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The Collected Stories of Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury
The Collected Stories of Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury is a selection of sixty-three stories by a master storyteller (1863–1915). Featuring a vibrant cast of characters—eccentric woodland animals, a motley crew of unusual villagers and townspeople, bewildering ghosts, competitive demons, and gods from Norway and Japan—these stories laced with rib-tickling humour, clever puns, and bizarre situations have entertained young readers for generations.
‘Tuntunir Boi’, the first book in the collection, has twenty-seven stories. These include adventure yarns of the author’s most popular characters like the mischievous tailor bird Tuntuni, the crafty fox Sheyal, the arrogant feline Mawjontali Sarkar, and the fearless farmer Buddhu’s Baap. The second book, ‘Golpomala’, includes some beloved gems—stories of Gupi the singer and Bagha the instrumentalist; of Ghyanghashur, a half-bird, half-beast; of the Japanese gods Izanagi and Izanami; and of a sailor’s extraordinary sea voyage—tales that feature fantastical characters, magical lands, and exhilarating adventures.
Vividly translated by Lopamudra Maitra and sprinkled with illustrations by the author, the stories in this volume will charm and delight readers of all ages.
‘Tuntunir Boi’, the first book in the collection, has twenty-seven stories. These include adventure yarns of the author’s most popular characters like the mischievous tailor bird Tuntuni, the crafty fox Sheyal, the arrogant feline Mawjontali Sarkar, and the fearless farmer Buddhu’s Baap. The second book, ‘Golpomala’, includes some beloved gems—stories of Gupi the singer and Bagha the instrumentalist; of Ghyanghashur, a half-bird, half-beast; of the Japanese gods Izanagi and Izanami; and of a sailor’s extraordinary sea voyage—tales that feature fantastical characters, magical lands, and exhilarating adventures.
Vividly translated by Lopamudra Maitra and sprinkled with illustrations by the author, the stories in this volume will charm and delight readers of all ages.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2023
5 people want to read
About the author
Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury
40 books76 followersUpendrakishore Ray Chowdhury (Bangla: উপেন্দ্রকিশোর রায়চৌধুরী), also known as Upendrokishore Ray (উপেন্দ্রকিশোর রায়) was a famous writer, painter, violin player and composer, technologist and entrepreneur.
He was the father of the famous writer Sukumar Ray and grandfather of the renowned film-maker Satyajit Ray. Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury was a product and leading member of the Brahmo Movement that spearheaded the cultural rejuvenation of Bengal. As a writer he is best known for his collection of folklore; as a printer he pioneered in India in the art of engraving and was the first to attempt color printing at the time when engraving and color printing were also being pioneered in the West.
Upendrakishore was born on 12 May 1863 in a little village called Moshua in Mymensingh District in Bengal, now in Bangladesh. He spent most of his adult life in Kolkata, where he died on 20 December 1915, aged only fifty-two. He was born Kamadaranjan Ray, to Kalinath Ray, a scholar in Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian. At the age of five, Kamadaranjan was adopted by Harikishore, a relative who was a zamindar in Mymensingh (now in Bangladesh). Harikishore renamed his adopted son Upendrakishore, and added the honorific ‘Raychaudhuri’ as a surname. Upendra passed the Entrance examination in 1880 with scholarship from Mymensingh Zilla School. He studied for a while at Presidency College, then affiliated with the University of Calcutta but passed BA examination in 1884 from the Calcutta Metropolitan Institution (now Vidyasagar College). Upendra took to drawing while in school. He published his first literary work in the magazine Sakha in 1883.
Upendrakishore first introduced modern blockmaking, including half-tone and colour block making, in South Asia. In 1913 he founded what was then probably the finest printing press in South Asia, U. Ray and Sons at 100 Garpar Road. Even the building plans were designed by him. He quickly earned recognition in India and abroad for the new methods he developed for printing both black & white and color photographs with great accuracy of detail.
