Prabha Kaini’s novel “Anabritta” tells the story of a bold woman who denies the conservative, traditional and
superstitious beliefs about women in out patriarchal society.
In the novel Pabitra emerges as a revolutionist and confronts all kinds of discriminations as she grows up in a family where girls are treated, literally, in second degree aspects. Pabitra’s childhood has been completely devoted to household works like feeding animals, collecting firewood, cooking, carrying water from wells, washing clothes etc.
The various avatars of a woman as daughter, wife, daughter in law, sister, mother and what not, have been explored in “Anabritta”. Inspite of their key contribution in a family, women are entirely subjugated by men. Women are merely a working and child bearing machine.
A real life situation of women in our surrounding has been revealed by Prabha Kaini in a decent way. The novelist Mrs. Kaini has artistically interwoven all the instances to show the reality of our society. Pabitra recalls how her life as a daughter was compromised in a number of decisions in compared to her brothers. Many activities were restricted to girls as if they were just created for the men’s pleasure and satisfaction.
“Anabritta” can be called a robust novel against gender bias, women empowerment, women psychology and women’s comprehensive ideological issues.
As Prabitra marries to Suman, her liberty gets innumerable challenges and her husband turns out to be a fiend creature who tries to have power over her dignity. She tries her best to support her husband but when he keeps on playing
with her aspiration and wish, she stands against him. Since things don’t go with Suman, he leaves Pabitra alone with an infant daughter.
After that Pabitra vows not to reunite with that man again despite of incoming pressure from her parents and friends. She chooses to begin her journey of life alone as she calls her sister from the village. In the beginning Pabitra has to struggle but later everything goes smooth.
A fine and intelligent announcement about women is echoed throughout “Anabritta”. Women and men are two sides of a coin and two wheels of a chariot. Women are capable of doing what men can do. Never ignore them and never think that they are just weak toys.