Michael Madhusudan Dutt 1824-1873

Michael Madhusudan Dutt, born in Jessore (now in Bangladesh), showed exceptional proficiency in the English language while studying at the Junior School of Hindu College, Calcutta. At the age of nineteen, he converted to Christianity and adopted the name ‘Michael’ Madhusudan. Initially, his father supported him financially, but after 1847, Madhusudan found himself stranded and began working as an English teacher in Madras.

Although his first long poem was published in English, Madhusudan eventually decided to use his poetic talents in service of his mother tongue, Bengali, on the advice of a well-wisher. He returned to Calcutta in 1856 and spent six fruitful years there before sailing for England. This period marked the peak of his literary career, during which he published three dramas, two satirical sketches, and four poetic works. His Bengali poems, known for their bold language and tender lyrical quality, sparked a revolution in Bengali poetry.

Madhusudan also translated Dinabandhu Mitra’s ‘Nildarpan’ into English. During his time in France, he composed sonnets and other poems. After a few years in London and Versailles, he returned to India and became an advocate at the Calcutta High Court. However, his extravagant lifestyle led him into significant debt, and his later years were plagued by financial crises.

Despite his personal struggles, Madhusudan was deeply committed to classical studies, both Eastern and Western, and advocated for progressive social changes such as the remarriage of widows. He was associated with organizations like the ‘Mechanic’s Institute,’ ‘Bidyotsahini Sabha,’ and ‘Belgachia Theatre.’ Madhusudan Dutt epitomized the spirit of the Bengali Renaissance and made significant contributions to Bengali literature and society.