Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay — 150th Birth Anniversary

The Prime Minister paid tribute to renowned Bengali writer Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay on his 150th birth anniversary, highlighting his contribution to Indian literature and his realistic portrayal of 19th-century Indian society.

Key Facts

  • Born: 15 September 1876, Hooghly, Bengal Presidency
  • Died: 16 January 1938, Kolkata
  • One of the most influential Bengali novelists and short-story writers of the early 20th century

Literary Significance

  • Writings offered a realistic portrayal of 19th-century Indian society, particularly rural Bengal
  • Combined social realism, emotional depth and critique of social inequalities

Major Works

  • Parineeta (1914)
  • Devdas (1917)
  • Srikanta (1917–1933)
  • Choritrohin (1917)
  • Pather Dabi (1926)

Social Reform Perspective

  • Criticised patriarchy, caste discrimination, superstition and rigid social traditions
  • Advocated social justice and human dignity
  • Created strong female characters challenging prevailing norms; depicted sufferings and aspirations of women in colonial society

Nationalist Connections

  • Pather Dabi depicted revolutionary activities against British colonial rule
  • Served as President of the Howrah District Congress Committee (1921–1936)

Global Reach

  • Works translated into multiple Indian and foreign languages; widely adapted into films — among the most widely read Indian authors

UPSC Relevance

Important for Prelims (Art & Culture — modern Indian literature) and Mains GS-I (Indian society, social reform, literature as a mirror of society).