Ghosh, Rai Bahadur Kaliprosanna

Ghosh, Rai Bahadur Kaliprosanna (1843-1910) orator, journalist, writer and scholar, was born on 23 July 1843 at Bharakar village in Vikrampur, dhaka. He went to a variety of schools: a Muslim primary school, a Sanskrit school and an English medium school. He was fluent in Sanskrit, Persian and Bangla and later also mastered English. Kaliprosanna showed his eloquence from an early age. When he was 20 years old, he delivered a lecture on Christian religion at Bhabanipore, calcutta and was praised by debendranath tagore. Thus he became acquainted with the brahma samaj and subsequently joined it.

At the age of 22, Kaliprosanna started working as a bench clerk at the Dhaka Lower Division Court and continued to work there for 11 years. In 1870 he joined Shubhosadhini, the journal of Dhaka Brahma Samaj, as editor. In 1874, he joined Bandhab as editor. In 1877 Kaliprosanna became diwan of Bhawal Estate, a position he held for 25 years.

Kaliprosanna founded a 'Literary Review Council' through which he promoted contemporary writers. He was a member (1894) and assistant chairman (1897-1900) of vangiya sahitya parishad (Bengal Literary Association). He was also chairman of the Literary Assembly, member of the District Board and president of District Local Board.

Kaliprosanna wrote several books on philosophy and society. Among his major publications include Prabhat Chinta (Morning Thoughts, 1877), Nibhrta Chinta (Solitary Thoughts, 1883), Narijatibisayak Prastab (Discussion on Womankind, 1896) and Nishitha Chinta (Midnight Thoughts, 1896). Other books include Bhrantibinod (1881), Pramodalahari (1895), Bhaktir Jay (1895), Ma Na Mahashakti (1905), Janakir Agnipariksa (1905), Chhayadarshan (1905) etc. He also wrote mystical songs which were collected in Sabgitmavjari (1872) as well as a book for young readers.

Kaliprosanna was greatly influenced by iswar chandra vidyasagar and bankimchandra chattopadhyay as well as by the English scholar, Thomas Carlyle. His essays are thoughtful and reveal his historical sense and philosophical outlook. In recognition of his intellectual achievements and many contributions, he was honoured as 'Vidyasagar' and awarded the titles of 'Rai Bahadur' and CIE by the British Government. He died on 29 July 1910. [Dulal Bhowmik]