Bankim Chandra Chatterjee was a Bengali writer, poet, and journalist who is known for his significant contributions to Bengali and Indian literature. He was born on June 26, 1838, in the village of Kanthalpara, in the present-day West Bengal state of India. Chatterjee's father, Krishna Chandra Chatterjee, was a deputy magistrate and his mother, Chandra, was a homemaker.
Chatterjee received his early education in a local school and later attended the Hindu College in Kolkata. After completing his studies, he joined the British Indian administration as a deputy collector and worked in various parts of the country, including Delhi, Agra, and Allahabad. During this time, he developed an interest in literature and began writing poetry and fiction in his spare time.
In 1869, Chatterjee published his first novel, "Durgeshnandini," which was a major success and established him as a leading figure in Bengali literature. He followed this up with several other novels, including "Kapalkundala," "Anandamath," and "Rajmohan's Wife," which were also well received by readers. In addition to novels, Chatterjee also wrote poetry and essays, and was a prolific journalist, contributing articles to various newspapers and magazines.
One of Chatterjee's most significant contributions to literature was the introduction of the historical novel genre in Bengali literature. His novel "Anandamath," which was published in 1882, was set during the Sannyasi Rebellion of the late 18th century and dealt with themes of nationalism and religious reform. The novel was hugely popular and is considered a classic of Bengali literature.
Chatterjee was also a prominent political figure and played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. He was a member of the Indian National Congress and was involved in the Swadeshi movement, which aimed to boycott foreign goods and promote the use of Indian-made products. He was also a strong advocate of women's rights and supported the widows' remarriage movement in India.
Chatterjee died on April 8, 1894, at the age of 55. He left behind a rich legacy in literature and is remembered as one of the pioneers of modern Bengali literature. His works continue to be widely read and studied, and he is considered a national hero in India.
