Early 20th century Bengali novelist and short story writer Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay (Sarat Chandra Chatterjee). He penned almost 30 books and stories. Sarat Chandra was born into an impoverished family and based many of his works on his own experiences. It was a great pleasure to read about his innovative subjects such as social consciousness and unstable cultural customs. This garnered him fans not only in India but even internationally. Sesh Prasna and Sesher Parichay are among his best-known books. Undeterred by his personal traumas, he used them as inspiration for his writings, giving them a more personal touch. Sein writings contained references to society, which allowed the reader to establish their own conclusions. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s writings inspired his ideas and character presentation. His extraordinary forbearance towards women and their life sets him apart from his peers. Many of his works have been made into films. His colorful and powerful characters have endured and will continue to endure.
Early Childhood of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
The Bengal Presidency’s Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay was born on September 15, 1876. His boyhood was spent largely in Bihar, at his grandpa Kedarnath Gangopadhyay’s residence.
His father had intermittent work, therefore the family was poor. He was a writer who spent his days daydreaming and writing nothing.
His mother, Bhuvanmohini, looked after the family. She died in 1895.
Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay was one of five kids. After their mother’s passing, other family members helped them through difficult times. Swami Vedananda, one of his brothers, later studied at Belur Math.
Then he went to Hooghly Branch High School and finished his schooling at Pyari Pandit’s pathshala. He was a brave and adventurous student. Due to the family’s financial situation, he had to drop out of fine arts.
His early education was finished in Bhagalpur at a maternal uncle’s house. After completing his education, he began appearing in plays, sports, and games.
A Career of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
His father gave Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s inventiveness and passion of books. Beginning in his tweens, he ‘Korel’ and ‘Kashinath’ are two such stories.
His family’s poverty caused him to drop out of school and look for work. He worked in Bihar’s Banali Estate in 1900. He later worked as a Settlement Officer’s assistant in Santhal.
At 27, he travelled to Rangoon, Burma, to work as a clerk in a government office. He got a permanent employment in Burma Railway’s Accounts Department. In 1916, he returned to Baje Shibpur, Howrah, after nearly 13 years.
His first story, ‘Mandir’ (1903), was prompted by his uncle Girindrandra Nath. It earned him the Kuntolin Puraskar in 1904.
He routinely contributed to Jamuna. He did it as himself, Anila Devi (his sister), and Anupama. During his time in Burma, he would later declare that Jamuna had rekindled his literary career.
Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay was a feminist who rejected Hinduism. He fought against superstition and bigotry in his writings.
He regularly wrote on women’s suffering during a time of patriarchy. He writes authentically and revolutionary. ‘Devdas’ (1901, 1917), ‘Parineeta’ (1914), ‘Biraj Bau’ (1914), and ‘Palli Samaj’ (1916) demonstrate his societal rejection.
From 1921 through 1936, he led the Indian National Congress district branch in Howrah.
His writings were inspired by the country’s continuing liberation movement.
In 1926, he wrote ‘Pather Debi,’ about a revolutionary movement in Burma and the Far East.Sesh Prasna was his last novel (1931). It was a philosophical monologue on love, marriage, individuals, and society.
Grandiose of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
Swami’ reflected his feminism and powerful female characters. Saudamini, an ambitious and clever girl, is torn between her feelings for Narendra and her husband Ghanshyam.
His most famous work was not highly lauded, but it is remembered. A love story based on societal conventions, ‘Devdas’ (authored 1901, published 1917) depicted the protagonist as a loser. It is still his most popular story, having been transferred to the film eight times.
His feminism continued in ‘Parineeta’ (1914). It examines the time’s caste and religious topics. It is a story of social rebellion set in early twentieth century Calcutta that breaks social rules.
The four-part novel Iti Srikanta was published in 1916. It followed Srikanta, a wanderer, and his influences. In Iti Srikanta, Chattopadhyay narrates his own life and travels. 1916, 1918, 1927 and 1933 were the four portions.
It tells the story of four women harmed by society in 1917. It follows them through rejection and salvation.
Honors & Awards
Kuntalin Puraskar 1904 for Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s debut work, “Mandir” Surendranath Ganguli has entered the Kuntalin writing competition.
The Jagattarini medal of the University of Calcutta. The University of Dacca awarded him an honorary D.Litt.
Personal Legacy of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
In Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s case, He married Shanti Devi in Burma in 1906. a son the following year Shanti Devi and their son died of the plague in 1908.
He turned to books for solace after losing his family. It’s a good thing that he was a voracious reader of sociology But ill health forced him to slow down in 1909.
His hobbies were homeopathy, singing, and painting. Opening a primary school.
He married Mokshada, an adolescent widow, in 1910. He tutored his young bride. He lived 23 years longer.
He died of liver cancer on January 16, 1938, in Calcutta (now Kolkata).
Estimated Net Worth
So how much money does he have in 2020? includes current Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay automobiles, income, compensation, lifestyle. Based on online sources (Wikipedia,Google Search,Yahoo Search), Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million.
Trivia
Every year in late January, Howrah, West Bengal, hosts the Sarat Mela. The event began in 1972 to honor his life and efforts.