanced by various ways from its starting periods to twenty century. In 21st century significantly novelist of Assamese literature are special interest in the area of historical novel. So historical novels are one of the main trends of among Assamese novel in 21st century. The novelists try to revisit the glorious Assam‟s history and reconstruct and retelling the various event and historical figures. There are many historical novel were published in 21st period. Although the nature of some historical novels written in the twenty first century differ from the traditional historical novels those who published in starting Assamese novel period . In the twenty first century Assamese historical novels, the scope of subject matter become increased. The historical novels written during this period can be divided in to mainly three parts according to their background.  Historical novels written in background of the Ahom dynasty.  Historical novels written in the background of the colonial period.  Historical novels written in the other background In 21st century large numbers of historical novels has written in the background of the Ahom dynasty. The Ahoms are one of the glorious kingdom in not only Assam history but also in Indian history. In this context Sir Edward Gait give his opinion that “Early in the thirteenth century a band of hardy hill men wandered into the eastern extremity of the Brahmaputra Valley. Led by chance rather than by any deep-seated design, a quite unconscious of the fact that their descendants were destined to bring the whole valley under their rule and to set a limit of the eastward extension of the empire of the Mughal conquerors of India. These were the progenitors of Ahoms.”..5 They rule in Assam almost six hundred years. So when Assamese novelist wants to look back to their history they go through the glorious years. The novelists try to light and reconstruct some of significant characters from those years. Some of them Chandradhar Chamuas “Chaolung Sukapha : Saluinarpra Luitaloi” (2005) and Puspa Gogois “Chaowlung chaokapha” (2005) are based upon the first Ahom king Shao-ka-pha life and history. Sukapha was the Pioneer and first king of Ahom kingdom in Assam. According to Edward Gait “That Sukapha was the leader of the body of Shans who laid the foundation of the Ahom kingdom in Assam. Is a fact established, not only by the unanimous testimony of the Buranji, but also by universal and well remembered tradition...”6 One another novel Ila Borgohains “Pijou Gabharu” (2001) reflects upon Pijou Gabharus life and conflict. Illa Borgohains other three novels “Ramani Gabharu” (2002), “Kuranganayani” (2007), “Kritichandra” (2014) based upon Ahom historical character serially Ramani Gabharu, Kuranga Nayani and Kritichandra. One of the most famous character of Assam history were Joymoti. Joymoti also known as a Soti Joymoti or Joymoti konwari. She sacrifices her life for husband and dynasty. 21st century firstly attempted by the novelist to write about her life, conflict and character. But in Assamese drama enlighten joymotis life and history in early period of twenty century. There are two novels are found about joymoti in this period. Those are Keshab Chandra Dakuas “Jerewngar Uchupani” (2009) and Juri bora Borgohains “Nang faa” (2010). In these all novels reconstructions are found in characterization. Such as the childhood of joymatis is imagined by the novelist, the character of Pijou Gabharu and Ramani Gabharus are reconstructed by the novelist. Novelists try to different interpretation of Pijo and Ramani character in her novel. On the other hand all novelists try to retelling the history with some

http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJM 1042 [email protected] Reconstruction and Retelling of History in Novel: A Study through the Assamese Novel imaginations. In those novels haven‟t seen any novelists own interpretations of history. It is notable that in reconstruction method need to some interpretations of facts. Some others important historical novels are Prabhat Goswamis “Nagsinkham” (2009), Jamuna Sarmah Choudhuris “Kiba Je Nai Nai”(2010) Mitali Phukons “Laipom” (2013). These three novels based upon another three historical Ahoms character gradually Mula Gabhru, Fuleswari Konawri and Rudda Singha. In the story of those three novels intention of novelist has to reflect the life and history of Mula Gabhru, Fuleswri konwari and Rudda Singha. In 21st century we also found some historical novel which based upon not only a character but also some periodical time and situations. Some examples of them are Toilkkya Bhattacharjys “Konwartol” (2001), Chandana Goswamis “Patkair ipare mor desh” (2009), Sujata Gohain Baruahs “Hasipatar Kothakota” (2011), Rumi Laskar Boras “Kalagni” (2017), Jayanti Gogois “Raj Kareng Fetigom” (2018) etc. These novels are specially enlighten or reconstruction a specific period or time of Ahom Kingdom. The subject meters of the “Konwartol” enlighten social tradition and political and power game of Ahom kingdom. The story of the “Patkair ipare mor desh” reflects the 13th and 14th century‟s socio-political scenario of Ahom kingdom. The story of the “Hasipatar Kothakota” reflects the 17th century‟s socio-political scenario of Ahom kingdom. Subject meter of “Kalagni” based upon historical Muamoria movement of Assam. Rumi Laskar Bora tries to reconstruction of Muamaria Movement in her historical novel. The story of “Raj Kareng Fetigom” also reflects on socio- political scenario of Ahom kingdom from 17th century. It is remarkable that, Chandrana Goswami won the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for her historical novel “Patkair ipare mor desh” in the year of 2012. There are some historical novels are found which are based upon colonial history. British take charge form the Burmas at 1826 by Treaty of Yandabu. They rule in Assam till 1947. After that Assam was included in India. In 21st century some novelist written novel based upon those colonial years in Assam. Those are Purabi Bormudois “Rupuwali noir Sonowali desh” (2001), Toilkkya Bhattacharjys “Ajak Junaki Porua” (2001), Dipak kumar Borkakotys “Udvashita Upokul” ( 2005), Linna Sarmas “Arnha Apranha” (2007), Bipul Kumar Baruas “Akash Sagar Aru Goomdhar” (2009), Dhrubajyoti Borahs “Aazar” (2017) etc. These novels are time and situation based historical novels. In these novels novelist mainly focused to reflect about the colonial crisis situation, changes to Assamese society in colonial area which were came rapidly and it also reflects the social reality in 19th century Assam. Purabi Bormudai reflects all most all the socio-political situation, economical condition, colonial domination, cultural and literature scenario of 19th century in her novel. Toilkkya Bhattacharjys “Ajak Junaki Porua” based upon student life of some legendary Assamese like Laxminath Bezbaruah, Chandra kumar Agrwala, Padmanath Gohainbaruah. Dipak kumar Borkakoty enlightens the contribution of American Baptist missionaries in his novel. The above mention novels also reflect upon those people who try single handily or those people who tried in unit and awakening of Assamese people who tried to rebuild and motivated. Those are like Haliram Dhekial Phukn, Moniram Dewan, Goomdhar, Harakanta Baruah, Anandaram Dhekial Phukan, Gunabhiram Baruah, Anandaram Barua, Hemchndra Baruah, Nathan Barun, Mlises Bonson, Laxminath Bezbaruah, Hemchndra Goswami, Padmanath Gohinbaruah etc. It is remarkable that, those characters are pioneer of 19th Assam‟s history. In above motioned novels beside Purabi Bormudai and Bipul Kumar Baruah all novelist retelling history of colonial period in their novels. Purabi Bormudai try to reconstruct whole 19th century in her “Rupuwali noir Sonowali desh”. Bipul Kumar Baruah also try to reconstruct the Goomdhar Character in the novel of “ Akash Sagar and Goomdhar”.

