PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2019
Answer
Dinabandhu Mitra
Explanation
The famous Bengali play 'Neel Darpan' (The Indigo Planting Mirror) was written by Dinabandhu Mitra and published pseudonymously in 1860 from Dhaka. The play graphically exposed the ruthless exploitation, physical abuse, and horrific conditions forced upon the indigo farmers of Bengal by the British indigo planters. It served as a powerful catalyst for the Indigo Revolt (Nil Bidroho) of 1859-60.
Key Points
- > The play was translated into English by the famous poet Michael Madhusudan Dutt.
- > The English translation was published by Reverend James Long, who was subsequently fined and imprisoned by the British for this act.
- > Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote 'Anandamath', which dealt with the Sanyasi Rebellion.
- > Neel Darpan is often compared to Harriet Beecher Stowe's 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' for its profound social impact.
- > Digambar Biswas and Bishnucharan Biswas were the prominent leaders of the Indigo Revolt.
Additional Information
Indian Freedom Struggle & Relevant Literature
| Book/Play Name | Author | Core Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Neel Darpan | Dinabandhu Mitra | Exploitation by Indigo planters |
| Anandamath | Bankim Chandra | Sanyasi Rebellion & Nationalism |
| Bartaman Bharat | Swami Vivekananda | Awakening of national pride |
| Unhappy India | Lala Lajpat Rai | Critique of British rule |
| Discovery of India | Jawaharlal Nehru | Indian history and culture |
Memory Tips
- Role Confusion: Remember that Dinabandhu Mitra wrote it, but Michael Madhusudan Dutt translated it into English. Questions often try to trick you between these two names.