The Bengalis: A Portrait of a Community

by Sudeep Chakravarti

The Bengalis are the third largest ethno-linguistic group in the world, after the Han Chinese and the Arabs. A quarter of a billion strong and growing, the community has produced three Nobel laureates, world-class scientists, legendary political leaders and revolutionaries, iconic movie stars and directors and an unending stream of writers, philosophers, painters, poets and musicians of the first rank. But, bald facts aside, just who are the Bengalis? What is the community all about, stereotypically and beyond stereotype? In order to find the answers to these and related questions, the author (a Bengali born and steeped in his own culture but objective enough to give us a balanced reckoning of his fellows) delves deep into the culture, literature, history and social mores of the Bengalis. He writes with acuity about the many strengths of the community but does not flinch from showing us its weaknesses and tormented history. He points out that Bengalis are among the most civilized and intellectually refined people on earth but have also been responsible for genocide and racism of the worst kind. Their cuisine is justly celebrated but few remember the cause and effect of millions of Bengalis dying of famine. Renowned for their liberal attitudes, they are also capable of virulent religious fundamentalism. Argumentative and meditative, pompous and grounded, hypocritical and wise, flippant and deep... Bengalis are all this and much, much more. With erudition, wit and empathy, this book manages to capture their very essence. Unarguably, it is the definitive portrait of one of the world’s most vibrant and distinctive communities.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, India, Audiobook, Bangladesh, Cultural

496 pages, Hardcover

Published October 30, 2017

Reviews

[Aditi Mukherjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Bengali not from Bengal, I am curious about the eccentricities of our community. I picked up ‘The Bengalis’ in the hope that it would help me understand the history of my people who spread over the Indian states of West Bengal, parts of Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Odisha, most north eastern states and pretty much the entire country of Bangladesh.

The title itself sets the tone of the book. It is an exhaustive guide to the place and the people who are the third largest ethno-linguistic group in the world. The book introduces us to the geography of Bengal – rivers, vegetation, seasons and how travellers from 14th century onwards have described this region. And right when you start to indulge in the pride of Bengal’s natural abundance, the writer shakes you up with a piece of information that you have always known wrong.

“Along with Kalinga (a region in ancient Odisha) and Sauvira (southern Punjab and Sind), ancient Bengal’s region were altogether regarded as outside the pale of Vedic culture.”

Sudeep Chakravarti begins with the history of Bengal from the Mahabharata where the regional kings sided with the Kauravas. However, the first evidences of a distinctive Bengali civilization can only be found around the 6th and 7th century CE, later consolidated by the Pal and Sen rulers between the 8th and the 12th century CE. The Bengali script also took shape during the same period from Prakrit and Sanskrit. From then up till the Battle of Plassey in 1757, Bengal was dominated by Muslim rulers and then by the British up till independence. The writer attributes the establishment of Bengali language and culture to the five centuries of Islamic rule in Bengal.

The books also covers in great detail the chronology of events that led to the political creation of West Bengal on communal lines, the riots and the famines.

Bengalis are obsessed with racial and intellectual superiority and yet, the writer having quoted various historians on our race could only conclusively identify us as mongrels – mixed breed. That he has observed uniformly can be derived when he says,
“I have come across Bengali Mussulmans in Kolkata whose claim to higher being-ness is not that he is Bengali, or Mussulman, or Indian, but that he is Turki or Afgani or Mongol – the Mussulman Aryan."

The book highlights the Bengali idiosyncrasies – how our world revolves around Ma Durga for a week (during Durga Puja) and yet Bengal has one the highest rates of violence against women in the country. Our distinction between Bhodrolok and Chotolok (the cultured and the rustic), our obsession with Tagore, Viveknanda, football and cricket, our crude snobbishness against everything obangali (not Bengali) and our incense ability to argue about everything – nothing has been excluded. Still, the book is not just Bengali bashing. Chakravarti applauds the Bengali geniuses as well – the writers, movie makers, scientists, mathematicians and entrepreneurs not to forget the atypical Bengali traits of seeking adventure and experimentation particularly when it is about food and travel.

Written in a superior language, the book is information heavy (to an extent that it sometimes reads like a textbook) and satirical to the core. And it will take more than one reading to completely benefit from it.

[Mursalin Mosaddeque · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish this book was written by someone from a lower-middle class background or a dalit or a minority.
Haven't we heard the perspective from a privileged babu enough already?
I am not saying Sudeep babu is at fault here. He can't modify who he is or how his upbringing was. But these narratives are so ubiquitous and frustratingly omnipresent in everyone's imagination even before his book.
It is more like a project for Bengalis to feel good about themselves and to keep in their bookshelves.

[Diptakirti Chaudhuri]

"If you want to know me, read Neruda."
Thus spake a Bengali Romeo to impress a non-Bengali classmate in a Delhi college, sealing the stereotype of Bengali (pseudo-)intellectualism in all pursuits. This is also typical of the personal anecdotes Sudeep Chakravarti uses to garnish this history of the Bengali language, people, land, culture and idiosyncracies.
The Bengalis goes right back to the 12th century to trace the origin of the land and people that stand today. It come back ten centuries to the present day, taking a fair stab at explaining all the things Bengalis are stereotyped for. And some of the things they aren't.
The book explores the Bengali world (or Banglasphere) beyond the present-day West Bengal - from Bengali nationalism during the freedom struggle to the formation of Bangladesh (the only country in the world formed on the basis of language) to the coalescence of Bengali people in other parts of India and the world (Bengalis in Assam and Tripura, for example).

