Magical Realism in the Short Stories of Seelabhadra

Mathematician Revatimohan Dutta Choudhury, under the pen name Sheelbhadra, made an invaluable contribution to the arena of Assamese literature. While reflecting sordid realities of life, his dexterity also lies in literary experimentation. A master creator, Sheelbhadra pens numerous stories in different publications during his lifetime. Profound literary experimentation becomes a part and percel of his craftmanship. Magical realism, a 20th century dominant literary technique popularised by Franz Kafka, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, among others, finds place in Sheelabhadra's creations too. Being an avid reader of the contemporary literary trends as well as literary theory, the master story-teller dexterously infuses life to his creations.  His stories are inherent and latent criticism of power-structure. Apart from that he also critiques societal prejudices. In this study we are going to discuss the elements of magical realism in the short stories of Sheelbhadra. His oeuvre includes over 20 short story collections.