Who was Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay?

- April 8, 2020


Illustration: Sundara Moorthy

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay occupies an unchallenged position as one of India’s foremost literary figures. He was the first author to write a Bengali novel and a novel in English. His works include Devi Choudhurani, Durgeshnandini, Mrinalini, Anandamath, Raj Singh and Kapala Kundala.

Bankim Chandra’s characters are diverse and his plots complex. Two or three story arcs run simultaneously in his novels. Bankim Chandra was able to infuse into his work not only the patriotic or the romantic aspect of his characters but also the historical and social conditions of the time. As such, his canvas was large and his strokes bold. Bankim Chandra’s stories deserve mention and praise because of the chord they struck within each reader.

Anandamath, which was published in 1882, was banned by the British government because it became synonymous with the Indian struggle for independence. Vande Mataram, a clarion call for generations of Indian freedom fighters, was first featured in the novel and later made the National Song of India.

To receive more such stories in your Inbox & WhatsApp, Please share your Email and Mobile number.

To receive more such stories in your Inbox & WhatsApp, Please share your Email and Mobile number.

Comic of The Month

The Sons of Rama

The story of Rama and Sita was first set down by the sage Valmiki in his epic poem 'Ramayana.' Rama was the eldest son of Dasharatha, the king of Ayodhya, who had three wives - Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra. Rama was the son of Kaushalya, Bharata of Kaikeyi and Laxmana and Shatrughna of Sumitra. The four princes grew up to be brave and valiant. Rama won the hand of Sita, the daughter of King Janaka. Dasharatha wanted to crown Rama as the king but Kaikeyi objected. Using boons granted to her by Dasharatha earlier, she had Rama banished to the forest. Sita and Laxmana decided to follow Rama. While in the forest, a Rakshasi, Shoorpanakha, accosted Laxmana but had her nose cut off by him. In revenge, her brother Ravana, king of Lanka, carried Sita away. Rama and Laxmana set out to look for her and with the help of an army of monkeys, defeated Ravana. On returning Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile, Rama banished Sita because of the suspicions of his subjects. In the ashrama of sage Valmiki, she gave birth to her twin sons, Luv and Kush.

20 Minute Read