Kaliprasanna Singha
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| Kaliprasanna Singha | |
| Born | 1840 Kolkata |
|---|---|
| Died | 24 July 1870 Kolkata |
| Occupation | Literatteur |
Kaliprasanna Singha (Bengali: কালীপ্রসন্ন সিংহ) is remembered for his two immortal contributions to Bengali literature viz. translation of Mahabharata, the largest epic, and his book Hutom Pyanchar Naksha.
In his short span of life (1840-1870), Kaliprasanna made unbelievable achievements. He was born in 1840 in the renowned "Singha" family of Jorasanko in North Kolkata. His father died when he was only six years old. He was a man of versatile qualities. He had contribution in different fields as an author, editor, a publisher, a philanthropist, a social worker, and a great patron of art, literature and culture. He established the Vidyotsahini Sabha](a platform for those interested in education) at the age of 13. He also edited/published several magazines like Vidyotsahini Patrika, Paridarshak, Sarvatatta etc.
Under his editorship, the Mahabharata was translated to Bengali in prose form, which is still read and published widely. His other creations include Hutom Pyanchar Naksha, in which he criticised the activities of the then middle class societies in a humorous manner under the pseudonym "Hutom Pyancha".He also translated "Bhagavad Gita" the Hindu sacred scripture, which was published posthumously. He had a contribution to Bengali theatre as well. His famous plays include "Vikramorvashi", "SabitriSatyaban", "MalatiMadhav" and "Babu".He also established the Vidyotsahini theatre and also acted in the play "Vikramaorvashi". He also advocated widow remarriage. and after the enactment of Widow Remarriage Act, to popularise the concept, he declared a reward of Rs 1000 to every man who married a widow. When Rev. James Long, a a priest of the Church Missionary Society was accused of sedition for transalting the controversial "Nil Darpan", a drama criticising the atrocities of British indigo merchants on native Indians, Kaliprasanna paid the entire amount of fine to be paid by Rev. Long.
Kaliprasanna however incurred huge financial crisis during the last few days of his life as he had no control on expenditure and there was no end to his donations. He died on 24 July 1870 at the tender age of 30, leaving behind his huge contributions.
