Author
Mamlar Fal is wriiten by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. He born on September 15, 1876 in Debanandapur, Bengal, British India. Chattopadhyay was a writer and novelist whose stories are known for their emotional depth and social insight. He inherited his interest in writing from his father, who also wrote many stories but never finished them.
Publishment
Mamlar Fal was first published in 1923. Mamlar Fal explores themes of social justice, morality, and personal struggle. The story revolves around a court case involving a woman.
Mamlar Fal by Sharatchandra Chattopadhyay is a remarkable creation that explores the complexities of human relationships and the impact of legal procedures on life. This story helps us understand that sometimes the pursuit of justice can be so prolonged and exhausting that it destroys relationships, trust, and humanity. Mamalar Fal is not just about the outcome of a lawsuit, it is a profound analysis of the effects of legal battles on life and relations.
Mamlar Fal
In this story, Mamlar Fal by Sharatchandra Chattopadhyay he tells that after old Brindaban Samanta’s death, his two sons, Shibu and Shambhu, constantly quarreled and lived separately for six months. Then, one day, they decided to separate completely.
The village landlord, Chowdhury Mashai, came personally and divided their ancestral property, including their farmland, ponds, and gardens. The younger brother, Shambhu, built a small mud house on the other side of the pond with his wife and children.
Everything was divided, but a small bamboo grove remained undivided. Shibu objected, saying, “Chowdhury Mashai, I absolutely need this bamboo grove. My house is old, and I need bamboo to repair the roof and doors.
Whom can I ask for bamboo in the village?”Shambhu protested, waving his hand at his elder brother, saying, “Does he need bamboo for his house’s doors and windows, and will a banana tree suffice for mine?
No, Chowdhury Mashai, I must have this bamboo grove.”The dispute ended there, and the bamboo grove remained jointly owned. Consequently, whenever Shambhu tried to take a few bamboo sticks, Shibu would chase him away.
Similarly, when Shambhu’s wife walked under the bamboo grove, Shambhu would run after her with a stick.That morning, a fierce quarrel erupted between the two families over the bamboo grove.
Gangamani, Shibu’s wife, needed some bamboo leaves for the Sixth Day worship, but she felt ashamed to ask others for something they had.She thought her brother-in-law had likely gone to the fields, leaving his wife alone, but Shambhu was delayed that day.
Just as he finished eating leftover rice and began washing his hands, his wife rushed in, saying her sister-in-law had taken bamboo leaves.Shambhu immediately created a ruckus, tearing off the leaves and pulling his brother’s wife away.
He uttered abusive words at his brother, which he surely didn’t learn from the Ramayana’s character Lakshman.Meanwhile, Gangamani returned home, weeping, and sent word to her husband, Shibu, in the fields.
Shibu immediately dropped his plow and rushed back, brandishing his stick. He stood near the bamboo grove and shouted insults at Shambhu, attracting a crowd.
When his anger didn’t subside, Shibu went to the landlord’s house to complain, threatening to file a lawsuit if Chowdhury Mashai didn’t intervene.
On the other side, Shambhu finished collecting bamboo leaves and happily went to the fields with his cattle, unaware of his wife’s warning. His wife, alone at home, heard her brother-in-law’s loud threats but couldn’t respond.
Disheartened and resentful toward her husband, she didn’t even enter the kitchen. She sat on the veranda, legs stretched out, lost in thought.Similarly, Shibu’s household was tense.
Gangamani sat waiting for her husband, vowing to either get justice or return to her father’s house, refusing food and water.Time passed, and by 1:30 pm, Shibu hadn’t returned.
Gangamani grew anxious, wondering if he had gone to the landlord’s house or directly to court.Just then, Shambhu’s eldest son, Goyaram, burst in, slamming the outer door.
He was 16 or 17 years old, with a fiery temper and sharp tongue, honed from attending the village minor school.
Since his mother’s death when he was one, his father, Shambhu, had remarried, but Goyaram’s upbringing fell to his aunt. He had no close bond with his stepmother and often ate at his aunt’s house.
Goyaram entered the house after school and saw his stepmother’s unhappy face and the unfinished meal preparations. His aunt’s calm demeanor only fueled his anger. Without hesitation, he asked, “Aunt, give me rice!”
His aunt remained silent, sitting motionless.Enraged, Goyaram stood with one foot on the ground and shouted, “Will you give me rice or not?!”