What the book does particularly well is to puncture the balloon of Bengali progressiveness and emancipation - often held up by Bengalis as a proof being superior to the rest of the country. Chakravarti goes back to the 19th century and explores the motivations and achievements of a series of Renaissance men and women who pulled the race out from a potentially debilitating morass of backwardness. Through folklore, religion, culture and customs, the xenophobic, Anglophilic, racist tendencies of Bengalis are unflinchingly discussed - while maintaining an affectionate look at this complex group of people.

About a third of the book is dedicated towards the revolutions of Bengalis - from the freedom struggle to the demands for land reform to the place which became part of our vocabulary - Naxlbari. The effete Bengali of British chronicles turned out to be a fiery fighter that rose against the powers that be, sometimes as a bidrohi (rebel) and sometimes as a mastaan (lumpen elements).
Another third is devoted towards kaalchaar - the all-encompassing for sports, literature, cinema, travel, the finer things in life - and the Bengali obsession with it. If there is a Bengali stereotype, this book is likely to have a point of view on it.

Drawing from a wide range of scholarly works and personal reminisces, The Bengalis is a fine portrait of the community, often venerated as intellectual and simultaneously reviled as 'bhookha'. It doesn't hesitate to accept the former may be an exaggeration but at the same time, delves in history to point out why the latter is a cruelly unfair epithet.
To counterpoint the ambitious Nerudaist, let me recommend this book by saying: If you want to know us, read Chakravarti.

[Abhïshék Ghosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little self-righteous and obsessive about the subliminal superiority complex, the book is a good read in parts to acquaint oneself of the history of ethnic violence, famine, religious integration and strife, Raj era grandour and descent into chaos under a relentless regime of de-industrialisation that has afflicted the Bengalis. The uniqueness of this book lies in expanding the ambit of conversation to Banglasphere: including West Bengal, Bangladesh, regions of Assam and even Birmingham; to take a more holistic stock of a people that span borders and cultures in a most expansive manner!

[Debjani Banerji · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up The Bengalis, as being a Non Resident Bengali or a Probashi Bangali as we are called, wanted to know the history and depth of the Bengalis. What makes us so different firm others? Why are we such snobs? Why do we think we are a superior race?
Also a lot of history of Bengal of which I was not very familiar with details. And therefore I came to know of the Bengal Famine and why the North Indians call us Bhookha Bangali.
The book deals with the whole of Banglasphere which includes Bangladesh, Bengalis in Silchar, Tripura, the whole of Assam infact, and the Non Residents who have made it big in their own sphere all over the world.
Some of the mannerisms, habits that are described in the book are so true, I was laughing through it in aircrafts, hotels, restaurants, home, wherever I was reading it!
The book has detailed descriptions of the Naxalite movement, the Pre Independence Bengali Freedom fighters, the British Period..A fascinating read. Especially if you like history. It also addresses the history and the birth of Bangladesh. Many a part of which I had heard in hushed voices from my parents when I was a small child and I was not supposed to listen. I remember the drive in my father's car on Jessore Road after the war was over..with destruction strewn across everywhere.. I grasped it even though I was a child of only 5 years old then.
It addresses the Hindu, Muslim issues in great detail and without a trace of Partisan. The authors antecedents are in Bangladesh and a part of his family married into Mussalmans.
At the end it leaves us Bengalis with the hope that we will rise from the ashes and come to glory and prosperity, as we did many decades ago. Yes we are Bengalis! A must read for all Bengalis and those interested in the Bengalis. For others, I am afraid, it will be a heavy read.

[Harsimran Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a probashi Bengali the author has put in great effort to present a comprehensive image of the Bengalis as a community. Author has in a very lucid manner tried to present the genesis of the land, the culture, the language and the politics of Bengal. In the Bengalis author has not restricted himself to West Bengal but speaks for Banglasphere which includes Bengali community in Bangladesh, Assam, Tripura, other north eastern states and even Bengalis spread all across the globe. Book gives great insigbts into the lives of Bengalis as a community, their obsession with food, with football, with politics, with Pujo, travel and not to be missed the 'adda'. Book also gives the genesis of often held stereotypes about Bengalis like they being called non martial, lacking business sense, Bhukho Bengalis and also tries to bust the myths with examples of Air chiefs, business tycoons, respect for food( due to famines). He also adresses the question of wby Bengalis hold so dearly their identity as a community and the problems it has led to in North east( 'domination') and elsewhere.
In the third part author projects the contribution of Bengali community in freedom struggle, renaissance in Bengal, the depradations suffered during that time and how the 'mastanocracy' has emerged since twentieth century. Recent developments of politics like rise of TMC,fall of left have also been explained.
Author interspersed the narrative with his interviews with eminent personalities, his familiy's experiences of partition,migration, his first hand experience of Lalgarh to make it a more interesting read. Author somewhat due to his Kolkata experiences and being a bhadrolok presented views that way missing the rural narrative, being aware of which author gives a diclaimer in the beginning. Book ends on a high note with author quoting Kobiguru: "Faith is a bird which feels ligbt and sings even when it is still dark" explaining bow Bengalis as a community have suffered ,created problems and yet contiued to flourish.

