Bankim Chandra Chatterjee: A Literary Pioneer and Nationalist Icon
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, fondly known as Bankim Chandra, was a distinguished Indian author and one of the key figures in the Bengal Renaissance. With his remarkable literary contributions, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern Indian literature and inspiring the country’s nationalist movement. Let’s delve into the life and works of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, exploring his notable literary achievements.
Born on June 27, 1838, in the town of Naihati, West Bengal, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee exhibited exceptional literary skills from a young age. He was well-versed in multiple languages, including Bengali, English, and Sanskrit, which greatly influenced his writing style and versatility as an author. Chatterjee began his career as a deputy magistrate and later served as a senior officer in the British Indian government.
Books:
Fiction
- Durgeshnandini (March 1865)
- Kapalkundala (1866)
- Mrinalini (1869)
- Vishabriksha (The Poison Tree, 1873)
- Indira (1873, revised 1893)
- Jugalanguriya (1874)
- Radharani (1876, enlarged 1893)
- Chandrasekhar (1875)
- Kamalakanter Daptar (From the Desk of Kamlakanta, 1875)
- Rajani(1877)
- Krishnakanter Uil (Krishnakanta’s Will, 1878)
- Rajsimha (1882)
- Anandamath (1882)
- Devi Chaudhurani (1884)
- Kamalakanta (1885)
- Sitaram (March 1887)
- Muchiram Gurer Jivancharita (The Life of Muchiram Gur)
- Religious Commentaries
- Krishna Charitra (Life of Krishna, 1886)
- Dharmatattva (Principles of Religion, 1888)
- Devatattva
- Srimadvagavat Gita, a Commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (1902)
Poetry Collections
- Lalita O Manas (1858)
Essays
- Lok Rahasya
- Bijnan Rahasya
- Bichitra Prabandha (Assorted Essays), Vol 1 (1876) and Vol 2 (1892)
- Samya (Equality, 1879)