Gangamani looked up, her eyes blazing, and retorted, “I’ve been waiting to serve you!Did you come here to create a scene, thinking your stepmother couldn’t feed you?”
oyaram yelled back, “I don’t care about her! Will you give me rice or not?” He threatened to break all the utensils if she didn’t comply.
Aunt Gangamani panicked, shouting, “Goyaram, you scoundrel! Stop your nonsense! I just bought new utensils; if you break one, I’ll have your father punish you!”
Goyaram grabbed a stick and headed towards the kitchen. But suddenly, he remembered something and returned, relatively calm, saying, “Forget the rice; I don’t want it.
I saw the Brahmin girls performing puja by the river, offering chire-murki to whoever wants it. I’ll go there.”
Gangamani realized it was Aranyashashti day and her anger softened. Still, she maintained her stern tone, “Go then, see how you’re received!”
As Goyaram left, wrapping a torn gamcha around his waist, Gangamani exclaimed, “How dare you eat from others on Aranyashashti day? You’ll bring shame upon yourself!”Goyaram didn’t respond.
He took some oil from the kitchen, applied it to his hair, and left. His aunt followed, cautioning, “Beware, you’ll face consequences! Return home before dusk, or you’ll face my wrath!”
Goyaram wasn’t intimidated. He showed his aunt his thumb and ran off. Gangamani chased him, shouting, “On Aranyashashti day, who eats from others? You think you’re some noble, born in a wealthy kshatriya family?”
Goyaram turned back and asked, “Why didn’t you give me rice earlier? Why didn’t you tell me?” Gangamani, astonished, replied, “When did I ever tell you there was no rice? You barged in like a thief and demanded rice!”
Goyaram retorted, “Your rice is worthless!” and walked away. Gangamani, hurt, shouted, “Don’t eat from others on Aranyashashti day, Goyaram! You’ll bring bad luck!”Goyaram didn’t look back.
As he disappeared from sight, Gangamani, overcome with emotion, sat down and began to cry, lamenting her misfortune.
Meanwhile, Goyaram walked along the river, his aunt’s words echoing in his mind. He had a weakness for good food, and the mention of patali-gurer sandesh (a sweet dish), curd, milk, and chapakala (a type of fruit) made his mouth water.
Adding the four paise (coins) as a bonus sealed the deal.After bathing, Goyaram returned home, famished. He called out, “Aunt, bring all the food quickly! I’m starving!”
He threatened, “If you give me less patali-gurer sandesh, I’ll eat you up!”Gangamani, who was in the cowshed, smiled to herself. She had been bluffing about the food earlier.
There was no chapakala or patali-gurer sandesh. She replied, “Change your clothes first, and I’ll come quickly.“
Goyaram changed and sat down to eat. Gangamani hurriedly washed her hands and brought out the food. Seeing Goyaram’s pleased expression, she felt relieved and said, “My dear boy, why be angry? It’s just talk!”
As Gangamani presented the food, Goyaram quickly scanned the offerings and asked, “Where’s the chapakala?” Gangamani hesitated, “The rats ate it all; I didn’t cover it.”Goyaram laughed, “Rats don’t eat chapakala!
You didn’t have any, so why not say so?” Gangamani looked surprised, “Rats don’t eat chapakala? I didn’t know!”
Goyaram teased, “Rats eat chapakala, but I don’t need it. Bring more patali-gurer sandesh instead!” Gangamani smiled, “I’ll bring more, but don’t tease me!”
Gangamani hasgreat role in Mamlar Fal by Sharatchandra Chattopadhyay,when she re-entered the store room, rummaged through it, and then exclaimed, “Oh no, the rats have eaten everything! Not a single piece is left.
I must have left the container open.”
Before she could finish, Goya burst out laughing and said, “Rats don’t eat patali-gurer sandesh, you wicked woman! You’re tricking me! If you had nothing, why did you call me?”
Gangamani came out and said, “I’m telling the truth, Goya.”
Goya jumped up and said, “You’re lying! I don’t want your food, but you’ll pay for this!” He grabbed a wooden stick and rushed toward the store room.
Gangamani ran and fell down, but Goya broke all the utensils and scattered everything. When Gangamani tried to stop him, she got a minor injury on her hand.
Just then, Shibu returned from the landlord’s house. Hearing the commotion, he asked what happened. Gangamani, crying, said, “Goya broke everything and hit me!” She showed him her injured hand.