A must read for all not-Bengalis who want to know the community.

[The Conch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Choose this book to know history about Eastern India. This book gives good coverage of partition history of Bengal and situation of North Eastern State. As the author is himself Bengali, he discusses psychological characteristics of Bengalis in humorous way.

[Debraj Bhattacharya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paced roller coaster ride through the history of Bengal. However, the author has not studied the vast scholarly literature on Bengal/Bengalis and therefore discussion is somewhat shallow at times.

[Vani Kaushal · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review of this book is also available to read on Quint (https://goo.gl/dD66YF)

“The Bengali is at once an existentialist delight and nightmare, cast in perpetual drama,” says Sudeep Chakravarti about his people in the introduction of his latest non-fiction book, titled: The Bengalis, A Portrait of a Community. In the book, Chakravarti, a seasoned journalist, who has authored numerous bestselling works of narrative non-fiction (Red Sun, Highway 39, Clear Hold Build), and fiction (Tin Fish, The Avenue of Kings), writes with intensity, passion, verve and aplomb. He addresses everything Bengali – their culture, cuisine, politics, social mores, literature, and even the thorny issues of their history, ethnicity and religion, tracking their progress through centuries from the time they first appeared (proto-Bengali) to now.



In a voice that is sometimes witty and humorous, at other times prickly and sardonic, Chakravarti paints a genuine and most authentic portrait of the Bengali community, all the while keeping a sharp eye on his reader. “I have written the book so that anyone, a Bengali, part-Bengali, a NRI Bengali, a Bengali who does not know much about his or her own collective past, or a Bengali out of touch with Bengali roots can benefit from the book,” he tells me over an email, and adds how a not-Bengali (the word non-Bengali is offensive to him) may profit from all this knowledge, too – the Bengalis are a quarter of a billion and the third largest ethno-linguistic group in the world, after all! Here is an excerpt from the book:



“You will find Bengalis at every noteworthy ‘View Point’ on every noteworthy hill…They will leave their footprints on the damp impermanent sands of every ‘seebitch’…The urging will be to come by and see the opurbō, unparalleled, or phantashtik, bhew on their side, or from their spot a few feet away. They will be found chattering continuously while riding on skittish hill ponies along Camel’s Back Road in Mussorie, sinikbewty of eternal snows not far to the north be damned, the male parent coaching the discomfited yet proud child and the irritated female parent as if the torrid blood of several generations of Bengal Lancers flowed through his veins.”



Furthermore, in a market that is inundated with literature on Bengalis – Ramesh Chandra Majumdar’s The History of Bengal, Nitish Sengupta’s Bengal Divided: The Unmaking of a Nation 1905-1971, and Madhusree Mukerjee’s Churchill’s Secret War: The British Empire and the Ravaging of India during World War II, to name a few – Chakravarti’s book stands out for the sheer magnitude of its scope. “My book is the first that attempts to bring together several aspects of what I call ‘Banglasphere’ and Bengalis as a whole, and specifically address the Bengali,” he says, adding as to how he used notes and observations going back a couple of decades, in addition to archival material that was in some cases several hundred years old, but active, to write his book. “I believe in translating research, interviews, reportage, experiences and observations into an engaging son et lumière storytelling,” he says – and if you read the book, you cannot not picture every detail in your mind’s eyes. Here is an excerpt that serves as a good example – this one deals with the Bengali obsession for food:



“There is great ritual attached to banter with the shōbjiōālā or the female equivalent, shōbjioāli, over the quality of produce. The quality comes first, the price always later, and of course a face-saving exit if it proves unaffordable…The māchhōālā will be stretched to the limits of his vast reservoir of patience as the babu diligently inspects the freshness of the fish by expertly prising open the gills with a thumb to check if it is the expectable hue of darkest-pink-bordering-on-red, or prods the flesh of the fish to check if it is acceptably firm; and, of course, the fidgety, bony kōi-māchh and kānkrā, crab, will simply not be considered unless these are demonstrably alive.”



Or how about this one that deals with the Bengali obsession for everything not food:



“…bhromon-pagol – travel mad – another form of madness that so many Bengalis are gladly infected by alongside the happy insanities of being boi-pagol (book mad) or futbol-pagol (football mad), kreekat-pagol (cricket mad), mishit-pagol (mad about sweets), gan-pagol (mad about songs), an infinity of lovable obsessions. ‘Ki-re pagla?’ (What’s up, nutcase?) is not an unknown greeting.”



