Author of “Vande Mataram” & Pioneer of Indian Nationalism in Literature
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was a Bengali writer, poet, journalist, and nationalist thinker. He is best known as the composer of the song “Vande Mataram”, which became a symbol of India’s independence movement. His novels played a key role in reviving India’s national spirit.
1. Early Life & Education
- Born: 26 June 1838 in Naihati, Bengal Presidency, British India.
- Father: Yadav Chandra Chattopadhyay (a government officer).
- Education:
- Studied at Hooghly Mohsin College.
- Completed B.A. from Presidency College, Kolkata (1857) – First Indian graduate of the University of Calcutta.
- Career:
- Joined British administrative service in 1858 as a Deputy Magistrate.
- Later became a writer and journalist, promoting nationalism.
2. Literary Contributions
Bankim Chandra is often called the “Scott of Bengal” for his role in creating modern Indian literature.
(a) “Vande Mataram” (1875)
- Written in his novel “Anandamath” (1882).
- Became a symbol of India’s freedom struggle.
- Adopted as India’s national song.
- Inspired revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Subhas Chandra Bose.
(b) Famous Novels
- Durgeshnandini (1865) – First historical novel in Bengali.
- Kapalkundala (1866) – Romantic novel, one of his most famous works.
- Mrinalini (1869) – Inspired by Indian history.
- Anandamath (1882) –
- Depicted the Sannyasi Rebellion (1770s) against the British.
- Contains “Vande Mataram”, India’s nationalist war cry.
- Devi Chaudhurani (1884) – Features a female revolutionary leader.
- Rajsimha (1881) – Based on Rajput valor.
3. Role in Indian Nationalism
- Used literature as a tool to inspire nationalism.
- Advocated for Hindu cultural revival and self-rule (Swaraj).
- “Vande Mataram” became an anti-British slogan in protests and movements.
- Influenced freedom fighters, including Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Sri Aurobindo.
4. Journalism & Essays
- Started the magazine “Bangadarshan” (1872) to promote nationalist ideas.
- Wrote essays on Hindu philosophy, Indian history, and nationalism.
5. Death & Legacy
- Died on 8 April 1894, but his ideas lived on through India’s freedom movement.
- His works influenced the Swadeshi Movement (1905–1911).
- The Indian government honored him with a postal stamp in 1969.
MCQs on Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
1. Who wrote the song “Vande Mataram”?
a) Rabindranath Tagore
b) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
c) Swami Vivekananda
d) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: (b) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
2. “Vande Mataram” was first included in which novel?
a) Durgeshnandini
b) Anandamath
c) Kapalkundala
d) Devi Chaudhurani
Answer: (b) Anandamath
3. Which novel is considered the first historical novel in Bengali literature?
a) Anandamath
b) Kapalkundala
c) Durgeshnandini
d) Rajsimha
Answer: (c) Durgeshnandini
4. What was the main theme of the novel “Anandamath”?
a) Social reform
b) Love and romance
c) The Sannyasi Rebellion against the British
d) Mughal history
Answer: (c) The Sannyasi Rebellion against the British
5. What was Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s profession before becoming a full-time writer?
a) Lawyer
b) Deputy Magistrate under British rule
c) Journalist
d) Professor
Answer: (b) Deputy Magistrate under British rule
6. Which magazine was founded by Bankim Chandra to spread nationalist ideas?
a) Kesari
b) Young India
c) Bangadarshan
d) Hind Swaraj
Answer: (c) Bangadarshan
7. What was the main focus of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s writings?
a) British history
b) Hindu nationalism and patriotism
c) Socialism
d) Mughal rule in India
Answer: (b) Hindu nationalism and patriotism
8. When was Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay born?
a) 26 June 1838
b) 7 May 1861
c) 15 August 1872
d) 2 October 1869
Answer: (a) 26 June 1838
9. In which year was “Anandamath” published?
a) 1865
b) 1882
c) 1893
d) 1857
Answer: (b) 1882
10. Which social issue did Bankim Chandra highlight in “Devi Chaudhurani”?
a) Caste discrimination
b) Women’s empowerment
c) Education system
d) Child marriage
Answer: (b) Women’s empowerment
Conclusion
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was not just a novelist but a nationalist visionary who:
- Inspired India’s freedom struggle through literature.
- Introduced patriotic themes in Bengali and Indian literature.
- Created “Vande Mataram,” the battle cry of independence.
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