Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was a prominent Indian novelist, poet, and journalist of the late 19th century. He was born in 1838 in Kolkata and went on to obtain a law degree from the University of Calcutta. Despite being a successful lawyer, he had a keen interest in literature and started writing in the Bengali language.
Chattopadhyay is best known for his contribution to the Indian independence movement through his literary works, especially his song "Vande Mataram". The song, which means "I bow to thee, Mother", was first written in 1870 and later included in his novel "Ananda" in 1882. The song became a symbol of India's struggle for independence and was eventually adopted as the national song of India in 1950.
The Vande Mataram Bhavan, located in Chuchura (Chinsurah) in Hugli district, is the house where Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote "Vande Mataram". The house has been declared a heritage building by the West Bengal Heritage Commission, Government of West Bengal, in recognition of its cultural significance. The house is situated on the bank of the river Ganges, and the serene surroundings may have provided Chattopadhyay with the inspiration to write such a powerful patriotic song.
In addition to Vande Mataram, Chattopadhyay is also remembered for his other works of literature, such as Durgesh Nandini", "Kapalkundala", and "Ananda". He passed away in 1894, but his contributions to Indian literature and the independence movement continue to be celebrated to this day.
Source: Mrinal Saha, DRP, CCRT