Mukhopadhyay, Harisadhan

Mukhopadhyay, Harisadhan (1862-1938) litterateur, was born in an aristocratic Brahmin family at Bhukailash of Khidirpur in Kolkata on 16 August 1862. His ancestor Rajendra Vidyabagish was a Nyayik scholar who was worshipped in Burma. He was also an eminent courtier in the court of Maharaja Krishnachandra of Nadiya. Harisadhan's father Girishchandra Mukhopadhyay left his ancestral home of Shantipur due to professional reasons and started to live permanently at Bhukailash after building a residence.

Harisadhan obtained stipend from Khidirpur School in November 1875 after appearing at a scholarship examination. His marriage took place at that juncture. He passed the Entrance examination from Hare School in December 1882. He studied for some time at Davton College with the objective of obtaining LA degree. Later, his college education was concluded at the City College. He retired in 1919 after serving in government jobs for almost 35 years.

Harisadhan's first essay titled 'Ancient Kolkata' was published in the monthly Nabajiban edited by Akshaychandra Sarkar. Harisadhan's second article was published in Prochar under the title 'Dhvangshataru'. Harisadhan's writings started to be regularly published in Bharati and Bharati o Balok edited by swarnakumari devi. Besides, his writings were also published in the periodicals Sahitya, Sadhana, Prodip, Aitihashik Chitra, Probashi, Bharatbarsa, Jahnabi, Archana, Manashi, Basudha, etc.

In his long literary career, Harisadhan published fifty novels, three plays, a thousand-page book on the history of Kolkata and innumerable essays. His notable books are: Pavchapushpa (1892), Shees Mahal (1912), Chhayachitra (1901), Rabgmahal (1901), Noormahal (1913), Rangmahal Rahashya (1914), Kolikata-Sekaler o Ekaler (1915), Satiluxmi (1915), Subarna-Protima (1916), Lal-Chithi (1916), Kabkan-Chor (1916), Mrityu-Prohelika (1917), Swarna-Protima (1917), Maroner Pare (1917), Kamolar Adrishta (1917),' Shahzada Khosru (1918),' Shaitaner Dan (1919), Satir Sindur (1920), Aurangzeb (1904), Babgabikram (1906). His historical play Bangabikram earned much praise after being staged at the National Theatre. He died on 20 April 1938. [Shamima Akhter]