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Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Introduction:
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee also known as Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, was a Bengali writer, poet and journalist. He was born on 26th June 1838 in Naihati, India. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee is known as the father of Bengali novel. He was an Indian novelist, poet and journalist. He was the composer of Vande Mataram, originally in Sanskrit, personifying India as a mother goddess and inspiring activists during the Indian Independence Movement.
Early Life and Education
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee was born in Naihati, Kolkata, on 26 June 1838. He was the son of a prosperous civil surgeon and studied at Presidency College, Kolkata, and then at Hindu College, Calcutta. After graduating in 1856, he joined the Indian Civil Service, but resigned in 1858 to devote himself to a literary career.
Career in the Indian Police Service
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee started his career in the Indian Police Service. After serving for a few years, he resigned from his job to pursue a career in writing. This was a time when very few people in India were writing in English. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s novels and essays were a departure from the typical romantic stories of the time. They were infused with a new sense of Indian identity and patriotism. His depiction of India as a mother goddess in the song Vande Mataram was a source of inspiration for many activists during the Indian Independence Movement.
First Novel and its aftermath
After completing his degree, Bankim started working as an assistant editor at a magazine called Tattwabodhini Patrika. His first novel, Rajmohan’s Wife, was published in 1865 and it was an instant hit. However, the British authorities were not happy with the way Bankim portrayed them in his work. They even banned the sale of the novel. Undeterred, Bankim continued to write and publish novels that were critical of the British rule. His most famous work, Vande Mataram, was published in 1876 and it soon became the unofficial national anthem of India.
Works after leaving the service
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee was a prolific writer even after he left government service. His works encompassed a variety of genres such as novels, essays, travelogues, and biographies. Among his better-known novels are Rajmohini, Kapalkundala, and Durgeshnandini. He also wrote a number of patriotic songs, the most famous of which is Vande Mataram, which was set to music by Rabindranath Tagore and later became the national song of India.
Death and Legacy
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee was a pioneer in Indian writing. His writing is celebrated to this day, and he is considered one of the most important figures in Indian literature. After a long and successful career, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee passed away in 1894. His legacy is celebrated to this day, and he is considered one of the most important figures in Indian literature.
Bankim Chandra’s Literary Career
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee is considered one of the pioneers of modern Indian writing. He was one of the first authors to write novels in Bengali, and is credited with introducing realism into Bengali fiction. He also wrote patriotic songs, including Vande Mataram, which played an important role in the Indian Independence Movement. His novels are considered to be among the best in Indian literature, and continue to be popular to this day.
An Inspiration to Indian Writers
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee is considered one of the pioneers of Indian writing. He was a versatile writer who wrote in both Bengali and English and is best known for his novel, Anandamath. He also composed Vande Mataram, the Indian National Anthem. His work was highly influential in shaping Indian writing and continues to be an inspiration to many Indian writers even today.
Conclusion:
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was a great Bengali writer and Indian Nationalist. He wrote Vande Mataram, India’s national song which inspired Indians during the freedom struggle against British colonial rule.
