Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

Source: PIB
GS I: Modern Indian History, Significant Personalities

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Early Life
3. Contribution to Indian Literature
4. Role in India’s Freedom Struggle

Why in the News?

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on his birth anniversary.

News in Brief

• India is commemorating the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram”, the iconic patriotic song written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
• He was remembered as a great literary figure whose writings inspired patriotism, cultural pride, and national consciousness.
• His works played an important role in awakening national identity and the spirit of nation-building.

His Early Life

• Born on 27 June 1838 in Kanthalpara, Bengal Presidency (present-day West Bengal).
• He studied at the University of Calcutta.
• He joined the British administration and served as a Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector.
• Despite working under colonial rule, his literary works promoted ideas of patriotism and national awakening.

Contribution to Indian Literature

• Bankim Chandra  Chattopadhyay  is regarded as the father of the modern Bengali novel.
• He introduced modern storytelling techniques and used literature as a medium for social and political awareness.
• His writings focused on:
  • Indian culture and heritage
  • Social reform
  • Moral values
  • Patriotism and nationalism
• His innovative writing style laid the foundation for modern Indian fiction and influenced generations of writers.
• He not only contributed significantly to Bengali literature but also shaped the ideas of patriotism, cultural identity, and national consciousness through his literature, that became the foundation of India’s early nationalist movement.

Major Works

• Durgeshnandini – Considered one of the first major Bengali historical novels.
• Kapalkundala – A famous romantic novel.
• Anandamath – His most significant work related to nationalism.
• Krishnacharitra – A study of the character of Lord Krishna.

Role in Bengal Renaissance

• Bankim Chandra was a leading figure of the Bengal Renaissance, a 19th-century movement that promoted intellectual, literary, social, and cultural awakening in India.
• His works helped revive interest in Indian history, culture, and traditions.

Role in India’s Freedom Struggle

• Vande Mataram and Nationalism
  • Bankim Chandra composed “Vande Mataram” in his novel Anandamath.
  • The song inspired Indians during the freedom movement and became a powerful symbol of resistance against British rule.
  • It encouraged feelings of unity, sacrifice, and devotion towards the motherland.
• Literature as a Tool of Resistance
  • His writings transformed literature into a medium for spreading nationalist ideas.
  • He inspired people to develop pride in Indian culture and history.

Key Takeaways

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay:

1. 1. He wrote the patriotic song “Vande Mataram”.
   2. “Vande Mataram” was included in his novel Anandamath.
   3. He was a founder member of the Indian National Congress.
   4. His writings contributed to the growth of Indian nationalism.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1, 2 and 4 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2, 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: a)1, 2 and 4 only

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