Shibu asked angrily, “What’s going on?” Gangamani’s nephew, who was with Shibu, blamed the incident on Goya, saying, “Master, this is all the doing of that little samant. He got the boy to do it.”
Gangamani nodded in agreement, “Yes, brother, that’s right. He taught that wicked boy to attack me.”
Shibu, already frustrated from his visit to the landlord’s house, lost his temper. He vowed, “I’ll report this to the police inspector. I won’t spare him!”
The nephew added, “This is trespassing, vandalism, and assault.
He’ll get six months in jail.”Shibu, holding his nephew’s hand, headed to the police station to file a complaint. Gangamani was furious, especially with her brother-in-law and sister-in-law.
She picked up the wooden stick and chain from the courtyard and went to Shambhu’s house, shouting, “How dare you, brother-in-law! You think you can get your son to beat me up? Now you and your son will rot in jail together!”
Shambhu was standing outside, having just finished his morning rituals with his son. Seeing his elder brother’s furious face and the wooden stick in his hand, he was taken aback.
“What’s wrong?” Shambhu asked.Gangamani’s face twisted in anger, “No need to pretend anymore. The police inspector is on his way.
Tell him you know nothing.”
Shambhu’s wife came out of the house and stood silently, her eyes fixed on her husband.Shambhu approached Gangamani, grasping her hand, “Sister, I swear we know nothing.”
Gangamani, though aware of the truth, wasn’t in the mood for mercy. She blamed Goya for the incident, exaggerating his misdeeds.
Shambhu’s wife spoke up, “I’ve been telling you, husband, this rogue will kill our young son one day. Don’t let him enter our house.”Shambhu pleaded, “Sister, is dad really going to the police station?”Gangamani firmly replied, “Yes, he has.
Your Panchu has gone with him.”Shambhu grew fearful. His wife suggested, “Take him to the government bridge construction site. They’ll make him work and beat him up.
No escape!”Shambhu begged, “Please, sister, stop this!”
His wife continued, “Either that or send him to school. He’ll become a lawyer!”Shambhu cried, “I won’t send him to that place! Many don’t return, and those who do are never found.”
His wife insisted, “Then let father and son rot in jail together.”Gangamani remained silent. Shambhu grasped her hand again, “I’ll take him to the Pul tomorrow and make him work. Please calm dad down.”
His wife added, “All this trouble is because of that thief. I’ve told you, husband, don’t let him in.”Shambhu promised to send Goya away the next day. Gangamani left silently, dropping the wooden stick.Husband, brother, Goya is still hungry.
In the afternoon, he was quietly preparing food for them in the kitchen when Goya stealthily entered. Seeing no one else around, he gathered courage and called out, “Aunt!”
Gangamani was startled but didn’t speak. Goya sat down nearby, exhausted, and said, “Give me whatever you have, I’m extremely hungry.”Gangamani’s anger flared up at the mention of food.
She rebuked him, “Wicked one! Glutton! How dare you come to me again saying you’re hungry?”Goya replied, “Will I leave because you say so?“
Gangamani scolded, “You rascal! I won’t feed you again!”Goya argued, “Who’ll feed me if you don’t?”Gangamani retorted, “Your stepmother’s place is where your hunger will be satisfied.”Goya’s eyes blazed, “That wicked stepmother?
I won’t even look at her face!”Gangamani softened slightly, “If you had asked your stepmother, she would’ve given you food.”Goya threatened, “I’ll burn down the whole bamboo grove! You’re stopping me from eating?”
Gangamani warned, “You’ll be handed over to the police, you unlucky one!”Goya boasted, “Tell your husband I’ll set the bamboo grove ablaze!”Gangamani declared, “My husband has already gone to the police station with Panchu.”
Goya’s anger intensified, “Why did you stop me when I was about to beat you?”Gangamani challenged, “Will you hit me? Try it, and see!”Goya showed his fist, “You’ll see my strength!“
Gangamani defied, “I’ve had enough of your threats!”Goya shouted, “Feed me first, or I’ll leave!”Gangamani insisted, “My patience has run out!”Goya pleaded, “When did I eat last? Two handfuls of puffed rice at seven?”
Gangamani remained unmoved, “Your hunger is none of my concern, wicked boy!”
Gangamani was about to say something when Shibu returned from the police station with Panchu and, seeing Goya, flared up, “You wicked rascal!