Upendrakishore's greatest contribution was in the field of children's literature in Bengali. He did most of the illustrations of his books himself. In April 1913, Upendrakishore started the magazine Sandesh, a popular children's magazine in Bengali that is still published today. It was the first magazine for children in India that had coloured pictures, and it became an institution in Bengal.
Upendrakishore embraced the liberal religious movement of Brahmo Samaj in 1883, after the death of his foster-father and he was a deeply religious man. But his scientific bent of mind is reflected in the numerous science articles he wrote for children. He published two remarkable books on popular science. His scientific interests were further nurtured by his close friendship to the scientists Jagadishchandra Bose and Prafullachandra Ray, all of whom lived and worked very close to each other. Also a musician, Upendrakishore wrote two books about music.
He was the father of the famous writer Sukumar Ray and grandfather of the renowned film-maker Satyajit Ray. Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury was a product and leading member of the Brahmo Movement that spearheaded the cultural rejuvenation of Bengal. As a writer he is best known for his collection of folklore; as a printer he pioneered in India in the art of engraving and was the first to attempt color printing at the time when engraving and color printing were also being pioneered in the West.
Upendrakishore was born on 12 May 1863 in a little village called Moshua in Mymensingh District in Bengal, now in Bangladesh. He spent most of his adult life in Kolkata, where he died on 20 December 1915, aged only fifty-two. He was born Kamadaranjan Ray, to Kalinath Ray, a scholar in Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian. At the age of five, Kamadaranjan was adopted by Harikishore, a relative who was a zamindar in Mymensingh (now in Bangladesh). Harikishore renamed his adopted son Upendrakishore, and added the honorific ‘Raychaudhuri’ as a surname. Upendra passed the Entrance examination in 1880 with scholarship from Mymensingh Zilla School. He studied for a while at Presidency College, then affiliated with the University of Calcutta but passed BA examination in 1884 from the Calcutta Metropolitan Institution (now Vidyasagar College). Upendra took to drawing while in school. He published his first literary work in the magazine Sakha in 1883.
Upendrakishore first introduced modern blockmaking, including half-tone and colour block making, in South Asia. In 1913 he founded what was then probably the finest printing press in South Asia, U. Ray and Sons at 100 Garpar Road. Even the building plans were designed by him. He quickly earned recognition in India and abroad for the new methods he developed for printing both black & white and color photographs with great accuracy of detail.
Upendrakishore's greatest contribution was in the field of children's literature in Bengali. He did most of the illustrations of his books himself. In April 1913, Upendrakishore started the magazine Sandesh, a popular children's magazine in Bengali that is still published today. It was the first magazine for children in India that had coloured pictures, and it became an institution in Bengal.
Upendrakishore embraced the liberal religious movement of Brahmo Samaj in 1883, after the death of his foster-father and he was a deeply religious man. But his scientific bent of mind is reflected in the numerous science articles he wrote for children. He published two remarkable books on popular science. His scientific interests were further nurtured by his close friendship to the scientists Jagadishchandra Bose and Prafullachandra Ray, all of whom lived and worked very close to each other. Also a musician, Upendrakishore wrote two books about music.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 14, 2024
“The Collected Stories of Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury” is a treasure trove of imagination and wit, masterfully woven into a tapestry of tales that transcend time. The anthology, with its eclectic mix of characters from the mischievous Tuntuni to the intrepid Buddhu’s Baap, offers a delightful journey through a fantastical realm where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Lopamudra Maitra’s translation breathes new life into these classic narratives, ensuring they resonate with today’s audience while retaining their timeless charm. The author’s own illustrations add a personal touch that complements the text, making each story a visual as well as a literary feast. This collection is not just a read but an experience, inviting readers young and old to revel in the joy of storytelling. While it primarily caters to children, the universal themes and clever humor provide a nostalgic escape for adults, reminding us of the power of stories to spark joy and ignite the imagination.
