There was a time when a talented and popular educationist changed the whole Bengali generation. From books to every script and paper, the Bengal prose started to get more highlighted. Not only that, the Bengali culture was getting more developed and respect was increasing for the culture from heart and soul. Alongside, the religious literature, Sanskrit, and philosophy were converted into very simple and modernized Bengali prose. Not only that, the superstitions and minor thinking were stopped when this man made his step. He was a blessing for recreating the Bengali culture into a historical symbol. He is none but Vidyasagar, Ishwar Chandra. His real name was Ishawar Chandra Bandyopadhyay. He was named “Vidyasagar” for his extraordinary skills in Bengali Sanskrit and Philosophy.
His respect for women was an outstanding history work during the 19th century. He fought against some restrictions that used to be applied to widows at that time like shaving his head, wearing a white saree all the time, and many more. He wrote many books, literature, and language translations. His educative storybook ” Akhyanmanjar “was famous and those stories were all about the beauty of character, manner, and morality.
Talent can take people anywhere if it’s considered a blessing. Bidyasagar was a blessing to Bengal history which nobody couldn’t take place. Even, the recent Bengal industry is making various movies, and dramas about his literature, books, and history. He had always fought against some restrictions throughout his life, no matter what. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar never neglected his simple and pure cultural practices for Bengal. He has gained huge achievements in working for education, women empowerment, and other cultural part of work.
In Indian history, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar has made a huge history. In the 19th century, he played a significant role in the educational seniors of India. His journey started after attending Sanskrit College, Calcutta. He completed his graduation in 1841 in Sanskrit grammar, Dialetics ( Alankara Shastra), Vendata, and literature Chandra Vidyasagar made his name with books including “Barnaparichay” (1855), “Hindow Widow Marriage”, “Banglar Itihash “, “Introduction To Sanskrit” and many more.
Early Life and Background
Vidyasagar was born on 26th September 1820 in Medinipur district of Bengal at Birshinga village. His father’s name was Thakurdas Bandyopadhyay and his mother’s was Bhagatavi Devi. He spends his whole childhood in whole poverty. Not only that, he used to study under poor conditions and street lights. His parents couldn’t afford his lifestyle. Not only that, it was tough for his whole family to lead a life comfortably due to lacking electricity, money, and food. The interesting fact is, he never used to regret for his lifestyle.There is a famous quote of him “If he is satisfied with his condition, then he does not need to be humiliated or insulted by anyone.” ( যাহার যে অবস্থা, সে যদি তাহাতেই সন্তুষ্ট থাকে, তাহা হইলে তাহাকে কাহারও নিকট অপদস্থ ও অপমানিত হইতে হয় না” ) .At only age of five, he joined in local school and studied from age to 8. He started living in Bhagabat Charan’s house when he was only 9. The thing is, Ishwar Chandra’s knowledge was so intense that, he cleared his all examinations with excellent performance and quick succession.
Ishwar Chandra Bidyasagar’s talent was one of the biggest examples of that time. For his intelligence and punctuality, he was rewarded with several scholarships. He also used to do a part-time job in “Jorasanko” as a teacher. He also played a vital role in the family by supporting them financially from a part-time job. He successfully cleared his law examination in 1839. At the age of only 21, Vidyasagar joined Forth William’s College in the Sanskrit department. His study activities in the Sanskrit language were untouchable and mind-blowing. It was very tough to ignore his extreme talent and good performance in exams.
Besides studies, Ishwar Chandra also worked as an assistant secretary in the Sanksrit department. During that time, a debate took place between him and college secretary Rosomoy Dutta. During that debate, Vidyasagar recommended a huge number of changes in administration and syllabus and so, the debate took place. In that debate, Dutta wanted the college will only remain open to Brahmins. But Vidyasagar denied it and wanted it to be opened for all castes. As this issue was increasing day by day, Vidyasagar resigned in 1846. He rejoined Willam’s college as a head clerk. However, in 1849, he rejoined as a professor of literature and introduced various changes in the syllabus. In 1851, he joined as a principal at Sanskrit College. “Knowledge is the true wealth that no one can still from you”( “বিদ্যা হলো সব থেকে বড় সম্পদ, বিদ্যা শুধু আমাদের নিজেদের উপকার করে না বরং প্রত্যক্ষ পরোক্ষভাবে গোটা সমাজের কল্যাণ সাধন করে “),he has mentioned in his quotes and gave respect to his Sanskrit words.
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was married to Dinamani Devi only at the age of fourteen. They had one son named Naryan Chandra.