You’ve entered my house again! Get out, I say! Panchu, catch the thief!” Goya hastily fled through the door.In an instant, this drama unfolded. Gangamani couldn’t even utter a word.
Shibu rebuked his wife, “You’re to blame for this. If you let him in again, you’ll face severe consequences.”Panchu chimed in, “Didi, you’re my downfall.
I see him sneaking into our yard at night.”Shibu threatened, “If I don’t get him arrested tomorrow, I’ll…” Gangamani sat silently, unable to speak. Frightened Panchu didn’t return home that night.
The next day, around 10 am, Inspector Babu arrived with constables and village officials to investigate. The charges included trespassing, theft, and assault on Gangamani.Goya, the main accused, was brought before the inspector.
Seeing the police, Goya tearfully pleaded, “They want to kill me because no one likes me.”
Inspector Babu, an elderly man, asked with compassion, “Doesn’t anyone love you, Goya?” Goya replied, “Only my aunt loves me.”
Babu inquired, “Then why did you beat her?” Goya denied, “I didn’t beat her.”
Gangamani, hiding behind a partition, spoke up, “When did I ever beat you, Aunt?” Panchu prompted, “Tell the truth, Didi.
You beat him with a wooden plank, didn’t you?” Gangamani murmured inaudibly.Panchu clarified, “Yes, sir. My sister admits to beating him.” Goya protested, “You liar, Panchu!” and burst into tears.
The inspector smiled. Goya continued, “My mother isn’t around, or else…” His sentence remained incomplete. He thought of his mother, whom he never remembered, and wept profusely.
The second accused, Shambhu, had no evidence against him. Inspector Babu ordered the complaint to be filed in court and left. Panchu took charge of pursuing the case and spreading the word about Goya’s severe punishment for assaulting his aunt.
However, Goya was nowhere to be found. Neighbors condemned Shibu’s actions, and he argued with them. His wife who already has great role in Mamlar Fal by Sharatchandra Chattopadhyay, Gangamani, remained silent.
When a distant relative of Goya’s visited and scolded Gangamani, she stayed quiet.
Shibu asked his wife, “Why didn’t you speak up?” Gangamani replied, “No.” Shibu said, “If I were home, I would have beaten that woman.”
Gangamani suggested, “Then stay home from now on.” She left for her chores.
That day, Shambhu came and cut some bamboo while Shibu was away. Gangamani saw it but didn’t intervene.
When Shibu learned about it, he scolded his wife, “Didn’t you notice?” Gangamani said, “I saw everything.”
Shibu asked, “Why didn’t you inform me?” Gangamani replied, “Why should I? Does Shibu own the bamboo grove alone? Doesn’t the deity have a share?” Shibu was shocked and asked, “Has your mind gone crazy?”
That evening, Panchu returned from the city, exhausted. Shibu was chopping fodder and didn’t notice Panchu’s subtle smile in the darkness. Panchu said, “Nothing’s impossible when Panchu’s around. I’ll get Goya arrested.”
Shibu’s obsession grew, and they discussed plans.At 11 pm, Shibu found the kitchen dark and his wife sleeping on a mat. He asked, “Why didn’t you call us for dinner?” Gangamani replied calmly, “Who cooked dinner?” Shibu asked, “Haven’t you cooked yet?”
Gangamani said, “My body doesn’t feel well, I won’t be able to today.” Shibu’s hunger was intense, and he couldn’t bear it. He kicked his wife and said, “You’re always sick, always unable to cook!” Gangamani didn’t respond or get up; she remained lying down.
That night, neither Shibu nor his sister-in-law had dinner. The next morning, Gangamani was nowhere to be found. After searching, Panchu said, “She must have gone to our house.” But Gangamani hadn’t gone to her father’s house or her aunt’s house.
Shibu was worried and regretful.His interest in the lawsuit diminished. He said, “Go to the court, I don’t need to find her.” In the evening, Panchu informed Shibu that Gangamani’s whereabouts had been discovered.
However, it was revealed that Panchu had actually found Goya. Shibu was unenthusiastic, but Panchu convinced him to take action. The next night, they left for the village where Goya was hiding.
Upon arrival, they found Goya at a small hut, eating with Gangamani. Shibu’s face turned dark with anger, shock, and disappointment. Gangamani, seeing Shibu, calmly said, “Come, take a break and fetch water from the river; I’ll prepare another serving of rice.”
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