THE history of Bangla non-fiction children鈥檚 literature is rooted in the cultural, educational and socio-political evolution of Bengal. Aimed at informing, educating and inspiring young minds, this literary genre has undergone significant transformations over the centuries, mirroring the aspirations and challenges of the Bengali society. From moral instruction to scientific exploration and from nationalistic narratives to global awareness, Bangla non-fiction for children has continually adapted to the needs of changing times.
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Foundational works
THE origin of non-fiction children鈥檚 literature in Bengal dates back to the early 19th century, aligning with the Bengal Renaissance, a period marked by significant intellectual and cultural awakening. This era witnessed the emergence of educational initiatives aimed at enlightening young minds through literature.
In 1815, the Serampore Baptist Mission Press published 鈥楪eography and Astronomy鈥� in Bangla, introducing children to the fundamentals of the sciences. This was followed by Felix Carey鈥檚 a collection of translated scientific essays in 1818 and Reverend May鈥檚 compilation of mathematical essays in 1819, both contributing to the growing repository of educational materials for children.
The Calcutta School Book Society, established in the early 19th century, played a pivotal role in this literary movement. In 1822, under the guidance of WH Pearce, the organisation released a series of science books focusing on animals, aiming to familiarise young readers with the animal kingdom. This initiative was furthered in 1833 by Ram Chandra Mitra, who wrote a second series on animals and in 1844, he expanded his contribution with a dedicated work on ornithology, enriching children鈥檚 understanding of bird life.
Far ahead, prominent figures like Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, Rabindranath Tagore and Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury recognised the importance of children鈥檚 literature as a medium for imparting moral values, practical knowledge and cultural awareness. Vidyasagar鈥檚 works emphasised ethical teachings presented engagingly while Tagore鈥檚 writings blended philosophical insights with scientific curiosity, encouraging independent thought among young readers. Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury introduced storytelling elements into educational books, making complex subjects more accessible and entertaining for children.
The early endeavours laid a robust foundation for Bangla non-fiction children鈥檚 literature, reflecting a commitment to education and the holistic development of young minds during a transformative period in Bengal鈥檚 history.
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Rise of science literature
WITH the dawn of the 20th century, the focus of children鈥檚 non-fiction literature shifted towards science and knowledge-based learning. Influenced by rapid advancements in science and technology as well as global educational trends, Bengali writers started producing books aimed at fostering curiosity and analytical thinking.
Prominent figures such as Jagadish Chandra Bose and Satyendranath Bose played instrumental roles in popularising science for children. They simplified complex scientific concepts, making them relatable to young readers. Biographies of great scientists and inventors also gained prominence, providing children with role models and inspiring them to pursue scientific inquiry.
This era saw a rise in books covering astronomy, physics, biology and environmental sciences, reflecting a broader societal emphasis on education and progress. Magazines such as Sandesh and Mauchak provided serialised science articles and knowledge-based stories, enriching children鈥檚 access to scientific learning outside of textbooks.
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Post independence: nationalism and identity
THE partition of Bengal in 1947 and the subsequent birth of Bangladesh in 1971 had a profound impact on Bangla children鈥檚 literature, particularly in East Bengal. The struggle for independence and the fight to preserve Bengali identity found their way into children鈥檚 books, particularly in the non-fiction genre.
Post independence, many books focused on the liberation war of 1971, highlighting the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and the resilience of the Bengali people. Writers introduced historical narratives tailored for young audiences, ensuring that children understood the significance of their national identity and heritage.
Non-fiction books during this period emphasised Bengali culture, folklore and historical events, reinforcing a sense of pride and belonging among young readers. Additionally, there was a conscious effort to instill civic values, teaching children about their responsibilities as future citizens of a newly independent nation.
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Modern trends
IN A 2021 study analysing children鈥檚 literature in Bangladesh, it was found that only 21 per cent of the published children鈥檚 books were non-fiction, based on data from the annual publication of the Creative Publishers鈥� Association. Specifically, while the Bangla Academy published a mere 1.6 per cent of its total number of books for children, 35 per cent of them were non-fiction. Similarly, the Bangladesh Shishu Academy dedicated 29 per cent of its publications to non-fiction children鈥檚 books.
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Bangla non-fiction children鈥檚 literature evolved to reflect diverse themes and global issues. As the world became more interconnected, writers and publishers sought to introduce children to topics beyond their immediate surroundings, preparing them for an increasingly complex and dynamic world.
Modern non-fiction books cover a wide range of topics, including environmental conservation, gender equality, mental health, human rights and digital literacy. The urgency of climate change, for an example, has led to the publication of books that educate children about sustainable living, conservation efforts and climate adaptation strategies.
Contemporary writers have started addressing issues related to diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that children鈥檚 literature reflects the experiences of various communities, including indigenous groups, people with disabilities and gender minorities. This shift has broadened the scope of Bangla non-fiction, making it more representative and socially conscious.
Magazines and online platforms dedicated to children鈥檚 non-fiction continue to play a crucial role in knowledge dissemination. Publications such as Shishu Mela and digital platforms featuring educational content have become invaluable resources for young learners, offering a mix of science, history and social studies tailored to children.
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Challenges and opportunities
BANGLA non-fiction children鈥檚 literature, with its rich heritage, faces several challenges. Financial constraints limit publishers鈥� ability to produce high-quality books, especially those requiring advanced illustrations and interactive content. The rise of digital entertainment, including mobile games and social media, has reduced the time children spend reading books. Additionally, many parents and schools prioritise English-language books, which can overshadow the importance of the Bangla literature.
However, these challenges also present opportunities. Advancement in printing technology and digital media has transformed globally the way non-fiction is presented to children. Illustrated guides, graphic novels and interactive e-books have made learning more engaging and accessible. Publishers have also embraced multimedia formats, incorporating augmented reality and digital storytelling techniques to create immersive reading experiences. Collaborating with educational technology companies and digital publishers can help to bring Bangla non-fiction literature into the digital age, making it more interactive and accessible. A focus on indigenous knowledge systems, folklore and local scientific contributions can offer children a unique and culturally enriching reading experience. Encouraging government initiatives, library expansion and public-private partnerships can to help sustain and grow the genre.
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Future of Bangla non-fiction for children
THE evolution of Bangla non-fiction children鈥檚 literature reflects the adaptability and resilience of the Bengali culture. From the moral instruction of the 19th century to the scientific curiosity of the 20th century, from post-independence nationalistic narratives to the global consciousness of the modern era, this genre has continually evolved to meet the needs of young readers.
Moving forward, the future of non-fiction children鈥檚 literature in Bangladesh lies in its ability to blend tradition with innovation. By embracing new formats, addressing contemporary issues and ensuring cultural representation, this literary genre can continue to educate, inspire and empower generations to come. As the world changes, so do must the books that shape young minds, ensuring that Bangla non-fiction remains a vital force in children鈥檚 education and intellectual development.
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Musharraf Tansen is a development听analyst and former country听representative of Malala Fund.
