Paper Details

This research paper delves into the thematic study of literary work Bikalpa authored by Narendranath Mitra, which has been masterfully translated into English by Sreejata Guha under the title The Substitute. The primary focus of this paper is to critically analyze "The Substitute" as a profound critique of the entrenched societal constructs of caste, class and gender. By examining this narrative, the paper aims to challenge and probe the deeply ingrained stereotypical perceptions surrounding caste, class and gender. Despite witnessing a substantial decline in the practice of casteism within Bengal following the Bengali renaissance, remnants of this discriminatory mindset continue to persist within the collective consciousness. Narendranath Mitra's The Substitute serves as a weighty portrayal of the prevailing stereotypical ethos prevalent among the upper castes of Bengali society. To reinforce the arguments presented in this paper, it draws upon the influential ideas put forth by eminent feminist writers like Simone- de-Beauvoir and sociologists such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Sharmila Rege, Arundhati Roy, and Uma Chakraborty illuminating the discourse.

Caste, Class, Gender, Stereotypical notions, Bengali renaissance.