Periodicals, Readers and the Making of a Modern Literary Culture: Bengal at the Turn of the Twentieth Century

Literary periodicals became popular among the middle-class Bengali homes in the decades between the 1870s and 1920s, providing affordable recreation and a major vehicle for the circulation of ideas in the public domain. They were easily understood, adaptable, and used to dispense modern education and enjoyment through the vernacular.

Format: Hardback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2023
Publisher: Manohar Publishers and Distributors

Literary periodicals, known as sahitya patrika, gained popularity among the middle-class Bengali homes during the decades between the 1870s and 1920s. They served as both an affordable recreation for leisure hours and a major vehicle for the circulation of ideas in the public domain. In the early 20th century, Bengal witnessed a significant shift in the literary landscape, with periodicals playing a pivotal role in the making of a modern literary culture.

The production and circulation of periodicals were crucial in this transformation. These publications were designed to cater to a wider readership market, making them accessible to people from various backgrounds and educational levels. Their easily understood nature, coupled with their capacity for sustaining debates and adaptability by readers with diverse reading competencies, made them the preferred means for dispensing modern education and enjoyment through the vernacular.

Sahitya patrika covered a wide range of topics, including literature, politics, social issues, and cultural events. They provided a platform for emerging writers and artists to showcase their talents and engage with a broader audience. The periodicals also played a significant role in shaping public opinion and promoting social change.

One of the key factors that contributed to the popularity of sahitya patrika was the emergence of a new generation of educated Bengalis who were eager to learn and engage with the world. These individuals were drawn to the periodicals for their informative and entertaining content, which often included serialized novels, short stories, and essays.

The periodicals also played a crucial role in promoting cultural exchange and understanding between different regions of India. They featured articles and stories from various parts of the country, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural traditions and practices of India.

However, the production and circulation of periodicals were not without their challenges. The cost of printing and distributing periodicals was high, and the competition from other publications was fierce. This led to a decline in the quality of some periodicals, and some publishers resorted to sensationalism and sensationalism to attract readers.

Despite these challenges, sahitya patrika continued to thrive in Bengal. In the 1920s, the publication of the first Bengali daily newspaper, Ananda Bazar Patrika, marked a significant milestone in the development of the Bengali press. This newspaper provided a comprehensive coverage of news and events, and it played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and promoting social change.

In conclusion, literary periodicals, known as sahitya patrika, gained popularity among the middle-class Bengali homes during the decades between the 1870s and 1920s. They served as both an affordable recreation for leisure hours and a major vehicle for the circulation of ideas in the public domain. The production and circulation of periodicals were crucial in this transformation, and they played a significant role in shaping public opinion and promoting social change. Despite the challenges faced by the periodicals, they continued to thrive in Bengal, and their legacy continues to be felt today.

Weight: 694g
Dimension: 162 x 245 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789394262928