Understanding the Play 'Neel Darpan' and Its Author

The question asks about the author of the famous play 'Neel Darpan'. This play is a significant work in Bengali literature and Indian history, highlighting the plight of indigo farmers.

Identifying the Author of Neel Darpan

'Neel Darpan', which translates to 'The Indigo Mirror', is a Bengali play written in 1860. It vividly depicts the harsh treatment and exploitation faced by the indigo cultivators under the British indigo planters. The play brought significant attention to the Indigo Revolt of 1859-1860.

The author of this powerful play was Dinabandhu Mitra. His work played a crucial role in exposing the atrocities of the indigo plantation system, which ultimately contributed to changes in the system and government intervention.

Analysing the Given Options

Let's look at the provided options and why they are or aren't the author of 'Neel Darpan':

• Bankim Chandra Chatterjee: A prominent Bengali writer and composer, known for 'Anandamath' and authoring the national song 'Vande Mataram'. He was not the author of 'Neel Darpan'.
• Lala Lajpat Rai: A key figure in the Indian independence movement, part of the 'Lal Bal Pal' trio, and founder of the Punjab National Bank. He was a nationalist leader and writer but not a playwright of 'Neel Darpan'.
• Gopal Hari Deshmukh: A social reformer and writer from Maharashtra, known as 'Lokahitawadi'. He was involved in social reform movements, not the author of 'Neel Darpan'.
• Din Bandhu Mitra: A Bengali playwright and writer who specifically authored 'Neel Darpan'. His experiences working in the postal department exposed him to the conditions of rural Bengal and the indigo planters' tyranny, which he documented in his play.

Based on historical facts, Dinabandhu Mitra is the sole author credited with writing 'Neel Darpan'.

Significance of Neel Darpan

The play 'Neel Darpan' was controversial but highly influential. It was translated into English by Michael Madhusudan Dutt, with the help of Reverend James Long, who published it. This translation helped spread awareness of the indigo farmers' plight internationally and within British circles, mounting pressure on the government.

In conclusion, the play 'Neel Darpan', a powerful depiction of the indigo crisis in Bengal, was written by Dinabandhu Mitra.

Revision Table: Key Authors and Works

Additional Information on Neel Darpan and Indigo Revolt

The Indigo Revolt (also known as 'Nil Bidroha') was a peasant uprising in Bengal in 1859-1860 against the indigo planters. The farmers were forced to cultivate indigo instead of food crops at unfair prices, leading to severe economic hardship and oppression. 'Neel Darpan' effectively captured the brutality of this system, showing how planters used coercion, violence, and fraudulent contracts against the cultivators.

The play's impact was significant, drawing attention from the intelligentsia, missionaries, and the government. The controversy surrounding the play and its translation led to a trial for Reverend James Long, who was fined and imprisoned for publishing the translation. However, the widespread awareness generated contributed to the government establishing the Indigo Commission in 1860, which made recommendations that ultimately led to the decline of indigo cultivation in Bengal under coercive conditions.