It is not just Chakravarti’s sparkling wit that flavours his narrative, but also the way he peppers it with personal anecdotes – the ones on religion, especially, where he describes how his mother’s side still uses maw and haw to describe a Mussulman (maw) and a Hindu (haw), tracking this deep-rooted religious schism in his family (and his community) to the history of Bengal from the time India was partitioned to the genocide in Bangladesh. However, he also uses his experiences of visiting his ancestral property in Kushtia years after displacement as an example to underscore the pointlessness of carry-forward hatred and of carry-forward hurt. Beyond this great religious divide, there are many more points of unity, of being Bengali that Chakravarti successfully highlights, making The Bengalis an overall wonderful read.

[Shreya Vaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last week I spent some time with a community that is large in size, intellectual and somehow even if i don’t know them, their culture and their food is something that has always attracted me. My knowledge about their background was very less, until recently when I read The Bengalis: A Portrait of a Community by Sudeep Chakaravarti.

This absolutely gorgeous book is a versatile description of a community that exists in every corner of the world. The Bengalis is not just about the culture, the food, the language. The Bengalis is an euphoric emotion, something that you feel when you are reading this book.

A one single paragraph defines the complete book..

‘Āmrā Ké? Where, What, Why’, in lush gunfire prose:“We are garrulous; argumentative — and liberal, conservative and moderate, often in the course of the same argument — opinionated; often contemptuous of those not-Bengali; eager to be appreciated by those not-Bengali; blithely unmindful of such hypocrisy; intensely curious — not merely curiosities; feminists; chauvinists; misogynists; ultra-leftist; leftist; ‘rightist’; ultra rightist; haters of colonialists; lovers of colonialism bashers; lovers of colonialists (in a range from Britain to Pakistan); lovers of bashers of colonialism bashers; revolution-minded in theory and sometimes in practice; entirely evolution-minded in practice; among the gentlest people on earth; among the most vicious people on earth; creators and perpetuators of the most vicious gangs and political gangsterism; lovers of love; lovers of hatred; lovers of life; lovers of death; lovers of our land; lovers of the lands of those not-Bengali; lovers of rivers and rain; vastly literate; vastly illiterate; lovers of words, literature, poetry, theatre, cinema, art, any art form worth a form; lovers of witty comebacks and innuendo; populous — not to be confused with popular, although we can sometimes be that, too; pompous; quick to anger; quick to laughter; loud; noisy; eager transporters of such noise to some of the quietest places on earth; inveterate travellers; perhaps the greatest users of that odd phrase: sinikbewty; exhibitionists; drama queens; often colour blind when attempting Western clothing and interior decor; exquisite wielders of colour in art; sufferers of some of the greatest famines — the phrase bhookha Bangāli, the hungry, starving Bengali, still endures in northern India and Pakistan; fanatical about food; creators and worshippers of some of the most delicately flavoured foods on earth; fanatical about football; strangely fanatical about Argentine and Brazilian football players, nobody else matters except occasionally the French or Portuguese; terrible losers; weavers of the most exquisite fabrics of form and colour; wearers and exporters of such exquisite fabrics of exquisite design; lately, wearers of the most exquisite fabrics rendered hideous with overwrought design; unarguably the greatest users of balaclavas in the world other than terrorists and special operations personnel, they sometimes call their Hollywood-stamped versions ski masks, we call our simpler version mānkicap… . We are confounding. And, as you already know, we are legion.”

A non fiction, the book may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But for minds like me who need to read something new and fresh every time, this book has proven to be a gem in my collection. And definitely, goes without saying, this is a must read and one of the best books of 2018 for me!

[Sukanto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sudeep Chakravarti - one of my favourite authors since Red Sun

[Fatima Sarder · Rating 2 out of 5]

What I expected when reading this book:
A history of Bangladesh, how it came to being (did you know Bangladesh was the only country to form based on language?) It's social and cultural nuances (this is a desh -country- of people who can't go without mas, daal or bhaat). I wanted to know why Sheikh Mujib is so adored, about the plight of the poor and destitute during the war for independence.

Mother used to talk fearfully about the Naxals and I thought this book might clear things up. Instead, it left me more confused. The author talks about the Naxalite movement rather earlier on in the book but fails to explain what the movement entails until the last quarter.

What I got while reading this book:
A sprawling history broken up with the author's own experiences (nothing wrong there, but at this point, I'm sick and tired of reading narrative coming from a privileged point of view -not the author's fault I suppose-).

Despite the fact the title says it's a Portrait of a Community, there is little good written about Bengali Mussalmans (Muslims) rather how radical Islam is and what acts of terror extremists performed. Bad taste.

This book raised more confusion and questions than answering them. Definitely not for a beginner searching to understand the history of the Bengalis

[Siddharrth Jain · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Bengalis is one of the best sellers and was ranked within top three in the Non-Fiction bracket for weeks, if not months. And that is exactly why I got lured into it, to decode the hype.

I read. I did not read. I could not read. I read as some of the writing is quirky, engaging and relatable. I did not read it as most of the writing was hardcore 'Bengali'. I could not read it as my mind fell into a crevasse, refusing to believe this book is (also) for those who aren't pursuing Doctorate in Bengali.

Bengal is India's richest example of what India has stood for. The multifaceted state has given us laureates and personalities, excelling in the field of music, arts, sports, and so on. A typical Bengali takes Pride in its language and it's food, to the extent of damning the world that surrounds the State of Bengal.

