Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, was a writer, poet and journalist. He was born on June 27, 1838 and died on April 8, 1894. Chattopadhyay is best known for composing India’s national song, Vande Mataram. During his lifetime, he wrote 13 novels in Bengali and produced many critical, satirical, scientific and serio-comic works. He was also addressed as Sahitya Samrat in Bengali. He is said to have been influenced by the likes of Rabindranath Tagore, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay and Surendranath Dutt.
Here’s a look at some facts about his life:
1. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was born into an Orthodox Bengali Brahmin family in Naihati, West Bengal. He got married at the age of 11.
2. Chattopadhyay played a vital role in the literary renaissance movement through his writings.
3. He had a law degree and was appointed Jessore’s deputy collector in 1858. He retired from service in 1891.
4. The legendary writer Vande Mataram wrote on November 7, 1875. Vande Mataram’s verses can also be found in his political novel, Anandamath. The book was published in 1882. It was mainly about the Sanyasi army fighting the British soldiers. Vande Mataram’s tune was later given by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
5. He was one of the first graduates of the University of Calcutta.
6. Chattopadhyay started a monthly literary magazine called Bangadarshan in April 1972. It included stories, humorous sketches, among other things.
7. His best works include Devi Chaudhurani, Rajsimha, Ananda Math, Radharani, Krishnakanter Owl, Kapalkundala and Devi Chaudhurani, Rajsimha. Durgeshnandini and Kapalkundala were his first major publications and were so well received that they were translated into several languages.
8. His earliest works were published in a weekly magazine called Sangbad Prabhakar.
9. His first novel in English was titled, Rajmohan’s Wife while his first novel in Bengali was called Durgeshnondini.
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