Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay: Notable Works & Contributions​ - UPSC Notes

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay is recognized as one of the most important personalities of Bengali literature. His literary works injected fresh blood into Indian literature and infused nationalistic feelings into the minds of the Indian people throughout the British colonial rule. The name "Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay" is synonymous with love for the country, literary brilliance, and an ardent promotion of the dawning of a national Indian identity.

Born in 1838 in Naihati, Bengal, Bankim was put into Bengali and English education, where he was made aware of Western thought, literature, and philosophy. He mentored at Presidency College in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and took various administrative jobs under the British East India Company. His works are reflective of the Indian ethos and contributed immensely to invigorating the nationalistic movement fit to take on the British Raaj.

The topic of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay is a General Studies Paper I topic of the UPSC syllabus, which basically falls under the section of Indian Heritage and Culture. Questions pertaining to the name 'Bankim Chandra' appear in the UPSC CSE under the section of Modern India, circumscribing his role in the intellectual movements guiding India's freedom struggle.

About Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was not only a novelist but also a poet, journalist, and intellectual. He was a member of the Brahmo Samaj, a reformist religious and social manifestation which sought to offer equal reform for contemporary Hindu society to solve social problems. Bankim Chandra is extensively regarded as the founder of modern Bengali literature. His philosophic writings reflected the socio-political atmosphere of his age with a fervent desire to give shape to the rising Indian nationalistic sentiments.

In his early years, his impressive studies of European literature and philosophy influenced him. But his works remain rooted deeply in Indian tradition and culture. He drew upon Hindu mythology and history, which became the backdrop for many of his narratives.

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Literary Contributions of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's contributions to Indian literature are commendable in many respects. His novels were revolutionary in breaking the classical grip, for they introduced modern themes like social reform, nationalism, and the ideological tussles between India and its British colonial masters into literature.

Bankim was among the first to write novels in Bengali. His fiction contributed substantially to the growth of Bengali as a modern literary language. Realism was introduced into Bengali literature, wherein a number of his novels dealt with complex human emotions, problems in society, and the contrast between antiquity and modernity.

Bankim Chandra was a central figure in the proliferation of nationalist ideas through his writings. His works celebrated the unity and strength of India and urged the call for the independence of the people of the country. His works emphasized self-reliance, nationalism, and pride in Indian heritage.

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Notable Works of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote many works, such as novels, poems, and essays, which remain extremely relevant till this day. Following are some of the most notable publications:

• Anandmath (1882): Probably, the most famous and most decisive work of Bankim Chandra is "Anandmath." Set against the historical background of the Sannyasi Rebellion of the 1770s, the novel encompasses many aspects of history, mythology, and patriotism. It showcases the real struggle of the Bengali people against British imperialism. The novel enjoys special fame due to its contents of the magnificent patriotic song "Vande Mataram," which later became the main rallying cry for India's independence movement.
• Durgeshnandini (1865): One of Bankim's primary earlier works, this historical novel set in 17th-century Bengal revolves around the adventures of Lady Durgeshnandini, who passes through several obstacles and hurdles facing her.
• Kapalkundala (1866): Another historical novel by Bankim, it tells the story of a young woman torn between love and the dictates of her conscience. In it, Bankim critiques the most evident practices of that period.
• Rajmohan's Wife (1864): Bankim Chandra's very first English novel "Rajmohan's Wife" was written prior to the much-renowned Bengali novels. It dealt with the dandelions, emotions, and dilemmas of the characters caught up in emotional warfare, involving relationships and societal rules.
• Vande Mataram (1870): Though not a novel, the poem "Vande Mataram" belonged to the most unique and popular genres of Indian patriotic songs. It was sung at the session of the Indian National Congress at its first convention in 1896, which nurtured many intellectuals during their fight for freedom.

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Death and Legacy of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

He died on April 8, 1854, leaving behind a legacy that still resonates with modern Indian literature and politics. He was a pioneer/revolutionist in the cultural resurgence of Bengal. He laid the foundation for the larger awakening of Indian culture in the 19th century. His literary works were a great inspiration to many who dreamed of a free India so far.

Bankim's legacy is not only in literature but in also building the political and cultural consciousness of India. His works constituted the intellectual environment that instigated leaders like Rabindranath Tagore, Subhas Chandra Bose, and others to fight for the cause of national independence. His song, "Vande Mataram," became the national anthem of India, representing India's struggle for freedom and still holds significance in the history of India.

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