Rabindranath & Palace Politics

This dwells on the subject of Rabindranath and his relationship with Tripura and related topics.Tripura Bani Prakashani,Agartala,(Dutta Super Market,Shakuntala Road) published this book in 2006.No. of pages: 96; Price: Rs.70/- ;Cover design: Manoj Ghosh.

Though the seed of Rabindra-Tripura rapport was sown during the reign of Bir Chandra it reached the state of saturation during the rule of Bir Chandra's son Radha Kishore. Their age factor (contemporary) must have played a role in it. They became so close that the poet found a new role to play. From appointment of ministers to formulation of budget, everywhere the poet's opinion made a difference. He would also advise on the educational matters of the princes. In other words, he interfered with various important matters. The poet collected money to fund the research works of Acharya Jagadish Chandra. But this kind of interference from the poet led to a uproar. Why did the poet come to Agartala time and again? Or, what was the meaning of the exchange of all these letters between the king and the poet? A precarious situation prevailed at Agartala. On receipt of this new the poet felt sad and wrote to the king. The king brushed aside all these as mere rumor. At a later date the poet wrote to the prince Brajendra Kishore - "Your father drew me from poetry to politics - for that I could not turn down your invitation." But what was the political identity of Rabindranath? How did he get involved in politics? Or why did this lead to a rumor? An attempt has been made to find answers to all these questions in 'Rabindranath and Palace Politics'. The book consists of four articles in total. Apart from the title article, there are 'Rabindranath in the land of pine', 'Then Tripura in the light of Rajarshi' and 'Manipuri dance form at Shantiniketan'. In brief, the book has preserved a different Rabindranath in Tripura and North-East.

Newspaper Reports

Aajker Fariad, May 13, 2006, Agartala: "....Rabindranath has been a subject of research for long and new books are coming up as such.....Many have delved into the subject of Rabindranath and Tripura. But Pannalal Roy, in his book has presented Rabindranath in a new light. He has enriched his book with detailed report on exchange of letters between Rabindranath and Manikya kings and has analyzed them. From these letters he has tried to present Rabindranath in a different perspective. Rabindranath wrote to warn his friend king Radha Kishore that his private secretary Sanders was taking bribe. The poet also wrote to the king to tear off the letter after reading it.....Rabindranath during his visit to Agartala, was mesmerized by the Manipuri dance form. Perhaps, then only he decided to incorporate this dance form in his curriculum at Shantiniketan. Anyway, Pannalal Roy, through his four articles has presented a different Rabindranath before us."

Saptahik Bartaman, June 10, Kolkata-105: "Rabindranath and Palace Politics is the compilation of four articles. The book explores the subjects like poet Rabindranath's relationship with the Mankiya rulers of Tripura, Tripura setting the background of 'Rajarshi', Rabindranath's days at Shillong and Manipuri dance form at Shantiniketan. A researcher's view and enquiring mind have injected life into the book...."

Ganashakti, September 3, 2006, Kolkata - 16: "....The book titled 'Rabindranath and Palace Politics' was released in February at the last book fair in Tripura. The book consists of four articles, the title of the first article is also the title of the book. ....Not all is dependent on a dream but Tripura of that time provided a background and base for the story of 'Rajarshi'. Pannalal Roy has tried to relate the story of 'Rajarshi' and the prevailing condition in then Tripura in one of his articles in the book.....In which condition the home the poet dwelled at Shillong is existing - the writer has given an intimate description of this with requisite historical background. Photographs of those memory-clad houses have also been included in the book....Supporting with a lot of relevant information Pannnalal Roy has analyzed the Manipuri dance form at Shantiniketan. His probing eye has made all the articles in the book concise."