Contributions
Hindu Widow Re-marriage
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a very brave man and he normalized some acts very smoothly. He has played the greatest contribution rule for widow re-marriage. At that time, after the demise of husbands, the widows were considered as the burden of society. There was zero value for them and their life used to be hopeless. The widows weren’t allowed to lead a good-luxury life and white-saree was mandatory for them. Not only that, they used to be neglected by festivals, family, and also society. In 1856 and 16th July, Ishwar Chandra legalized the Hindu re-marriage for widows, and on 26th July 1856, the act was enacted.
In 1854, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar started to make campaigns for the re-marriage of widows. Even his famous article was published about Widowhood during that time in Tattavabodhini Patrika. The orthodox Brahmanical authorities were totally against it. But Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a very intelligent and brave man. He challenged the whole authority to treat widows with basic rights in society. He used to believe that by Vedic scriptures, the re-marriage of the widow is sanctioned.
The introduction of re-marriage for widows was established by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar very smoothly.No only that, he also provided a major role in safeguarding the condition of all men who can marry widows. Under the Jurisdiction of East India Company on 31st December 1600, this act was known as XV. For the best efforts of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, the Governor General “Lord Canning” has provided him the best support. Vidyasagar arranged his son’s marriage to a widow and created the “Widow re-marriage” law. He played a vital role in making the marriage of widows legal. He used Vedic literature for the widow’s re-marriage.
Girls Education
The women were not free from social oppression at that time. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar made the greatest contributions for women to educate themselves. He just applied the proverb ” Education Is The Pillar Of Success” very respectfully to women’s culture.
At that time, 35 schools were opened for women. Vidyasagar also arranged a fund called ” Nari Siksha Bandhar “to support all types of active works of education for women.
Books and Literature
If it comes to books and literature, only one name is honored and that is Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. His amazing works and performances as a well-writer, and staunch follower of humanity have brought the biggest revolution in human history. For his simple contributions, he earned the name ” Father of Bengali Prose”.
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar has published his own transmitting Sanskrit to simple Bengali words. Not only that, he has gained a big record in publishing books and kinds of literature. It can be said that his writings are considered as art and he is the artist. Vidyasagar expressed his unique ideas through his writings. Some of them are, “Banglar Itihas ( 1848) “, “Mahabharata ( 1860) “, ” Oti Olpo Hoilo ( 1873 ) “, ” Ratna Pariksha ( 1886 ) ” and many more.
Legacy
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was compared with Raja Ram Mohon Roy in the case of spreading respect for women. He introduced the re-marriage system for widows within various arguments. Nobody can take Ishwar Chandra’s place when it arranges the education system. After his death, the abode ( Nandan Kanan) was sold by his son to the Mallick family. On 29th March 1974 Bengali Association Bihar purchased it. The girl’s school gets restarted after Vidyasagar.
Not only that, the free Homeopathic Clinic has been serving the local population. The house of Vidyasagar is now a prized property and it has been maintained in original shape. On 26th September 2019, the Government of Jharkhand named as “Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar Block” which is considered as a mark of respect.Not only that, the former respective Chief Minister Raghubar Das has mentioned a quote about Vidyasagar which highlighted his ( Vidyasagar) strong work activities for women’s education.After the death of Vidyasagar, the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore gave him respect as a gem. In 2004, among the “Greatest Bengali Of All Time ”, Vidyasagar was ranked number 9.
Among millions of people, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar has been named an indelible part of Bengali. He never made anyone upset with any controversies. He is considered a symbol of a gem in Bengal. Since his time, it was tough to separate his name from his greatest contributions.
Awards
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar has created the biggest history in Bengal. He won every person’s heart through his work activities, education, and intellect. Since his childhood, he was considered as one of the most meritorious students. Ishwar Chandra has won so many awards.
Unknown Facts
-Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was an Indian Bengali polymath.
-He was a famous academic educator, author, and writer.
-In 1839, Vidyasagar completed his law exam.
-He introduced the practice of remarriage of widows and created the ” Widow Remarriage Act XV”.
-He authored numerous books, which are now a great part of Bengali literature.
-He received the title “Vidyasagar” which means ‘Ocean Of Knowledge ‘.
Death
At the age of 70, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar passed away in Calcutta. The actual date was 29th July 1891. He proved that,within millions of people, if you know how to achieve anything and also to justify, then the world is easy for you. Famous poet Rabindranath Tagore has considered him as an idol of Bengal and also the greatest man.
Conclusion
It’s not easy to understand every word of literature and books. We are human beings and we express our thoughts and feelings through books and writings. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar has made it much easier. In recent dramas, films, and cultural programs, different directors, scriptwriters, and producers include Vidyasagar’s writing differently.
In an era of complications and hatred, minor thinking, and thoughts, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar has been made simpler and more understandable. It’s a huge respect for him to give women the biggest priority. Without him, it might be tough to reach a good destination for women of this generation.