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17 Tweets 57 reads Apr 08, 2024
An unmissable thread on top 15 Bengali writers in the last 800 years
We all know Bengali as the sweet sounding language but what we might not know is that it is the closest to spoken Sanskrit
Bengal used to be a powerhouse of intellectual capital, industry & thought leadership
1/15: Jayadeva (12th-13th century): A Sanskrit poet, Jayadeva is renowned for his epic poem "Gita Govinda," celebrating the divine love between Lord Krishna and Radha. His lyrical verses and devotional themes continue to inspire generations.
2/15: Bipradas Pipilai (15th-16th century): Known for his adaptation of the Ramayana, "Manasamangal," written in medieval Bengali, showcases his poetic prowess and storytelling skills, blending mythological tales with folk traditions.
3/15: Alaol (17th century): A poet of the Bengal Sultanate, Alaol's "Padmavati" and "Saat Bhai Champa" are notable for their romantic themes and intricate narrative structures, reflecting the cultural richness of his time.
4/15: Bharatchandra Ray (1712-1760): A pioneer of Bengali literature, Ray's "Annapurna" and "Annada Mangal" are revered for their devotional content and poetic excellence, laying the foundation for modern Bengali poetry.
5/15: Ramprasad Sen (1718-1775): A mystic poet, Sen's devotional songs, known as "Ramprasadi," express profound spiritual insights and emotional depth. His compositions, including "Boshir Bada Dashi" and "Mayer Deoya," resonate with devotees to this day.
6/15: Michael Madhusudan Dutt (1824-1873): A trailblazer of Bengali literature, Dutt's "Meghnad Badh Kavya" revolutionized Bengali poetry with its blend of classical and modern elements. His works, such as "Sharmistha" and "Krishna Kumari," continue to inspire.
7/15: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar (1820-1891): A social reformer and writer, Vidyasagar's contributions to Bengali literature include "Barna Parichay," a primer that simplified Bengali script, and "Sakuntala," a poignant drama exploring love and societal norms.
8/15: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (1838-1894): Revered as the father of the Bengali novel, Chattopadhyay's "Durgeshnandini" and "Anandamath" shaped the nationalist movement with their themes of patriotism and independence.
9/15: Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941): A Nobel laureate, Tagore's literary legacy includes "Gitanjali," a collection of poems reflecting his spiritual quest, and "Gora," a novel exploring social reform and identity.
10/15: Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay (1876-1938): Known for his empathetic portrayal of human emotions, Chattopadhyay's "Devdas" and "Parineeta" are timeless classics that continue to resonate with readers across generations.
11/15: Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay (1894-1950): Celebrated for his evocative descriptions of rural Bengal, Bandopadhyay's "Pather Panchali" and "Aparajito" capture the essence of childhood and the beauty of nature.
12/15: Buddhadeb Guha (1936-present): With his immersive narratives set in Bengal's forests, Guha's "Madhukari" and "Chokher Bali" transport readers into the wilderness, exploring the interplay between nature and human emotions.
13/15: Sunil Gangopadhyay (1934-2012): A prolific writer, Gangopadhyay's "Shei Somoy" and "Pratham Alo" delve into the complexities of urban life and existential angst, earning him widespread acclaim.
14/15: Mahasweta Devi (1926-2016): Known for her powerful narratives on marginalized communities, Devi's "Hajar Churashir Maa" and "Aranyer Adhikar" highlight the struggles of oppressed individuals, earning her national and international recognition.
15/15: Nabaneeta Dev Sen (1938-2019): A versatile writer, Sen's works span various genres, from poetry to novels. Her "Ami Anupam" and "Beli Bou" are celebrated for their exploration of women's issues and societal norms.
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