1887–1923 · Kolkata, Bengal
Sukumar Ray
Sukumar Ray was a Bengali writer, illustrator, and pioneer of literary nonsense. His playful poems and stories combine verbal invention with sharp observation. He came from the influential Ray family of artists and printers.
“He made imaginative nonsense a lasting and beloved part of Bengali children's literature.”
Selected writings
Abol Tabol (opening verse)
Public domainআয় রে ভোলা খেয়াল-খোলা স্বপনদোলা নাচিয়ে আয়, আয় রে পাগল আবোল তাবোল মত্ত মাদল বাজিয়ে আয়।
Come, dreamer, free of care, swinging on a dream, come dancing, come, madcap of nonsense, beating a wild drum, come!
Source: Abol Tabol, 1923
Life & times
- 1887
Born in Kolkata
- 1911
Studied printing technology in England
- 1915
Took charge of Sandesh magazine
- 1923
Abol Tabol published; died that year
- 1923
Died in Kolkata