Moddhanhya
Novel of humayun ahmed
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Moddhanhya is a novel written by one of Bangladesh's most celebrated storytellers, Humayun Ahmed. The first volume was published in 2006, followed by the second in 2007[1]. The story begins in 1905 and concludes in 1947, just before the Partition of India.[2] It is a narrative rich in events and characters, where Humayun Ahmed has woven a historical backdrop into his storytelling. However, it is not a historical novel in the strict sense. In this work, the author reconstructs a distinctive period of rural Bengal during the early decades of the twentieth century, reflecting life before his own birth. It has been aptly said: “Modhyahna contains history, but not historicity.”[3]
Summary
The novel’s story begins in 1905, set against a rural backdrop. To construct a historical context, Humayun Ahmed chose the Netrokona region of Bangladesh in the early decades of the twentieth century. The narrative opens with a scene of the elderly, fifty-year-old Haricharan sitting by the pond ghat. The first volume concludes with a striking scene: Shashank Pal, in a state of nudity, clings to a tree to seek relief from the suffering of terminal illness.
Modhyahna is nurtured in the ambiance of a distant past. Within the structure of the novel, Humayun Ahmed subtly integrates a historical backdrop. Typically, a historical novel revolves around a significant historical event; in this sense, Modhyahna is not a historical novel. Rather, the author endeavors to reconstruct a specific period of the twentieth century, prior to his own birth. History lingers like a thread along the timeline, merely existing outside the immediate stage of the narrative.
Characters
Main Characters
Haricharan Saha (Businessman from Bandhabpur): An honest and successful businessman of Bandhabpur. He is socially ostracized for showing affection to a Muslim boy, Jahir. Choosing a sage-like life, he lives in solitude and meditation: a central moral figure of the story, reflecting justice and humanitarian values.
Shashi Bhattacharya (Real name Kiran Goswami; Swadeshi youth): Symbol of political consciousness. Actively participates in anti-British movements. Brave, ethical, and just: represents the combination of struggle for independence and personal responsibility.
Julekha (Later known as Chanbibi; initially takes refuge in brothel; Suleman's wife): After divorcing Suleman, she chooses an independent life instead of returning to her parental home. Initially takes refuge in Sorjubala Begum’s brothel and enters prostitution, later moves to Kolkata and becomes famous as a singer named 'Chanbibi': a self-reliant, courageous, and complex character who carves her own path to freedom.
Supporting Characters
Suleman (Carpenter): Hardworking and approachable to ordinary people. His life and work reflect the reality of common folk: a symbol of morality and diligence.
Jahir (Son of Suleman and Julekha): Handsome son whose presence reflects familial bonds and the human aspects of fatherhood and parenthood: symbol of love and moral reflection in family.
Ambika Bhattacharya (Later Sirajul Islam Thakur; originally Brahmin, later Muslim): Born into a Brahmin family and later converted to Islam. Struggles to adapt amidst social and religious identity conflicts: reflects the tension between tradition and change.
Shashank Pal (Zamindar of Sonadia; landlord): Wealthy, indulgent, and influential. His character contrasts Haricharan Saha’s morality, representing power, influence, and arrogance: symbol of indulgence and social dominance.
Nayaratna Ramnidhi Chattopadhyay (Social Elite): A powerful figure whose presence highlights the clash of social prestige and communal strength: reflects social influence and moral conflict.
Neyamat Hossain (Shallar Muslim Zamindar; landlord): Wealthy and socially established. His endowment includes Jumma Ghar and Imam Maulana Idris: symbolizes responsibility and the confluence of wealth and religious duty.
Maulana Idris (Jumma Ghar Imam): Pure-hearted, devout, and steadfast in morality: symbolizes religious faith and social justice.
Dhanu Sheikh (Ticket Clerk at Sonaganj Launch Ghat; later launch owner, landlord; awarded Khan Sahib by British Raj): Cunning, shrewd, and business-savvy. Never hesitates to advance his social position and influence: a symbol of cunning, self-interest, and power.
Manishankar Dewan (Resident of Kolkata): Connected to society and business: reflects urban life and expatriate experiences.
Jibonlal Chattopadhyay (Revolutionary youth): Shashi’s companion in revolutionary activities. Enthusiastic about justice and independence: symbolizes revolutionary spirit and social justice.
Satish Bhattacharya (Kabiraj): Knowledgeable in traditional medicine and wisdom. Shows the conflict between societal norms and personal ethics: a convergence of knowledge and morality.
Jamuna (Daughter of Satish): Forced to take refuge in brothel after being a victim of sexual assault by social elites: represents female vulnerability, mental anguish, and social injustice.
Sorjubala (Owner of colorful Nati Bari in Sohagganj Market): A colorful character reflecting the diversity of local society and human frailty: an example of local social behavior.
Abdul Haq (Mohanganj Barantrar village Mosque Imam and singer; nickname Ukil Munsi): Represents the blend of religious and cultural life: embodies religious duty and musical and cultural heritage.
Labuser Ma (Wife of Abdul Haq): Symbol of family and quiet empathy.
Shailajanranjan Majumdar (Scholar from Mohanganj’s left-bank village): Brings richness to the story through knowledge and social awareness: represents education and moral consciousness.
Rabindranath Thakur (Brahmin Zamindar of Jorasanko): Writes songs and composes music: symbolizes art and creativity.
Shiwli (Daughter of Haricharan Saha): Drowned in a pond as a child: exerts psychological impact in the story despite absence.
Historical Real-Life Characters
Abdul Haq (Mohanganj Barantrar village Mosque Imam and singer; nickname Ukil Munsi): Represents the confluence of religion and culture: fulfills religious duties while preserving musical and cultural heritage. A real historical figure; many of his songs are still sung by the people of Bengal.
Jibonlal Chattopadhyay (Revolutionary youth): Companion of revolutionary Shashi, active in revolutionary activities. Enthusiastic about justice and independence: symbolizes revolutionary spirit and social justice.
Rabindranath Thakur (Brahmin Zamindar of Jorasanko): Writes songs and composes music: symbolizes art and creativity. Although not directly present in the novel, his actions are mentioned indirectly.