Who among the following was the author of Neel Darpan, published in 1860?
Dinabandhu Mitra
Understanding the Author of Neel Darpan (1860)
The question asks us to identify the author of the famous play titled Neel Darpan, which was published in the year 1860.
Neel Darpan is a significant play in Bengali literature and Indian history. It brought to light the harsh conditions faced by indigo farmers under the British indigo planters in Bengal during the period leading up to the Indigo Revolt of 1859-1860.
Identifying the Author of Neel Darpan
Let's examine the options provided to determine the correct author:
- Reverend James Long: Reverend James Long was a missionary who played a crucial role in making the play widely known. He translated Neel Darpan into English and published it, which led to his prosecution by the British authorities. He was not the original author, but he significantly helped in its distribution and impact.
- Michael Madhusudan Dutta: Michael Madhusudan Dutta was a celebrated Bengali poet and playwright of the 19th century, known for his epic poem 'Meghnadbadh Kavya' and other works. While a contemporary, he was not the author of Neel Darpan.
- Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a pioneering social and religious reformer from an earlier period (late 18th and early 19th century), instrumental in movements like the Brahmo Samaj and the abolition of Sati. He lived and worked before the publication of Neel Darpan in 1860 and is therefore not the author.
- Dinabandhu Mitra: Dinabandhu Mitra was a Bengali playwright and writer who served as a government servant. He is widely recognised as the author of Neel Darpan. His personal experiences and observations of the plight of the indigo cultivators informed the powerful narrative of the play.
Based on historical records and literary history, Dinabandhu Mitra is confirmed as the author of Neel Darpan.
The Impact of Neel Darpan
Published anonymously at first, Neel Darpan quickly gained attention for its vivid depiction of the atrocities committed by indigo planters. The play was instrumental in raising awareness about the exploitation, contributing significantly to the momentum of the Indigo Revolt (also known as Indingo Vidroh). The play's portrayal of the planters' cruelty and the farmers' suffering resonated deeply, sparking widespread debate and protest.
Conclusion
The author who wrote the influential play Neel Darpan, published in 1860, highlighting the struggles of indigo farmers, was Dinabandhu Mitra.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Play Title | Neel Darpan |
| Year of Publication | 1860 |
| Author | Dinabandhu Mitra |
| Subject Matter | Exploitation of indigo farmers by British planters |
| Historical Context | Indigo Revolt (Indingo Vidroh) of 1859-1860 |
| Translator (English) | Reverend James Long |
Revision Table: Key Figures & Works
| Figure | Key Contribution/Work | Period (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Dinabandhu Mitra | Author of Neel Darpan | Mid-19th Century |
| Reverend James Long | Translated Neel Darpan to English, supported cause | Mid-19th Century |
| Michael Madhusudan Dutta | Prominent Bengali Poet & Playwright ('Meghnadbadh Kavya') | Mid-19th Century |
| Raja Ram Mohan Roy | Social & Religious Reformer (Brahmo Samaj, Anti-Sati) | Late 18th - Early 19th Century |
Additional Information: The Indigo Revolt (Indingo Vidroh)
The Indigo Revolt of 1859-1860 was a significant peasant uprising in Bengal against the oppressive system of indigo cultivation imposed by British planters. Farmers were often forced to grow indigo instead of profitable food crops and received meager prices for their produce. The play Neel Darpan vividly depicted the brutal methods used by the planters, including coercion, violence, and exploitation, contributing to the growing public outrage and awareness that fueled the revolt.
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