কঙ্কাল

by Rabindranath Tagore

Hardcover

About the author

Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 "because of his profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse, by which, with consummate skill, he has made his poetic thought, expressed in his own English words, a part of the literature of the West."

Tagore modernised Bengali art by spurning rigid classical forms and resisting linguistic strictures. His novels, stories, songs, dance-dramas, and essays spoke to topics political and personal. Gitanjali (Song Offerings), Gora (Fair-Faced), and Ghare-Baire (The Home and the World) are his best-known works, and his verse, short stories, and novels were acclaimed—or panned—for their lyricism, colloquialism, naturalism, and unnatural contemplation. His compositions were chosen by two nations as national anthems: India's Jana Gana Mana and Bangladesh's Amar Shonar Bangla.

The complete works of Rabindranath Tagore (রবীন্দ্র রচনাবলী) in the original Bengali are now available at these third-party websites:
http://www.tagoreweb.in/
http://www.rabindra-rachanabali.nltr....

Reviews

[Preetam Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

কঙ্কাল (The Skeleton), is a moving piece of fiction that delves into the intricacy of human emotions, the haunting presence of unsatisfied desires, and the unavoidable truth of death. Tagore fashions a narrative that is as thoughtful as it is unsettling, distorting the lines between the physical and the metaphysical, between life and its ultimate decay. The story is told through a frame narrative, a common technique in Tagore's works. It begins with a group of friends in a small rural village, gathered around a skeleton displayed in a medical school. One of the friends relates a bizarre and miserable tale about the skeleton, connecting it to a young woman who lived a catastrophic life marked by love, betrayal, and societal restraints. As the narrative unfolds, the skeleton becomes a symbol of the brittleness of human existence and the weight of implicit emotions. The tale captures the psychological depth of its characters, predominantly the young woman whose life is outshined by the expectations placed upon her. The skeleton, once a living person with dreams and desires, becomes a metaphor for the hollow remnants of those unrealized aspirations. Tagore's exploration of themes like death, memory, and the impermanence of life is profound. The story juxtaposes the material with the spiritual, showcasing how a lifeless skeleton can still evoke powerful emotions and questions about existence. The titular skeleton serves as a stark reminder of mortality and the transient nature of human connections. Through his characters, Tagore critiques societal norms, particularly the restrictions placed on women in conservative settings. The young woman's story is emblematic of countless lives constrained by these imperceptible chains, making the narrative sincerely flourishing across cultures and eras. Tagore's prose is evocative and lyrical, as is characteristic of his literary works. His ability to weave a hauntingly beautiful narrative from such a macabre subject is a testament to his genius. The story flows seamlessly, pulling readers into its emotional depths while leaving them with lingering questions about life and death. The language, though simple, is layered with meaning. Tagore's use of imagery and symbolism is striking; the skeleton not only embodies physical death but also the emotional void left behind by unfulfilled relationships. What sets কঙ্কাল apart is its ability to evoke introspection. It is not merely a ghost story or a tale of tragedy; it is a reflection on the essence of being human. Tagore’s insightful philosophical acumens oblige readers to challenge their own fears and vulnerabilities, making this an ageless piece of literature. কঙ্কাল (The Skeleton) is a fascinating read for anyone interested in traveling the intersection of the physical and emotional realms. It stands as a testament to Tagore’s mastery in storytelling, his deep understanding of human nature, and his ability to transform the macabre into a profound meditation on life and death. This short story, though concise, leaves a lasting impact, resonating with readers long after they have turned the final page. Highly recommended for those who appreciate literature that challenges the mind and stirs the soul.

[হলুদ পাঞ্জাবী · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rabindranath Tagore's "কঙ্কাল" (Skeleton) is a haunting and thought-provoking short story that masterfully intertwines the supernatural with poignant social commentary. The narrative revolves around a medical student who, while studying a skeleton, encounters the ghost of the woman it once was. Through this encounter, the ghost reveals her tragic life story, filled with love, betrayal, and the harsh realities of societal expectations.

Character Analysis:
The central character, whose ghost tells her own story, is a deeply compelling figure. Her strength, individuality, and the stark reality of her experiences resonate strongly with the reader. Despite the oppressive societal norms that sought to suppress her, she remains vividly "self" – a person with desires, emotions, and a strong sense of identity. Her tragic decision to poison the doctors and herself at the end underscores her desperation and the extreme measures she felt compelled to take to escape her unbearable circumstances.

Personal Reflection:
What stands out most in "কঙ্কাল" is the depth of the main character's story and her indomitable spirit. Her ultimate act of poisoning the doctors and herself is a tragic yet powerful statement about her refusal to be a passive victim of her circumstances. It highlights her agency, even in the face of overwhelming despair.

[Mridul Syed · Rating 3 out of 5]

আধি-ভৌতিক ছোট গল্প। তেমন একটা ভালো লাগে নি।
গল্পগুচ্ছের একটা গল্প এটা।

[শাওন এরিক · Rating 5 out of 5]

অপূর্ব একটি গল্প

[Ajanta · Rating 3 out of 5]

যদিও শুরুতে ভৌতিক মনে হয়েছিল, ভৌতিক কোন অনুভূতি নেই।
আসলে ছোট এই গল্পটি তৎকালীন সমাজের ধর্মীয় গোড়ামির একটি বাস্তব চিত্র।

[Rakib Hasan · Rating 3 out of 5]

২.৫★

একটা কঙ্গালের নিজের গল্প বলা। এটাও মনমতো লাগেনি।

[Madhu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ultimate female experience: poison men, commit suicide♡

[Israt Sharmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

এখনের কোন লেখক এই প্লটের কোন গল্প লিখলে কি রিয়্যেকশন পাবে তাই ভাবছি 🤭🤭

[Sourav Biswas · Rating 5 out of 5]

কিছু গল্প শুধু তার সম্পর্কে বলে বোঝানো যায় না, তার জন্য গল্প গুলোকে বুঝতে হয়/পড়তে হয়/শুনতে হয়। এই গল্পটা বুঝতে গেলে পড়তে হবে আর পড়লে হতাশ হবেন না ।

[Aishu Rehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

...ইচ্ছা ছিল যখন আমার অনন্তরাত্রির বাসর-ঘরে ধীরে ধীরে প্রবেশ করিব তখন এই হাসিটুকু এখান হইতেই মুখে করিয়া লইয়া যাইব। কোথায় বাসর-ঘর! আমার সে বিবাহের বেশ কোথায়! নিজের ভিতর হইতে একটা খট্খট্ শব্দে জাগিয়া দেখিলাম, আমাকে লইয়া তিনটি বালক অস্থিবিদ্যা শিখিতেছে!’

সত্যিই অসাধারণ |

[আহসানুল শোভন · Rating 2 out of 5]

মেডিক্যাল শিক্ষার্থীর রুমে একখানা কঙ্কাল ছিলো। কঙ্কালখানা একটি মেয়ের। এক রাতে সেই মেয়েটি এসে তার জীবনের গল্প শোনাতে বসলো।