Gaban (novel)

Gaban is a Bengali-language novel written by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Published in 1931, the title translates roughly to "The Shroud" or "Robe" in English, referring to a piece of valuable cloth that becomes central to the plot.

The novel tells the story of Ramanath, a young man of limited means and a penchant for extravagance, and his wife, Jaladhar. Ramanath's desire to impress Jaladhar and maintain a semblance of status leads him into financial difficulties. He fraudulently obtains a valuable gaban, a piece of fine cloth, leading to a series of increasingly complex problems and moral compromises.

The story explores themes of social pressure, the conflict between material desires and ethical values, the struggles of the lower middle class, and the societal expectations placed upon individuals. Gaban provides a critical commentary on the corruption and hypocrisy prevalent in society during the pre-independence era in India. It examines the impact of societal norms and the pressure to conform on individual integrity and happiness.

The novel is considered one of Chattopadhyay's important works, notable for its realistic portrayal of characters, its insightful social commentary, and its compelling narrative. It has been adapted into several films and plays.