Michael Madhusudan Dutta is one of the greatest Bengali poets and playwrights and farce writers of the 19th century. He is considered one of the pioneers of Bengali Renaissance literature. He is also called as the first rebel poet of modern Bengali literature due to the introduction of innovations by disregarding the traditions.
Born on 25 January 1824 in Jessore district of British India (now Bangladesh) in a noble Kayastha family, Madhusudan converted to Christianity in his youth, adopted the name Michael Madhusudan and focused on writing literature in the English language due to the attraction of Western literature. In the second phase of his life, Madhusudan paid attention to his mother tongue. During this period, he wrote plays, farces and poetry in Bengali. Michael Madhusudan is the originator of sonnet and non-literary rhyme in Bengali language. His greatest achievement is the Meghnadavadh Kavya, an epic based on the epic of the Ramayana in Amitrakshara rhyme.
Among his notable works are Meghnadavadha Kavya, The Captive Lady, Tilottamasambhava Kavya, Virangana Kavya, Brajangana Kavya, Chaturdashpadi Kavitavali, Hector Vadha etc. Plays: Sharmishtha, Krishnakumari, Padmavati, Buro Shalik’s Neck Neck, Ekei Ki Sabvyata, Maya-Kanan.
Madhusudan’s last life was spent in extreme misery and poverty. He did not get much success in law business. Moreover, due to his extravagant nature, he also got into debt. Died on June 29, 1873.
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