About
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee was a major Bengali writer of the 19th century, regarded as the father of the Bengali novel. Born in Naihati, he was among the first graduates of the University of Calcutta. While serving as a deputy magistrate in the Indian civil service, he published the first Indian novel in English, Rajmohan's Wife (1864), and then Durgeshnandini (1865), which launched the Bengali novel tradition. He founded the literary magazine Bangadarshan (1872) and wrote historical and social novels, including Anandamath (1882), which contains the song Vande Mataram, later adopted as India's national song. His work blends nationalism, spirituality, and social commentary.
* 1838-06-26 — † 1894-04-08
Major works
- Rajmohan's Wife (1864)novel
- Durgeshnandini (1865)novel
- Kapalkundala (1866)novel
- Anandamath (1882)novel
- Krishna Charitra (1886)essay
Key milestones
- 1858Graduated from the University of Calcutta, among its first graduates.
- 1872Founded the monthly literary magazine Bangadarshan.
- 1882Published Anandamath, containing the song Vande Mataram.
Themes
NationalismSpiritualityHistorySocietyWomen's condition
Sources: oxfordbibliographies.com · id.loc.gov · britannica.com