Veteran Journalist and dear friend Sujit Roy’s magnum opus on Bengal’s most celebrated wit Gopal Bhanr will be released at the Book Fair on Feb 3rd, 2014
GOPAL BHANRER SANDHANE, the first and complete investigation on the existence of Gopal Bhar, the famous court jester of Maharaja Krishnachandra Rai of Krishnanagar as a historical character done by the well known writer and journalist Sujit Roy, assisted by his student Subhasish Chowdhury, will be published in book form at the UBI Pavillion of ongoing Kolkata Book Fair on 3rd February 2014 at 2 pm.
The book will be formally released by the heirs of Gopal Bhanr and the present head of Krishnangar Raj Pariwar Shri Soumish Chandra Roy along with family. Noted historian Prof. Goutam Bhadra is expected to speak on the occasion.
Sujit Roy’s another new book BHARATIYA SAMBADPATRER BIBARTAN O PRABHAB (1780 – 2012) will also be released on the occasion.
This is the first time the heirs of Gopal Bhar are appearing in a public programme.
When we caught up with the writer, here is what he had to say:
GOPAL BHANRER SANDHANE by Sujit Roy
Q. Why should I read this book?
A. Because this is the first research work that has identified many areas that can prove that Gopal Bhanr was not a myth, he is a historical figure.
Q. Many well known researchers like Dr Sukumar Sen said that Gopal Bhanr did not have any existence. The writer of Gopal Bhanrer Sandhane is not a very known figure in the world of research. Whom to believe?
A. One has to believe the facts whether written or oral, a writer presents and explains reasonably. Person is not the priority. Sujit Roy’s work is the best judge of his capability. Besides the writer Sujit Roy is a very much well known figure in the mainstream of journalism and communications. (See his profile ( Sujit Roy Journalist in Google.com). He is a famous educative demonstrator of journalism and the books he has authored for the students of journalism are the best sellers for years together. Multiple editions have come out. His first research work on Andul, a historical spot of Howrah had proved that he has the ability to unearth the hidden treasures.
Q. But those who does not have any interest in Gopal Bhanr, why should he read it?
A. Even they should, because the writer has focussed on certain matters which are of interest for everyone. There is a chapter on the contemporary history and society of Bengal which has highlighted certain matters which are not known publicly. The chapter on Corporate Jester is another addition which has exposed the role of Jesters in the Corporate world today. A different chapter has been devoted to other celebrity jesters like Birbal, Tenaliram, Nasiruddin and Mulla-do-Piyaza and clarified the similarity of fate of the jesters, the world around. History of jesters and role of Shakesperan jesters is another interesting chapter. Most importantly, the writer has found out some old stories of Gopal Bhanr from the books published a century back and explained those in social context. Lots of stories have been given which explain that the stories of Gopal Bhanr can be an important element in the modern management studies too. Even the introduction of the book has concentrated upon the single matter ‘LAUGH’ that can touch upon any serious reader.
Q. Is there any specific controversy between the earlier researchers and the present writer?
A. The basic controversy is on the existence of Gopal Bhanr. Some researchers said, Gopal Bhanr was the Gopal Ure, the tarja artist of 18th century. Some have said, not Gopal, the jesters in Krishnangar court were Shankar and Taranga. Some said, it was Muktiram Mukhopadhayay, not Gopal. But new research has proved all such beliefs as wrong. The birth place had been told as Ghurni but it was also wrong as it seems from the history of his family, he was born in Murshidabad. The writer has corrected all such facts with documents, quotes and the facts collected from contemporary history.
Q. Can we judge the book as the history of Gopal Bhanr re-written?
A. Surely, the work claims that. In fact, earlier researches were very disintegrated and left without a proper solution. Gopal Bhanrer Sandhane is definitely a step forward.
Q. If Gopal really existed where is the trace of his next generations?
A. The next generations are very much in Kolkata itself – in central Kolkata. The writer has spotted them and highlghted them in his book. A detailed list of updated generations and the history of the family have been given in the book which is quite exciting. Photograph of them and the house where they live have been included in the book.
