Bankim Chandra Chatterjee remains a central figure in the nineteenth-century Bengali literary renaissance, balancing a career as a British Raj civil servant with the production of fourteen influential novels. Born in 1838 in Kanthalpara, he transitioned from early verse to become a prolific essayist, journalist, and pioneer of the Bengali novel format.
Academic and Professional Life
Educated at institutions including Hooghly Mohsin College and Presidency University, Chatterjee was among the first two graduates from the University of Calcutta in 1859. He later earned a law degree in 1869. Following his father’s professional path, he entered the Subordinate Executive Service. He served as a Deputy Magistrate in Jessore and later as the first in-charge of the Arambag subdivision, eventually retiring from government service in 1891.
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Chatterjee began his career writing for the weekly newspaper Sangbad Prabhakar. His 1865 work, Durgeshnandini, established the Bengali romance genre. His bibliography includes titles such as Kapalkundala, Bishbriksha, Krishnakanter Will, and Devi Chaudhurani. He also founded the literary magazine Bangadarshan in 1872, providing a platform for his own serialized fiction and critical treatises.
Political Thought and Legacy
His 1882 novel, Anandamath, featured the song Vande Mataram, which later became a significant anthem for Indian nationalists. Despite his creative influence, Chatterjee maintained a pro-British stance, accepting the legitimacy of colonial rule while advocating for English education. Before his death in 1894 in Kolkata, he was awarded the title of Rai Bahadur and named a Companion of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire.
Fast facts
- Born: 1838, Kanthalpara
- Died: 1894, Kolkata
- Education: University of Calcutta, Presidency University
- First Bengali Novel: Durgeshnandini (1865)
- Notable Works: Anandamath, Bishbriksha, Rajani
- Languages: Bangla, English
- Occupation: Civil servant, novelist, journalist
- Professional Titles: Deputy Magistrate, Rai Bahadur
Questions readers ask
What is the origin of the song Vande Mataram?
It was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and appeared in his 1882 novel, Anandamath.
Did Bankim Chandra Chatterjee oppose British rule?
No, he accepted the legitimacy of British rule and was a career civil servant within the colonial administration.
Achievements
- Notable work: Anandamath
- Notable work: Kapalkundala
- Notable work: Durgeshnandini
- Notable work: Bishbriksha
