Tree Without Roots by Sayed Waliullah (Lal Shalu)

Here are some major facts about the novel Tree Without Roots:

Origin and Publication:

• Written by Bangladeshi author Syed Waliullah.
• Originally published in Bengali as Lal Shalu in 1948.
• Later, in 1967, Waliullah translated it into English as Tree Without Roots.

Story and Themes:

• Follows Majeed, a protagonist struggling with poverty and alienation in rural Bangladesh.
• Majeed takes control of a fake shrine (mazar) and exploits the villagers' faith for personal gain.
• Explores themes of:
  
  • Exploitation of religion
  • Search for identity and meaning
  • The nature of faith
  • Potential impact of colonialism (depending on interpretation)

Interesting Notes:

• The English version, Tree Without Roots, differs slightly from the original Bengali version.
  
  • Some plot points and characters are changed.
  • The English version omits a chapter that delves into education debates.
• The title "Tree Without Roots" is a metaphor for Majeed's unstable and unanchored existence.
• Considered a classic of Bengali literature and a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.

 

An Overview on Tree Without Roots by Sayed Waliullah (Lal Shalu)

Fleeing his overcrowded village, Majeed, a rootless man, seeks refuge in Awalpur, a remote village in Bangladesh. Desperate for a secure life, he stumbles upon an abandoned shrine. With a cunning mind, Majeed hatches a plan. He declares the shrine the resting place of a forgotten saint and poses as its caretaker.

The villagers, simple and devout, readily embrace the "holy" site. Majeed feeds their faith with fabricated stories and rituals, manipulating them for personal gain. He thrives on their offerings, building a comfortable life for himself and his first wife, Rahima. Despite their prosperity, both Majeed and Rahima yearn for a child, a yearning that remains unfulfilled.

Their seemingly stable life is shaken by the arrival of Khaleque, a wealthy landowner. Khaleque's childless wife, Amena, pushes him to seek blessings at the "shrine" for a child. Amena's lack of faith in Majeed's power stings him, driving him to fabricate more elaborate rituals. The pressure intensifies when Khaleque's rival pir (holy man) from a nearby village arrives in Awalpur, attracting some of the villagers' devotion.

Majeed's position becomes precarious. He resorts to threats and intimidation to maintain control. However, his web of lies starts to unravel. A young boy discovers a hidden compartment in the "shrine," revealing Majeed's fabricated offerings. This discovery throws the village into turmoil. Some villagers remain loyal, clinging to their newfound faith, while others confront Majeed, accusing him of deception.

The situation escalates into a violent clash between Majeed's supporters and those seeking the truth. Majeed, fearing for his life, flees Awalpur with Rahima, leaving the village in a state of confusion and disillusionment. News of the deception spreads to neighboring villages, shattering any remaining belief in Majeed's sham.

Years pass. A flood engulfs the region, leaving a trail of devastation. Majeed, now alone (Rahima's fate is left unclear), returns to the ruined "shrine" in Awalpur. The flood exposes the true barrenness of the place, a stark reminder of the hollowness of his constructed faith. The novel ends with Majeed standing alone amidst the wreckage, a lonely figure adrift in a world where he has no roots.