PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2019
Answer
Paschim Medinipur
Explanation
Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a key figure of the Bengal Renaissance, was born on September 26, 1820, in the village of Birsingha. This village is currently located in the Ghatal subdivision of the Paschim Medinipur (West Midnapore) district in West Bengal. He is celebrated for his relentless efforts in passing the Hindu Widow Remarriage Act of 1856 and is widely considered the father of modern Bengali prose.
Key Points
- > His parents were Thakurdas Bandyopadhyay and Bhagavati Devi.
- > He earned the title 'Vidyasagar' (Ocean of Knowledge) from the Sanskrit College, Calcutta, due to his excellent performance.
- > His rigorous campaigning led to the passing of the Hindu Widow Remarriage Act on July 25, 1856.
- > He authored classic Bengali primers like 'Borno Porichoy' and 'Kothamala'.
- > He founded the Metropolitan Institution, which is known today as Vidyasagar College.
Additional Information
Eminent Figures of Bengal & Birthplaces
| Name | Birthplace (Village/Town) | Current District |
|---|---|---|
| Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar | Birsingha | Paschim Medinipur |
| Raja Rammohun Roy | Radhanagar | Hooghly |
| Sri Ramakrishna | Kamarpukur | Hooghly |
| Bankim Chandra | Kanthalpara | North 24 Parganas |
| Sarat Chandra | Devanandapur | Hooghly |
Memory Tips
- Vidyasagar's Origin: Associate his unyielding character with the rugged terrain of the Medinipur region (Birsingha village).