Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay stands as one of the most beloved and transformative Bengali novelists, whose empathetic storytelling captured the nuances of rural life and the inner worlds of women and common folk, resonating across India through translations and cinematic adaptations.
1. Early Life & Family Background
Born 15 September 1876 in Debanandapur, Hooghly, Bengal Presidency, British India, Sarat Chandra was the second child of Motilal Chattopadhyay and Bhuvanmohini in a Bengali Brahmin family that had fallen into poverty. Due to financial hardship, much of his childhood was spent at his maternal uncle’s home in Bhagalpur, Bihar, where he attended village school and developed a love for reading and storytelling. His early stories, like Korel and Kashinath, penned during his teenage years, still survive.
2. Education & Hardships
In 1894, he passed the Entrance Examination and entered college, but had to discontinue studies soon after due to dire family finances. Following his mother’s death in 1895, family instability deepened, and he even wandered as a monk-like figure at one point.
3. Early Career & Tragedy
By 1900, seeking financial support, he worked with Banali Estate and later as a translator and clerk in the Calcutta High Court, and eventually as a clerk in Burma (Rangoon), in the Public Works Accounts Office. His first short story, “Mandir” (1903), published under his uncle’s name, earned him the Kuntalin Puraskar. His novella Baradidi (1907) was his first work under his name.
In 1906, he married Shanti Devi; tragically, she and their infant son died of plague in 1908. He then married Mokshada (Hironmoyee) in 1910, whom he taught literacy.
4. Career Resurgence & Literary Success
After an 18-year hiatus from writing, urged by friends, he submitted a story to Jamuna magazine in 1913. It became instantly popular, reigniting his literary career. By 1916, he returned to India, settling near Kolkata.
He wrote some of his most impactful works during this period:
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Parineeta (1914), Biraj Bau, Palli Samaj (1916)
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Devdas, Choritrohin, Srikanta (first parts c.1917 onward) — novels known for their strong female characters and social critiques.
His novel Pather Dabi (1926), which depicted revolutionary fervor, was even banned by the British authorities
5. Legacy & Stardom
Sarat Chandra’s simple yet emotionally rich writing transcended time and region. He remains the most translated and adapted Indian author, with over 40 films and numerous series based on his works (including countless versions of Devdas, Parineeta, Srikanta, Choritrohin, Pather Dabi). His stories stressed social justice, particularly for women, and reflected psychological insight that resonated widely. He received honors like the Jagattarini Award and an honorary Doctor of Literature from Dhaka University in 1936.
He passed away in Calcutta (now Kolkata) on 16 January 1938, aged 61.
6. Ups & Downs Summary
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Early hardship: poverty, interrupted education, family tragedy
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Initial success: early writings, prize
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Major setback: plume, loss of family, hiatus from writing
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Breakthrough: 1913 magazine story revives career
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Peak: prolific novels, social commentary, widespread popularity
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Legacy: lasting influence through literature and cinema
🔍 Personal Stats & Any Known Details
| Attribute | Known/Not known |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay |
| Date of Birth | 15 September 1876 |
| Birth Place | Debanandapur, Hooghly, Bengal Presidency |
| Residence | Bhagalpur, Rangoon, Baje Shibpur near Kolkata, later Samtabere |
| Profession | Novelist, short-story writer, clerk (various jobs) |
| Nationality | British Indian (Bengali) |
| Religion | Hindu (Brahmin background) |
| Spouses/Partner | Shanti Devi (m.1906–1908); Mokshada (Hironmoyee) (m.1910–1938) |
| Father | Motilal Chattopadhyay |
| Mother | Bhuvanmohini |
| Horoscope/Age | Born 1876—no full birth time, age at death 61 |
| Body measurements, height, weight, eye/hair color, bra/hip size, body type | Not available in historical records |
FAQ
Q: Why was Sarat Chandra’s work so popular across India?
A: His simple language, deep empathy for human emotion, focus on rural life, and especially sensitivity toward women made his works incredibly relatable and easily adapted to many languages and media.
Q: Which are his most famous novels?
Devdas, Parineeta, Srikanta, Choritrohin, Palli Samaj, Pather Dabi—many remain classics.
Q: Did Sarat Chandra participate in social activism?
A: Yes, through writing, he challenged social orthodoxy, caste/religion-based prejudices, and highlighted women’s roles; Pather Dabi in particular invoked revolutionary sentiment.
Q: How many films have been based on his works?
A: Over 40 films and numerous TV/web serials, with many versions of Devdas alone.
Q: Are personal physical details known?
A: No reliable records exist for body measurements, height, weight, color, etc., as these were generally unrecorded for writers of his era.