Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar Biography Pdf Free

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar Biography Pdf Free: A Brief Overview of the Life and Achievements of the Father of Bengali Prose

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a remarkable Indian educator, social reformer, writer and philanthropist who played a key role in the Bengal Renaissance of the 19th century. He was born on 26 September 1820 in a Brahmin family in Birsingha village, West Bengal. He was a brilliant student who mastered Sanskrit, Bengali and English languages and earned the title of Vidyasagar (Ocean of Knowledge) from Sanskrit College, Calcutta. He became the principal of Sanskrit College in 1851 and introduced many reforms in the curriculum and administration. He also promoted the study of English and admitted students of lower castes.

Vidyasagar was influenced by Western ideas and literature and was a pioneer of modern Bengali prose. He simplified and rationalized the Bengali alphabet and type, which had remained unchanged since the 18th century. He wrote several books in Bengali, such as Vetal Panchavimsati (Twenty-five Tales of a Goblin), Shakuntala (based on Kalidasa's play), Sitar Banabas (The Exile of Sita) and Barna Parichay (Introduction to Letters). He also translated many Sanskrit texts into Bengali, such as Betal Panchavimsati, Kathasaritsagara (Ocean of Stories) and Hitopadesha (Friendly Advice).

Vidyasagar was also a courageous social reformer who fought against many evils of Hindu society, such as child marriage, polygamy, widow immolation and caste discrimination. He was the most prominent campaigner for Hindu widow remarriage, which was considered a taboo and a sin by orthodox Hindus. He petitioned the British government to legalize widow remarriage despite severe opposition and threats. His efforts resulted in the passing of the Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act in 1856, which allowed widows to remarry. He also opposed child marriage and supported the Age of Consent Act in 1891, which raised the minimum age of consummation for girls from 10 to 12 years.

Vidyasagar was also a generous philanthropist who donated his money and property for various causes. He established many schools for girls and boys, especially for lower castes. He was associated with Hindu Female School, which later became Bethune Female School, the first women's college in India. He also founded Metropolitan Institution, which later became Vidyasagar College. He helped many poor and needy people, especially orphans and widows. He also supported the Brahmo Samaj movement, which advocated for religious reforms and social justice.

Vidyasagar died on 29 July 1891 in Calcutta at the age of 70. He was honored with many awards and titles by various organizations and institutions. He was conferred with the Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (CIE) by Queen Victoria in 1877. He was also awarded with honorary doctorates by Calcutta University and Edinburgh University. His portrait hangs in the central hall of the Indian Parliament. His birthplace Birsingha is now a heritage site and a museum dedicated to his life and works.

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar Biography Pdf Free is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this great personality who shaped the history and culture of Bengal and India. It provides a concise summary of his life events, achievements, contributions and legacy. It is written in simple and clear language that can be easily understood by readers of all ages and backgrounds. It is also formatted in HTML for easy online viewing and downloading.

To download Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar Biography Pdf Free, please click on the link below:

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar Biography Pdf Free aa16f39245