Ghanada Samagra Vol. II (Bengali Edition)

DETAILS : 

• Author : Premendra Mitra
  
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ananda Publishers
  
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 1 January 2013
  
• Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  
• Language ‏ : ‎ Bengali
  
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 646 pages
  
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 8177561014
  
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8177561012
  
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 800  g

ABOUT THE BOOK

About the Book

Ghanada Samagra Vol. II (Bengali Edition) is an invaluable, definitive collection of speculative fiction and adventure stories penned by the iconic Bengali polymath, poet, and novelist Premendra Mitra. Published by Ananda Publishers, this second volume compiles the legendary exploits of Ghana-da (Ghanashyam Das), one of the most enduring and beloved fictional characters in Bengali literature.

The core objective of this volume is to preserve Mitra's unique blend of tall tales, robust geography, and accurate scientific facts. Ghana-da is an unassuming resident of a traditional Kolkata mess-bari (boarding house) who regularly enthralls—and exploits—his younger roommates with spectacular stories of his past globe-trotting exploits. While his audience initially approaches his stories with deep skepticism, Ghana-da consistently silences them by producing obscure, authentic historical artifacts or displaying an uncanny, expert grasp of international geopolitics and natural sciences.

Rather than relying purely on empty fantasy, the stories in Volume II are highly regarded for their meticulous research. Whether Ghana-da is claiming to have outsmarted international spies in the dense forests of Africa, discovered lost treasures in South America, or intercepted classified military secrets during World War II, Premendra Mitra wraps every narrative in precise scientific data. The book covers concepts ranging from advanced entomology and marine biology to toxicological chemistry and deep astronomy, making it a masterpiece of early vernacular science fiction and speculative adventure writing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Premendra Mitra (1904–1988) was a towering literary giant, screenplay writer, and academy award-winning pioneer of Bengali literature. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he established himself as a master of multiple genres, shifting effortlessly from gritty, socio-realist poetry celebrating the working class to children's fiction and early Indian science fiction. He was a key figure of the influential Kallol literary movement that modernized Bengali prose and poetry.

Mitra's deep scientific curiosity and fondness for international geography profoundly shaped his creation of Ghana-da in 1945, a character that revolutionized children's periodicals like Alpana and Mauchak. His exceptional contribution to literature was recognized with India's highest honors, including the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1956 and the Padma Shri in 1976. His writing style remains celebrated for its fluid narrative rhythm, sharp wit, and an unparalleled ability to make the most outrageous global adventures feel completely plausible to generations of readers.