নিস্তারিণী দেবীর সেকেলে কথা: উনিশ শতকের নারী জীবনের দাহনযন্ত্রণা

Nistarini Devi’s Sekele Kotha: The Agony of Women’s Lives in the 19th Century

Abstract

The 19th century is quite significant in reviewing the history of the progress of Bengali women in undivided India. The caste system, the practice of Sati, the practice of child marriage, the practice of male polygamy, illiteracy, superstition, the dominance of feudal values, and the indifference of society and family towards women's education were the characteristics of that era. However, through the introduction of education and various social reform programs, Indian social reformers tried to enlighten the women of Bengal. This article pays special attention to the statements made by women about their own social status about themselves and other women in their own eyes. Although most of the Bengali uneducated women at this time were less aware of themselves. However, there were some women who opened up about their situation and expressed some things in their memoirs. Which were later published. Nistarini Devi is one such woman, whose memoirs were published under the name 'Sekele Katha'. Here she talked about her personal life, experiences and various issues of society. Sometimes she also expressed her opinions on various customs of society.  In this article, I have tried to shed light on the harsh reality of Nistarini Devi's own life, the position of women in 19th century Bengal, social evils and the role of social reformers with the help of her memoirs. I have highlighted the social context of the time by showing the reactions of other contemporary Bengali women in these discussions. The main purpose of this article is to raise and explain these issues.