However personally, I was not satiated, it would be unfair to completely write this book off. Anyone who is looking to bite into an extensive research on Bengal, should get themselves a copy. I guess I continue to exist as a Non-Bengali 🙂📚

[Abhijat Mitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a probashi Bengali I learnt so much about my own community. Sudeep is funny, generous, expansive and ultimately fair in his assessments. Very well researched and sharply observed, would heartily recommend this book to all bengalis and anyone wanting to understand us. Covering history, culture and the Bengali psyche it is a little gem. Thanks a ton sudeep for writing this. Finally we Indians are writing worthy books of scholarship about us. Kudos and thanks again.

[Raj Aich · Rating 1 out of 5]

You would find the school course book more interesting than this. The historical facts are all over the place and you need to know the Bengali history, which apparently defeats the purpose of reading this book in the first place.

[Abu Syed sajib · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book could've been 100 pages shorter. But i'm a Bengali and maybe that's why it seemed to long for me...

[Aaquib · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started my reading journey for the year of 2020 with 2 other books on different genre before stumbling across this gem, which piqued my interest by promising to be a treatise on not only Bengalis of West Bengal but also "....the whole of Banglasphere which includes Bangladesh, Bengalis in Silchar, Tripura, the whole of Assam infact, and the Non Residents who have made it big in their own sphere all over the world."

And what a delightful journey it has been!

Over many years, I have read dozens of books on history, politics and various sub-cultures of historical Bengal (as the author rightfully mentions BANGLA-SPHERE), published from both Kolkata and Dhaka which go into minutes details of various historical events which have shaped our community. 'The Bengalis' by Sudeep Chakravarty is the most compact and accessible book I have read till date on the unique history and culture of world's third largest ethno-linguistic group.

I highly recommend this book to the entire Bengali diaspora as the starting point to develop better understanding of ourselves. Only when we understand our unique trajectory and internalize the learning, we will be able to avoid the mistakes of the past.

In some chapters the author's travel tales interlaced with humour and sarcasm which reminded me of Syed Mujtaba Ali's witty writing.
I wish the next edition of the book covers the following with greater details -
1. The Hindu-Muslim social relations in East Bengal w.r.t. the landlords, money lenders and peasants
2. The travails in the refugee camps set up in central India after partition with central govt's mistreatment in allocating grants vis-a-vis Punjabi refugees
3. The rampant political discrimination of central Govt. towards West Bengal (freight equalization policy & other issues)
4. The stories from detention camps in Assam and victims' ongoing legal battle to prove citizenship
5. The Rohingya issues and slave trade in the kingdom of Mrauk U which lasted as multi-ethnic state for 350 years out of which around 100 years as vassal state of the Bengal Sultanate
6. The marginalization of backward section in West Bengal post-independence and the rise of identity politics in the last 15years

Nevertheless, the entire diaspora should be thankful to the author for such a great book on the Bengalis. I hope someday an online course or documentary would be made using this material.

[Jake · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bengal, particularly Bangladesh, becoming a big part of my career and an area of the world I deeply love I was drawn to this book. Although, with much trepidation as I am instinctively distrustful of any book that claims to tell the story of a people. For the most part my instinct was write. The book is replete with stereotypes, generalisations and large claims which often make for uncomfortable reading. While a certain effort is made to recognise the heterogeneity of Bengalis its overall effect is lost elsewhere when he makes claims about Bengalis being chauvinistic, snobby or whatever else comes to mind. Of course, the authors being Bengali gives a certain leeway in this type of claim, and I am sure he would argue that it is done with a loving humour, but the combination of these two caveats do not necessarily result in a good book.

There is no doubt that Chakravati is a good storyteller and in many places the stories he tells are readable, interesting and do help to better understand the history, culture and people of Bengal. Occasionally the stories merge easily into one another, which left me at times wondering what story I was reading and how A related to B, to only find that I had missed the transition from one story to another. This is not necessarily the authors fault, but I found it happening in this book more than others. The book also does, when the author feels like it, deal with heterogeneity and complexity well. For example, in exploring the ways in which neighbouring groups feel about Bengalis and Bengal’s colonial and cultural expansion. It is a shame this is not more consistent throughout.

It is a very long book, arguably much longer than it needs to be. And I found I put it down and forgot about it a lot so was quite relieved when I actually got round to finishing it in a couple of days of rest. The book didn’t need to be so long, and may have benefitted from being shorter.

Ami I glad I read this book, I don’t know. I am not sure I can tell you much more about the Bengali people because I read it, but from time to time it amused me and it’s length means my pages read tab is looking healthier now I am finished.

[Omar Nizam · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Book: "The Bengalis"
✍️ Author: Sudeep Chakravarti
🎙 Show: Book Café Podcast

Book Review by: Omar Nizam

Sudeep Chakravarti's "The Bengalis: A Portrait Of A Community" is a riveting read about the eponymous Bengalis; an ethno-linguistic group some 250 million strong originating in the South Asian subcontinent that straddles across the Indian State of West Bengal and the modern nation-state of Bangladesh.

