Sanjib Chandra Chattopadhyay


Sanjib Chandra Chattopadhyay was a Bengali writer, poet and journalist. He was the elder brother of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
Sanjib Chandra was born to an orthodox Brahmin family at Kanthalpara, North 24 Parganas. He was educated at Hooghly Mohsin College founded by Bengali philanthropist Muhammad Mohsin and Presidency College, Calcutta. He was one of the first graduates of the University of Calcutta.
Sanjib Chandra is widely regarded as a key figure in literary renaissance of Bengal as well as India. Some of his writings, including novels, essays and commentaries, were a breakaway from traditional verse-oriented Indian writings, and provided an inspiration for authors across India.

Early life and background

Bankim Chandra was born in the village Kanthalpara in the town of North 24 Parganas, Near Naihati,in an orthodox Bengali Brahmin family, the youngest of three brothers, to Yadav Chandra Chattopadhyaya and Durgadebi. His family was orthodox, and his father, a government official who went on to become the Deputy Collector of Midnapur. One of his brothers, Sanjeeb Chandra Chattopadhyay, was also a novelist and his known for his famous book "Palamau".
He was educated at the Hooghly Mohsin College founded by philanthropist Muhammad Mohsin and later at the Presidency College, graduating with a degree in Arts in 1857. He was among the early graduates of the University of Calcutta. He later obtained a degree in Law as well, in 1869.
He was appointed as Deputy Collector, just like his father, of Jessore, Chattopadhyay went on to become a Deputy Magistrate, retiring from government service in 1891. His years at work were peppered with incidents that brought him into conflict with the ruling British. However, he was made a Companion, Order of the Indian Empire in 1894.

Literary career

Bangadarshan was published by his editorial ship.
Palamou - A travel literature,considered as a classic.
Bengal Ryots : Their Rights and Liabilities