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At the end we can said that reconstruction and retelling both methods are used by Assamese novelist in their Novel.

3. CONCLUSTION As discussed above we finally proposed some decision about topics. Those ares-  Through the reconstruction and retelling of historical events and figures in historical novels can be fascinating and interesting transforming of dry facts.  Reconstruction and retelling both methods are used by Assamese novelist in their Novel. Through the reconstruction of history novelist try to multiple interpretation of a historical event and character.

REFERENCES [1] Jerome de Groot, “The Historical Novel”, P. 139 [2] qv, Alfred Tresidder Sheppard, “The Art & Practice of Historical Fiction” , P. 15 [3] Birinchi Kumar Barua, “History of Assamese Literature”, P . No.168 [4] Qv, Jerome de Groot, “The Historical Novel”, P. 47 [5] Sir Edward Gait, “A History of Assam”, P No.71 [6] Ibdi-78 [7] Chamuah, Chandradhar (2005), “Chaolung Sukapha Saluinar para Luitaloi”, Arup Kalita, N. Lakhimpur [8] Dakua, Keshab Chandra (2009), “Jerewngar Uchupani” , Bani Mandir, Guwahati [9] Borgohain, Juri Bora(2010) “Naang-Faa”, Banalata, Dibrugarh [10] Baruah, Bipul kuamr(2009), “Akasah Sangar Aru Gumdhar”, Bedakontha, Jorhat [11] Barua Birinchi kumar, (2012)History of Assamese Literature, Shahitya Akademi , Kolkata , 2012 [12] Baruah, Jayanti,” Raj Krengt Fetigom” (2018), Student stores, Guwahati [13] Borgohain Homen (Ed.) (2012), “Asamiya Sahityar Buranji Sastha Khanda” ABILAC, Guwahati. [14] Borgohain ,Illa,(2001) “Pijo Gabharu”, Koustuv Prakashan , Dibrugarh. [15] Bormdoi, Purabi (2001), “Rupuwali noir Sonowali Desh, Banalata, Dibrugarh. [16] Bora , Dhrubajyoti, (2017), “Azar” The North East Foundation, Guwahati [17] Bora, Rumi laxar (2015), “Kalagni”, Assam Punishing Company, Guwahati [18] Bhuyan, Suryakumar. “Early British Relation with Assam”,(2010), The Department of Historical and Antiquarian Studies, Assam Guwahati-1 [19] ------“Anglo-Assamese Relations 1771-1826”.(1949) The Department of Historical and Antiquarian Studies, Assam, Guwahati-1, [20] Gait ,Sir Edward. “A History of Assam”.(2008), EBH Publishes, Guwahati [21] Gogoi, Puspa (2005), “Chaolung Sukapha” , Kiran Prakashan, Dhemaji [22] Goswami, Chandrana (2009), “Patkair Iprare mor Desh”, Chandra Prakash, Guwahati [23] Groot de Jerome.(2013) “The historical Novel” .New Delhi-110002 Ð Atlantic Publishers & Distributors (p) LTD

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[24] Sarmah, Sateyndranath, (2005) “Asomiya Upnyasar Bhumika” Soumar Prakashan, Guwahati. [25] ----,(2003) “Asomiya Upanyasr Gatidhara”, Soumar Prakashan , Guwahati. [26] …..(2009) “Asomiya Sahityar Samikhyatamk Etibritta” Soumar Prakashan , Guwahati. [27] Sheppard,Alfred Tresidder .(1930) “The Art And Practice of Historical Fiction”. London: Humphrey Trdim

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