January 5, 2024
"The Collected Stories of Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury" presents a captivating tapestry of sixty-three tales penned by the master storyteller (1863–1915). In this anthology, a diverse array of characters, ranging from eccentric woodland animals to peculiar villagers and townspeople, populate narratives imbued with rib-tickling humor, clever puns, and bizarre situations. Lopamudra Maitra's vivid translation, coupled with the author's illustrations, adds an extra layer of charm to these timeless stories.
The inaugural book, 'Tuntunir Boi,' weaves twenty-seven tales featuring beloved characters like the mischievous tailor bird Tuntuni, the crafty fox Sheyal, the arrogant feline Mawjontali Sarkar, and the intrepid farmer Buddhu’s Baap. These adventures offer a delightful blend of wit and whimsy, showcasing Upendrakishore's storytelling prowess.
The second installment, 'Golpomala,' unfolds a treasure trove of enchanting narratives. From the musical exploits of Gupi the singer and Bagha the instrumentalist to the mythical tales of Ghyanghashur—a half-bird, half-beast creature—and the epic journey of a sailor, the stories transport readers to magical lands and exhilarating adventures. The inclusion of Japanese gods Izanagi and Izanami adds a cross-cultural dimension, enriching the narrative tapestry.
The translation by Lopamudra Maitra preserves the essence of Upendrakishore's original work, making these tales accessible to a wider audience. The linguistic nuances and cultural subtleties are carefully retained, allowing readers to appreciate the stories in their truest form.
The charm of these stories lies not only in their narrative whimsy but also in the underlying themes that resonate across generations. Upendrakishore's keen observation of human and animal behavior, coupled with his ability to infuse fantastical elements seamlessly, elevates these tales beyond mere entertainment.
In conclusion, it is a literary gem that transcends time. Lopamudra Maitra's translation skillfully captures the essence of the original Bengali tales, presenting a rich and engaging reading experience.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The inaugural book, 'Tuntunir Boi,' weaves twenty-seven tales featuring beloved characters like the mischievous tailor bird Tuntuni, the crafty fox Sheyal, the arrogant feline Mawjontali Sarkar, and the intrepid farmer Buddhu’s Baap. These adventures offer a delightful blend of wit and whimsy, showcasing Upendrakishore's storytelling prowess.
The second installment, 'Golpomala,' unfolds a treasure trove of enchanting narratives. From the musical exploits of Gupi the singer and Bagha the instrumentalist to the mythical tales of Ghyanghashur—a half-bird, half-beast creature—and the epic journey of a sailor, the stories transport readers to magical lands and exhilarating adventures. The inclusion of Japanese gods Izanagi and Izanami adds a cross-cultural dimension, enriching the narrative tapestry.
The translation by Lopamudra Maitra preserves the essence of Upendrakishore's original work, making these tales accessible to a wider audience. The linguistic nuances and cultural subtleties are carefully retained, allowing readers to appreciate the stories in their truest form.
The charm of these stories lies not only in their narrative whimsy but also in the underlying themes that resonate across generations. Upendrakishore's keen observation of human and animal behavior, coupled with his ability to infuse fantastical elements seamlessly, elevates these tales beyond mere entertainment.
In conclusion, it is a literary gem that transcends time. Lopamudra Maitra's translation skillfully captures the essence of the original Bengali tales, presenting a rich and engaging reading experience.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
April 19, 2024
"The Collected Stories" is a collection of sixty-three Bengali children's literature and fiction stories by Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury. The collection features a diverse range of characters, including eccentric woodland animals, peculiar villagers, and townspeople, and is filled with humour, clever puns, and bizarre situations. The collection is renowned for its imaginative storytelling and cultural richness, blending folklore, fantasy, and moral lessons. Chowdhury's writing style is simple and clear, allowing readers to easily connect with the themes and emotions. The stories reflect the cultural heritage of Bengal and universal aspects of human nature. The charm of these stories lies in their narrative whimsy and underlying themes that resonate across generations. The collection is skillfully captured in Lopamudra Maitra's translation, offering a rich and engaging reading experience.
April 13, 2024
It was a magical, nostalgic affair to read this book. They don’t make such books anymore, it’s a hidden treasure!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews