Unveiling Marginalized Narratives: Chittaprosad Bhattacharya’s Bengal Famine Watch Sketches as Testimonials of Suffering

Abstract

This article delves into the visual narratives encapsulated in Chittaprosad Bhattacharya’s Bengal Famine watch sketches, with a specific focus on the experiences of marginalized communities during the Bengal Famine of 1943. Through a meticulous analysis of the sketches, this study unveils the nuanced ways in which the famine disproportionately affected the rural labourers, tribal groups, and urban poor who often find themselves on the periphery of mainstream historical narratives. The visual richness and symbolism embedded in Chittaprosad’s work offer profound insights into the socio-economic disparities that characterized the famine’s impact on vulnerable populations. The research highlights the intersectionality of struggle, emphasizing how caste, class and geographical factors compounded the challenges faced by the marginalized. The findings underscore the imperative of acknowledging and centring marginalized perspectives in historical analysis, urging a re-evaluation of the Bengal Famine through a lens that brings forth the stories of those often left unheard. This article not only contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of a specific historical event but also prompts broader reflections on the significance of marginalized narratives in shaping our collective memory and fostering a more inclusive discourse on socio-economic struggles.