Tales of Bengal

"Tales of Bengal" by S. B. Banerjea, is a collection of stories set in the late 1800s that explores the difficulties of people living in Bengal. The stories mostly take place in the countryside, especially in Kadampur, a small village, and show the traditions, the way people relate to each other, and the problems they face, like money troubles and conflicts between different social classes. At the start, you learn about Kadampur, a small village with mostly lower-class Hindu and Muslim people. Key people include Kumodini Kanta Basu, a successful businessman, and Shám Babu, a clerk looking for a peaceful life in Kadampur. When the villagers talk about needing a market, Kumodini Babu sees a chance to build one, showing both his drive and his kindness by offering to pay for it. This first part prepares you for stories about business, social class, and family relationships that will come up later.