Q. Is there any photograph of Gopal Bhar in the book?
A. Only one painting drawn in Moghal-Gharana style is availed of which shows Maharaja Krishnachandra sits with his Pancharatna. Among them one is identified as Gopal Bhanr from the Krishnanagar family. The fact is that there is no proper photograph or painting of Maharaja Krishchandra also, nor of the other courtiers. Camera was discovered in 1790 by Thomas Wedgwood and Maharaja Krishnachandra died in 1783 or 1784. More paintings must had been there , may be lost due to lack of effort to archive those properly.
Q. Does the painting of Gopal Bhar match with the sketches printed in the books of Gopal Bhanr stories?
A. Not at all. The sketches in common Gopal Bhanr’s stories are the products of certain “highly innovative” artists and publishers.
Q. We have found repeatations of many stories in the books of the jesters. It is very difficult to identify the stories as of Gopal or Birbal or Tenaliram and others.
A. True. Writer has pointed upon the fact. The stories printed in his book have been taken from the oldest publications, approved by the Krishnachandra Raj family.
Q. What is the mystery behind making the character mystic?
A. That’s a long history. The writer has elaborated the details.
Q. Is there any other such book on Gopal Bhanr?
A. No. Simply no. This is the first attempt on the subject and there lies its value.
Q. Has Gopal Bhanr been referred in any English book published from India or abroad?
A. Lots of books are there and the writer has referred all the books and quoted them.
Q. Is the book approved by the Krishnanagar Raj family?
A. Technically it is not asked for as it is not required. But the present head of the family has been discussed the subject over and again and he welcomed the effort. He also admitted that Gopal Bhanr was the jester of Maharaja Krishnachandra.
Q. Is the family of Gopal Bhanr publicly available?
A. They will be available on the stage during release of the book in Kolkata Book Fair 2014.
Q. The book is in Bengali and naturally, it creates a language barrier. Does the writer has any plan to publish the work in English?
A. Yes, surely. It is expected that the book will be translated in English and other Indian language too because Gopal Bhanr is a very popular figure among the Indians for the last 300 years. The writer will surely welcome the interested translators.
Q. How will the book be available online or otherwise?
A. For online marketting, negotiations are on. Meanwhile, the order can be placed tothe publisher directly (Dey Publications, 13 Bankim Chatterjee Street, Kolkata 700 013, Ph No. 033- E-mail: deypublications@yahoo.com. In Kolkata Book Fair 2014, the signed books by the author will be available from Stall no. and other important publishers’ stalls on the day of release onwards. Permanently, the book will be available in all major book shops in College Street and Dey Book Store, 13, Bankim Chatterjee Street, (near college Street Coffee House) Kolkata 700 071.
Q. Is there any special discount on the day of release?
A. Books signed by the author will be given a special discount only on the day of release i.e.3rd February 2013 from stall no.
Q. Is there any plan to release the book at Krishnanagar?
Yes. The author has a plan to reach the Krishnanagar readers and tell them on why did he plan to do the book and how did he do it and how much he is indebted to the residents of Krishnanagar for being coopeartive to him. Special discount will be allowed for the buyers over there.
SUJIT ROY
Sujit Roy, 56 has always been honoured as a trotter in the multifarious areas related to media and information – from print media to electronic media to Web Journalism, from teaching journalism to corporate communications professional or from writing books to oration to the upcoming journalists and writers for the last 30 years. A post-graduate in Journalism and a sound performance track in professional media houses or in the corporate sector with a-always-upward-graphics, Shri Roy is however, basically a passionate journalist who has experienced and covered many historic events, national and international in his journalistic career in Bengali, English and Hindi language.He had held the post of Jt Chief Reporter in Aajkaal, Dy Chief of Bureau in The Asian Age and Group Dy Editor, Lokayat Group.
Simultaneously, a vociferous reader and a prolific writer, he has written several books – all time best sellers since those published, in the category, meant for the students and trainees in journalism, one on local history and one book for children. Two new books, mainly research works, are awaiting publication in the coming Kolkata Book Fair. An idealist in attitude and disciplined with ethical notes for life Shri Roy has also appeared on the TV screen as an efficient anchorperson on programmes of political interest and current events, youth affairs, surprising general knowledge for children and mega serial as well. Shri Roy is also known for his passion for writing short stories and poems and recitation too leave aside his strength of oration and communication skill at elite platforms. Presently he is holding the responsibility of the chair of General Manager-Corporate Communication in a large corporate house..