Prasannamayee Debi was born in Pabna ( Bangladesh) around 1857 in an upper class landed family. In keeping with the family tradition she was married off at 10 despite her father being educated. Her father did not differentiate between his daughter and sons in terms of their education. Prasannamayee returned to her maternal house within 2 years of her marriage as her husband had become Mentally deranged. She continued her education and learnt English. As she grew up in literary atmosphere with leading writers and intellectuals frequenting their house she developed a fondness for writing and she often participated as the only female in all male literary sessions. Her father's encouragement inspired her. Her autobiography 'Purbakatha' was published in 1917 although it had appeared before, serially in a periodical. Her education and way of dressing earned her the sobriquet of 'membou' or English bride. Her autobiography does not mention her ill- fated marriage or her tragic life but is more of a social critique where she talks of the ills of upper caste or kulin.
Research/Presentation/Voiceover: Sudeshna Basu.
Camera/Editing: Sreejita Mukherjee.
Background Music Courtesy: Alam Khan.
#19thcentury #bengaliwomen #kulin #unknownfacts #uppercaste #explorepage #childmarriages
1 окт 2024