The Bengalis have a proud history and culture. It includes as many as four Nobel laureates, such as the literary genius Rabindranath Tagore and the Economist Muhammad Yunus.

And yet far from being a hagiography, Chakravarti writes about the Bengalis from an objective viewpoint; not afraid to give the reader the good, the bad, and the ugly that makes up the rich and controversial tapestry of Bengali history.

But what makes the book even more compelling is the writer's own experiences of being an ethnic Bengali in a post-partition era. His frequent travels back and forth between West Bengal and Bangladesh lends enormous credibility to the book; that far from being an armchair historian, he is right there at the thick of things to write about what he has experienced first hand.

The book will be an excellent read for Bengalis throughout the Banglasphere who are looking to get a comprehensive view of their own history, as well as a highly important read for "Not-Bengalis" who are curious to know more about a highly enigmatic and oxymoronic people.

My Rating: 5/5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (with great distinction)

WATCH the AUTHOR INTERVIEW on #BookCaféPodcast on YouTube.

▶️ Re-share & Watch now 👉 youtu.be/YBxF9mxp0og
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#history #sudeepchakravarti #bengali #bengalis #thebengalis #westbengal #bangladesh

[Soumya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book : The Bengalis - A Portrait of a Community
Writer : Sudeep Chakravarti
Publisher : Aleph
ISBN : 9789386021045
Price : ₹799
Page count : 457
Reading period : 1st August, 2020 - 1st September, 2020

Who are the Bengalis? What is 'adda'? How is the Bengali cuisine? How much does the Bengali love his written word? How strong is the Bengali travelling bug? How much violence, racism, religious bigotry and classism is the Bengali psyche steeped in? How much strong is the Bengali's emotional bond with his mother tongue? Sudeep Chakravarti goes into our homes and ventures into the beyond to answer all these questions in this book. He describes a Bengali's pain from being torn from his roots, his love for his mother tongue and as well as his hatred towards his brother emanating from religion. He delves into all our shining glories and our deepest darkest secrets, covering all of West Bengal, Bangladesh, Barak, Tripura and the diaspora beyond - all the 'Banglasphere'. This book has both the power of making Bengalis proud and steeping them in shame. This one bares it all.

However the only con of this book seems to be a political bias of the writer. Describing the violent nature of the Bengali, he comes down hard on the communists, citing marichjhapi but covering up the police atrocities during the 1959 food movement which was during the tenure of his favourite Bidhan Chandra Roy. But seeing the writer is himself a Bengali, we can give his political bias some leeway, can't we? 😉

This book is recommended for Bengalis and Not-Bengalis alike, to know one of the most unique communities on earth.

[Anil Dhingra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pedigree of the author is revealed by his writing, depth of research and knowledge of English language. He has worked for India Today magazine where merit is a must.
This book is a non fiction about Bengalis and still managed to keep me absorbed over 400 plus pages. I do have a preconceived idea of Bengalis being the sharpest brains after Tamilians so my anticipation was already very high.
The book starts with the very historical and religious origin of the Bengali, goes on to delve into multiple facets of the race including their characters like argumentative, opinionated, superiority complexed, non martial arm chair tigers. It delves into their love for food, addas, travel, obsession with festivals esp Durgo Puja.
The author is from a high class family from Bangladesh so the book is as much about India as about Bangladesh. The global Bengalis are also analysed.
Other topics discussed in detail are Naxalism, the fiasco of Tata nano, the errors of Jyoti Basu and the erratic ruler of the day--Mamta Di who is taking Indian Bengal backwards.
The bonus is the part about Tripura and other north east States and the mutually beneficial relationship between India and Bangladesh.
Hats off Sir.

[Debaprabho Bhattacharya · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a "probashi bangali" like me, it was part coming-back-to-roots and part discovery of my Bengal. Unlike the scholarly works of Sri Jadunath Sarkar and Sri R C Majumder, this is more like a series of essays, where the author has delved into various aspects of the "banglaspere".
Besides known and light topics like food, travel, culture and diaspora, the essays covered the messy and bloody history of Bengal, including the "dadagiri" of the corrupt political scene, which is important and necessary; besides these, I think nobody would better understand the unique persona of a Bengali, the bright-literate-emotional-bloody persona. A recommended read!

On the writing style: the author employs a very non-conversation style of narrative, i.e. frequently the points would have a sub-point which would get into a further sub-plot, which may then take a slight detour to explain a word, and so on. This type of reading takes a bit of going-back-and-fro to get the point, and is sometimes taxing. Also, some of the essays do earn a yawn and needs some effort to complete. Hence, I am giving it a 4/5 (and not 5/5).

