Educational Values and Pedagogy in Pyarichand Mitra’s “Alaler Gharer Dulal”

“Alaler Gharer Dulal” by Pyarichand Mitra, a pioneering gem in Bengali literature, transcends the bounds of a mere social novel to emerge as a subtle yet powerful canvas of educational philosophy and pedagogical insight. This paper explores the novel’s rich tapestry of values—moral, cultural, and intellectual—woven intricately through its characters and narrative arcs. Pyarichand Mitra critiques the colonial education system while envisioning a more holistic model rooted in indigenous wisdom, ethical refinement, and the nurturing of character. Through the protagonist’s transformation, the novel becomes a pedagogical parable, offering timeless lessons on discipline, empathy, and societal responsibility. This study highlights how the text, though written in the 19th century, remains strikingly relevant in its advocacy for value-based education and reformative learning practices. Thus, “Alaler Gharer Dulal” stands not only as a literary milestone but also as a beacon of progressive thought in the field of education.