Bankim Chandra Chatterjee Books: The Literary Pioneer of Bengal
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (1838–1894), also spelled as Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, was one of the greatest novelists and thinkers of 19th-century India. Born on 27th June 1838 in Naihati, Bengal Presidency (now West Bengal), he played a very important role in the Indian literary and national movement. He was the first Indian to write a novel in Bengali and is best remembered for writing the national song “Vande Mataram”, which inspired countless freedom fighters during the struggle for Indian independence.
Bankim Chandra was not only a great writer but also a brilliant thinker and a true patriot. He introduced a new style of writing novels in India that mixed imagination, culture, and nationalism. Most of his books reflected the culture of Bengal, the emotions of the people, and the hope for a free India.
In this post, let us explore a detailed list of his most popular books, their year of publication, and their impact on Indian literature and society.
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee Books
| Title (English) | Title (Bengali) | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durgeshnandini (The Chieftain’s Daughter) | দুর্গেশনন্দিনী | 1865 | First major Bengali novel; historical romance |
| Kapalkundala | কপালকুণ্ডলা | 1866 | Tragic romance inspired by The Tempest |
| Mrinalini | মৃণালিনী | 1869 | Historical fiction set during British conquest |
| Vishabriksha (The Poison Tree) | বিষবৃক্ষ | 1873 | Explores widow remarriage and social norms |
| Indira | ইন্দিরা | 1873 (revised 1893) | Social novel about women’s struggles |
| Jugalanguriya (The Duo) | যুগলাঙ্গুরীয় | 1874 | Satirical comedy |
| Radharani | রাধারাণী | 1876 (expanded 1893) | Romantic novel |
| Chandrasekhar | চন্দ্রশেখর | 1877 | Historical drama set in Mughal era |
| Rajani | রজনী | 1877 | Philosophical novel narrated by a blind woman |
| Krishnakanta’s Will | কৃষ্ণকান্তের উইল | 1878 | Family drama involving inheritance disputes |
| Anandamath (The Abbey of Bliss) | আনন্দমঠ | 1882 | Revolutionary novel; source of Vande Mataram |
| Devi Chaudhurani | দেবী চৌধুরাণী | 1884 | Feminist novel with a bandit queen protagonist |
| Kamalakanter Daptar (Kamalakanta’s Diary) | কামলাকান্তের দপ্তর | 1885 | Satirical essays |
| Sitaram | সীতারাম | 1887 | Historical fiction on Rajput valor |
| Muchiram Gurer Jivancharita | মুচিরাম গুরের জীবনচরিত | Posthumous (1890s) | Satirical social commentary |
Published Essays, Satires & Religious Texts
| Title (English) | Title (Bengali) | Year | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samya (Equality) | সাম্য | 1879 | Essay on social justice |
| Krishna Charitra (Life of Krishna) | কৃষ্ণচরিত্র | 1886 | Religious-philosophical analysis |
| Dharmatattva (Principles of Religion) | ধর্মতত্ত্ব | 1888 | Theological discourse |
| Letters on Hinduism | – | Various | Religious essays |
Unpublished/Incomplete Works
Bankim Chandra left behind several incomplete manuscripts and ideas that were never fully developed. Some of these include:
- “Mahabharater Katha” (Tales of the Mahabharata) – Planned but never completed.
- “Banglar Itihas” (History of Bengal) – A proposed historical work.
- Fragments of unfinished novels – Some incomplete drafts exist but were never published.
Plays & Poetry
Bankim Chandra also wrote a few plays and poems, though they are less known than his novels:
- “Lalita O Manas” (Play)
- Various devotional and satirical poems (scattered in magazines)
Conclusion
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s literary contributions span novels, essays, satires, and religious discourses. While his published novels remain classics, his unfinished works hint at even greater potential. His influence extends beyond literature into India’s nationalist movement, making him one of Bengal’s most revered intellectuals.
Which of Bankim Chandra’s books have you read? Share your favorite in the comments!