[Jiyon Chatterjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was both a fun and insightful read. Writing about an entire community is a tricky task because the author has to pull off the ability to relay “relatable” phenomena without veering into lazy stereotyping. In the case of Bengalis, though, the stereotypes can truly be accurate—both the flattering and the not-so flattering observations about the community. Our infatuation with fish,(left-wing) politics, film/literary criticism—at least for me Chakravarti’s witty forays into such stereotypes felt rather relatable and endearing. On the flip side, he doesn’t shy away from delving into the community’s hypocrisies and paradoxes—the facade of Bengali liberalism, the inconsistent application of its people’s intellectualism, and the self-proclaimed, aggrandized community exceptionalism that many Bengalis advertise. I really learned a lot about Bengali history that I didn’t previously know—especially about Indian Bengalis’ neighbors to the east, whose rich history and culture I admittedly didn’t know nearly enough about. I reckon this book will have special meaning for those with Bengali heritage themselves; it’s a perfectly fine read for others, but perhaps won’t pack the same punch.

[Anamitra Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the Best books on bengalis as a community. It is easy to read, captivating and takes the reader through a smooth journey. The authors own experiance and anecdotes does come up often, I am sure he has done a lot of research and a lot of work to create this. The coinage of the word "banglasphere" is unique and a good addition to the vocabulary and the space does exist. he has been able to bring out the ethos of being a bengali quite nicely. A little more showcasing of the bengali scientists and writers, who have done exceedingly well could have made it better . He has tried to balance out between bengladeshi and Indian bengali , which is difficult. I think he has given more attention to Bangladesh then necessary , by sheer number bangladeshi outnumbers indian bengali many times, however by sheer intelectual output this is the opposite. The treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh is also downplayed to a certain extent. Dr BC roy and his success could have been highlighted more than the brief mention. Not enough on the rise of Pali and bengali as a language, historically bengalis played a significant part. the accounts of Plassey and start of East India co in kolkata is vividly brough out. Overall a very entertaining book , every bengali can relate to it, especially those whos roots were in Opar Bangla

[Prabir Datta--A PERSONAE NON GRATA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a person of 78 years completing and
I am deeply involved in Heritage conservation of colonial era , structures and articles after my advisory work is over and so,I have to read and understand the lives and activities of that era.
I read the book THE BENGALIS- Portrait of a community, twice . It's a fantastic detailed narrative about The Bengalis.While reading through the chapter of Bengali business class in Chapter 5, it is seen that mention made about maharshi Debendranath Tagore, carr, Tagore &co till Sumit majumdar of TIL (the erstwhile COLES CRANE)etc.In fact,Late Sumit Majumder was a close professional friend of mine for many years.While I was reading Chapter 5.at page 131/446 of my kindle edition,I felt 2/3 names did not appear in the mention like---RAMDULAL DE/SARKAR/DESARKAR/DUTTA(SAME PERSON),Baboo Motilal Seal and Sir Rajendra Nath Mukherjee of Martin Burn etc. and may be a few more. I read a lot of literatures and articles of the said period.I like to mention the name of a book of historical importance,CALCUTTA-PAST AND PRESENT by MRS KATHLEEN BLECHYNDEN(1905)(possibly wife of Richard Blechynden,supdt of Fort William),and found that the 1st corporate business person was Ramdulal with ship handling, import&export etc. with a deep rooted trade relationship with America.He was the 1st person to start the trade activities with America.In fact, a ship of an American co was named as "RAM DOLLALL"to honour him,which regularly plied between America and India for carrying cargo. I feel his name would have a mention in chapter 5.Similarly,the names ofBaboo Motilal Seal and Sir Rajendra nath Mukherjee of MARTIN BURN fame need mentioning as Bengali celebrities of repute.
Also, in Bengali literature and music, some more names like Atul prasad, Dwijendra lall, Rajanikanta etc might have been included.
There appears to be a historical connection to a vessel named "Ram Dolloll" linked to Ramdulal Dey, the most prominent Bengali merchant involved in Indo-American maritime trade in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This vessel was dedicated to him by American merchants and was used to carry his consignments to Calcutta multiple times during his lifetime. It is mentioned as a single vessel named "Ram Dolloll" dedicated as a mark of respect and commercial partnership. Besides this, some of Ramdulal's other owned ships included "Kamala" and "Vimala" named after his daughters and "David Clerk" named after an American partner, but no other vessels named "Ram Dolloll" are referenced.
Also,Trees were planted on the Military Road during Ramdulal Dey's time in the early 19th century,after lot of arguments between Fort William and Ramdulal. The tree plantation, especially along what is now known as the Barrackpore Trunk Road, was initiated and developed under the orders of Lord Wellesley, then Governor-General of India. He acquired lands and landscaped them, turning the area into an English park-like setting with extensive tree planting on both sides of the road. The trees provided shade and aesthetic beauty for travelers and residents alike. This plantation work took place around the period when Ramdulal Dey lived (1752–1825), though it is Lord Wellesley who gets the primary credit for the tree planting efforts along this road connecting Calcutta to Barrackpore.
Thus, tree planting was a feature of the Military Road during Ramdulal Dey's lifetime, but the credit for this plantation belongs chiefly to the British administration led by Wellesley, rather than to Ramdulal Dey himself.
This book very skillfully narrated the social,economic,political and family relationships, partition ,food habits etc.The descriptions the author illustrated in the book is so nostalgic that I could not leave reading the book in part and finished the book in one go in my 1st attempt.But,I read the book and between the lines once again.The exact pieces of experiences of our times of one's childhood days,the naughty deeds of a child in the lanes and by lanes of the locality , the poverty stricken family pictures,the waves of contradictions in mind , the author made a lucid presentation of our times who were born during and just after the Independence of India.The lack of proper education,the treatment of the sick people,the shortages of food and the employment potentials etc which are really vivid descriptions--as it seems--of my own family stories.It's an exceptional book the author wrote ,which also illustrates the socio economic and political scenario of India after Independence alongwith the problem of the uprooted Bengali families from East Pakistan.I read the chapters repeatedly to taste a glimpse of my own childhood and days of sorrow and agony.Cheers,Sudeep,you keep on writing such books or whatever you like,for all of us,who desire to be nostalgic of our child hood days as a BENGALI!!!!!
The Chapter "PORSHU" and the epilogue are a bit optimistic as we can observe now the wretched condition of politics and administration in Bangladesh as well as in West Bengal.
I have read a few books recently of Bengali origin authors--one written on Calcutta streets and one on Wajid Ali Shah.I purposefully not taking the name of books.Both these books are very well written but on specific subject matter,rather, in a smaller panorama.
But,this book is spread out on a much wider panorama,which is a stupendous and laborious research work of the author and need high applause.
This is a MUST READ BOOK for one and all and some incident or the other will bound to make them nostalgic as well as make them stand in front of a mirror.

