1824–1873 · Sagardari, Bengal
Michael Madhusudan Dutt
Michael Madhusudan Dutt was a Bengali poet and dramatist who pioneered modern Bengali blank verse. He drew on classical and European forms while transforming Bengali literary expression. His epic Meghnad Badh Kavya remains a landmark.
“He expanded Bengali verse and drama with bold forms, new rhythms, and reimagined epic figures.”
Selected writings
Bangabhasha (opening)
Public domainহে বঙ্গ, ভাণ্ডারে তব বিবিধ রতন;— তা সবে, (অবোধ আমি!) অবহেলা করি, পর-ধন-লোভে মত্ত, করিনু ভ্রমণ পরদেশে, ভিক্ষাবৃত্তি কুক্ষণে আচরি।
O Bengal, your treasury holds jewels of every kind; yet I, a fool, neglected them all, and drunk with greed for others' wealth, I wandered in foreign lands, begging in an evil hour.
Source: Chaturdashpadi Kabitabali, 1866
Life & times
- 1824
Born at Sagardari
- 1843
Converted to Christianity
- 1861
Published Meghnad Badh Kavya
- 1862
Travelled to Europe
- 1873
Died in Kolkata