The Indian Prime Minister recently paid homage to Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on his Jayanti, celebrated every year on June 27. The tribute served as a reminder of the significant contribution made by Chattopadhyay, one of India’s greatest novelists and poets, to the country’s freedom struggle.
Biography of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
Born on June 27, 1838 in the North 24 Parganas, Naihati, present-day West Bengal, Chattopadhyay has left an indelible mark on Indian literature. Despite the strong revolt against the rule of East India Company in 1857, he continued his studies, eventually earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1859. Later that same year, he was appointed Deputy Collector by the Lieutenant Governor of Calcutta. After serving the government for thirty-two years, Chattopadhyay retired in 1891. He passed away three years later, on April 8, 1894.
Contributions to India’s Freedom Struggle
Chattopadhyay’s magnum opus, Anandamath, serves as a stark portrayal of the Sanyasi Rebellion (1770-1820) amidst Bengal’s catastrophic famine. This novel, through its gripping narrative, became a cornerstone of Bengali renaissance. It also gifted India its national song – the Sanskrit verse Vande Mataram, which inspired countless Indians during their struggle for liberation.
In addition to his seminal work, Chattopadhyay founded a monthly literary magazine called Bangadarshan in 1872. The magazine played a significant role in shaping Bengali identity and nationalism, with Chattopadhyay intending it to bridge the gap between the educated and uneducated classes. Though publication ceased in the late 1880s, the magazine was revived in 1901 with Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore as its editor. During the Partition of Bengal in 1905, Bangadarshan served as a crucial platform for voices of protest and dissent. It even published Amar Sonar Bangla, which later became the national anthem of Bangladesh.
Other Literary Contributions
A profound scholar of Sanskrit, Chattopadhyay was deeply invested in popularizing the Bengali language among the masses. Despite his first novel being in English, he went on to pen several significant works in Bengali. His noteworthy novels include Kapalkundala (1866), Debi Choudhurani, Bishabriksha (The Poison Tree), Chandrasekhar (1877), Rajmohan’s wife, and Krishnakanter Will.
The Sanyasi Rebellion
The Sanyasi Rebellion, integral to Anandamath’s background, unfolded in Bengal between 1770 and 1820. The rebellion emerged as a response to the disastrous famine of 1770, which left the region in utter chaos. Adding fuel to the fire were the restrictions imposed by the British upon pilgrims of both Hindu and Muslim faiths visiting holy places. This upheaval forms a poignant backdrop to Chattopadhyay’s key work, underlining his commitment to depict India’s realities.