Dr. Anup Kumar Satra's book Chandrakanta is a pathfinding research-oriented work. Written in 1803 by Kali Prasad Kabiraj or Gourikanta Roy, the final version of the book was published in 1871. Today, this book is rare and difficult to find. The author's research and effort are undoubtedly commendable. Chandrakanta describes how the courage and self-sacrifice of a virtuous woman help a man find the path to salvation. Chandrakanta’s wife, Tilottama, is an extraordinary character, combining the virtues of mythical virtuous women like Draupadi, Sita, and Savitri. On the other hand, Chitrasen, the son of a cursed Gandharva, is reborn in a merchant family in Birbhum as Chandrakanta, the son of a wealthy businessman. Chandrakanta travels to foreign lands for business, where he becomes enamored with the beauty of a foreign princess and settles there. His wife, Tilottama, disguised as a young man named Kishore Mohan, arrives in Gujarat city and, with her intelligence and bravery, manages to bring her husband back from the princess’s grasp. This book is a splendid example of female power, courage, and determination. Dr. Anup Kumar Satra's research-oriented presentation will undoubtedly captivate history-loving readers.
