Priyamvada Devi


Priyamvada Devi was a Bengali writer and philanthropist.

Early life

Devi was born in 1871 in Gunaigacha, Pabna District, Bengal Presidency, British Raj. Her mother, Prasannamoyi, was a famous writer. Her father's name was Krishnakumar Bagchi. Her uncles were Pramatha Chowdhury and Ashutosh Chaudhuri, notable writers as well. She studied in Bethune School. She completed her Bachelor of Arts from the Bethune College in Kolkata.

Career

Devi married Taradas Banerjee in 1892. Her husband was a lawyer. Her son died in 1896, after which she spend her time writing and engaged in her philanthropy work. She joined the Brahmo Balika Shikshalaya as a teacher. She served as the head of Bharat Stri-Mahamandal. She also worked in a number of educational institutions during this time. She translated Svapnavasavadatta which was a Sanskrit play. She translated parts of the Bible and published it as Bhaktavani. Her notable novels included "Women of Japan", Katha O Upakatha, Jhilejabgale Shikar Anath, Pavchulal, and Renuka, a book about Geishas in Japan. She also wrote a number of poems including Tara, Angshu, Renu, and Champa O Parul. She directed plays for charity.

Death

Devi died in 1935.