[Sanjay Banerjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author delves into the culture, literature, history and social mores of the Bengalis. He writes with acuity about many strengths of the community but also writes about its weaknesses and tormented history. He points that the community, despite its culture and intellectual refinement, has also been responsible for genocide and racism in quite a few instances. The cuisine is justly celebrated but few remember the cause and effect of millions dying from famine. Known for their liberal attitudes, there are equally instances of virulent religious fundamentalism. And more such insights...the book, in my opinion, manages to capture the very essence. The concept of Banglasphere - beyond West Bengal and Bangladesh to Tripura, Lower Assam and a few other areas - is an interesting one. I had read a review of this book a few months ago in a Saturday supplement of Business Standard and, for obvious reasons (😊), it aroused my interest!

[Debadrita Maitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Bengali who has lived all her life in a small suburb near Kolkata, Chakravarti's book was an eye opener and a graceful peek into the diverse past of my state. True that right now, I am not particularly feeling fortunate to live in West Bengal, but one cannot deny their roots for long.
True to the title, Chakravarti has painted a clear and delicate picture of the land we inhabit, and through his journalistic view, has even brought the past into life. Right from the first chapter or 'Utsho', I was enamored - both with the content and writing style. He covers every aspect of Bengali life - right from the food we boast of to the plethora of talents and pseudo - intellectualism or 'aatel', a word every Bengali is too familiar with. I am ashamed of my skills in Bengali language - I can barely read and write the script, much less understand complicated literature (Yes, Bankim babu, I am referring to your time-transcending literature), but this book has eulogized our authors and poets in such way that would make even the remotest Bengalis to feel proud. The way Chakravarty has painted a vivid picture of our rich culture makes them come alive in front of the readers, and appeals to their imaginative side. It is a hagiographical memoir that should transcend time and space.
The parts of the book that really mesmerized me were the first chapter or "Utsho", because as a Bengali, I knew absolutely nothing about our history. It is embarrassing to admit, but I know Delhi's history better than I know that of my home state, and this book changed that. Also, the IIIrd book or the "Ogni Jug" also enamored me. Recently I am extremely enthusiastic about the Naxal movement, and this book has provided good details about that period of history that is not much talked of. The author concludes just before the reign of Mamata Bannerjee has started - and I hope after she is gone for good, the author would surely write something about the famously infamous "Didi" of Kolkata.

[Soumit Bose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for any Bengali living in any part of the world. Gives a comprehensive history of the land, touching upon eras from Alexander The Great's conquest to the present democratic rule, going through glorifying and heart-breaking periods in equal proportion. A Bengali reader will also be able to resonate with the portrayal of typical Bengali culture, which might stimulate a feeling of nostalgia amongst those who live away from the land but has seen and lived through all of it once.

The reliance on this element of relatability also makes it go the other way for a someone who is not Bengali. Although, it still is a good starting documentary on the ethnic group for those who want to explore more about them.

[Mrinal Mohanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography of a

Mr Sudeep Chakravarti is a master storyteller. It's a theatrical biography of a community,the majority of which lives in rural villages. Of those living in urban areas, more than half reside in greater Kolkata and Dhaka.
The writer has touch each and every string of the subject,its demography,culture,history,cinema theatre, literature,tribes,music and the cuisine. Being a scribe it was his advantage to widely travel both of the Bengal and draw this vivid description. I wish him to bring out most of the writings in him.

[Debojit SG · Rating 4 out of 5]

First thing off of my head is that this one needs a second read just to grasp parts of relevance. This has lot of things about Bengalis. From food to language to literature, it has everything. The problem and best thing about the book is common. Things are explained in the same depth irrespective of importance. For example few politically relevant topics though explained very well, will require supplement reading. It is not entirely fair to ask such a thing of a finite page count, but that's the only thing I can say that didn't work for me.