Indubala Bhater Hotel: A Reflection on Post-Liberation Life in Kolkata and Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper presents a qualitative analysis of Kallol Lahiri’sIndubala Bhater Hotel, a Bengali novel that reflects the socio-cultural and historical experiences of post-liberation Kolkata and Bangladesh. By focusing on the life of the protagonist, Indubala, a migrant from East Bengal, the study explores how the novel portrays the impact of the Partition of Bengal and the Bangladesh Liberation War on individuals and communities. The research highlights key themes such as migration, displacement, cultural identity, and the shifting roles of women in post-war South Asia. The novel’s depiction of Indubala’s resilience and her rice hotel as a symbol of cultural preservation underscores the broader struggles of displaced people in adapting to new environments while maintaining their heritage. The paper further compares the experiences of post-liberation Kolkata and Bangladesh, examining how both regions faced economic and social challenges in the aftermath of the war. Indubala Bhater Hotel serves as a powerful cultural lens through which the complexities of post-liberation life are examined, offering insights into gender dynamics, cultural survival, and the redefinition of identity. The study concludes by suggesting avenues for further research into the role of literature in representing the migrant experience and cultural preservation in post-colonial contexts.

Keywords: Bangladesh Liberation War, Cultural identity.Displacement, Gender dynamics, Indubala Bhater Hotel, Migration, Post-liberation Kolkata