Lakshmipat Singhania Academy
(Kolkata)
About Abol Tabol
Sukumar Ray stands as a luminary whose work continues to captivate readers of all ages. Among his many literary treasures, Abol Tabol shines as a timeless gem. It is an assortment of whimsical poems that dance with language, humour, and imagination. Published in 19th September 1923, this masterpiece of children's literature remains as fresh and delightful today as it was nearly a century ago.
Abol Tabol, which roughly translates to "Rhymes without Reason," is a delightful concoction of nonsensical verse, where the absurdity of the words is only matched by their sheer brilliance. Sukumar Ray crafted a world where logic takes a back seat and imagination reigns supreme. From Hukomukho Hyangla to Kumropotash and Khuror Kawl, each poem in Abol Tabol takes the readers on a voyage where the absurd becomes ordinary and the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
One of the most enchanting aspects of "Abol Tabol" is its linguistic playfulness. Sukumar Ray was a master of wordplay, effortlessly weaving together puns, rhymes, and absurdities to create a symphony of sounds that delights the ear and tickles the imagination. His use of onomatopoeia adds an extra layer of charm to his verses, bringing them to life in the minds of readers. Each poem portrays Ray's linguistic prowess and his ability to transform ordinary words into extraordinary delights.
With Abol Tabol, Ray truly transforms the mundane into magic!
Abol Tabol - the book
Sukumar Ray stands tall among his international contemporaries for his unique blend of wit and linguistic brilliance. The articles explore and analyse Ray’s works and times alongside luminaries such as Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, whose contributions to the genre of nonsense literature have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape.
Feedback of the students
On Sukumar Ray's contemporaries
Step into a whimsical world of colour and imagination, featuring the enchanting artwork of Dr. Anindya Kanti Biswas, inspired by Sukumar Ray's timeless masterpiece, Abol Tabol. Through vibrant brushstrokes and intricate details, he brings to life the beloved characters of Ray's nonsensical verses, inviting viewers on a journey of whimsy delight.
Art Work by Dr. Anindya Kanti Biswas
A while before the interview the students who were supposed to ask the questions i.e. Avilash Ghosh and Rai Acharya Chowdhury were informed that Professor Pinaki De was not well and they grimaced as they had a lot of questions about Sukumar Ray’s Abol Tabol and his other works for the reputed academic, illustrator, graphic artist and writer. When the interview began and an introductory conversation took place their worries were resolved. The session with Professor De was full of insights, stories and opinions about Ray’s work and the history of print culture and illustration art in Bengal they had never been exposed to earlier. He was extremely passionate while answering each question and turned what was expected to be a bland interview into a fun interactive session that really opened up the eyes of the students towards the minute details of Abol Tabol’s art and Sukumar Ray’s artistic style. It was one of the most informative and interesting interviews the students had taken yet and they couldn't help but marvel at both Professor De’s knowledge and love for art and literature and Sukumar Ray’s unparalleled genius.
Feedback of the students on the Interview with Dr. Pinaki De
Interview with Dr. Pinaki De
