Girish Chandra Ghosh
Encyclopedia
Girish Chandra Ghosh was a Bengali
musician, poet, playwright, novelist, theatre director and actor. He was largely responsible for the golden age of Bengali theatre
. He can be referred to as the Father of Bengali Theatre. He was a versatile genius, a scholar without having any formal educational background, an actor of repute and a mentor who brought up many actors and actresses, including Binodini Dasi
.
He cofounded the Great National Theatre, the first Bengali professional theatre company in 1872, wrote nearly 40 plays and acted and directed many more, and later in life became a noted disciple of Sri Ramakrishna.
, Kolkata
, in 1844, the eighth child to his parents Nilkamal and Raimani, he received his early education at Hare School
, and later studied at Oriental Seminary
in the city. His father Nilkamal Ghosh was a generous and kind hearted person and Girish retained some of his father's large heartedness.
He lost his parents early in life and went up to educate himself.
which became very popular. Later Bagbazar Amateur was renamed in 1871 as the National Theatre. Girish however left National Theatre and went to form the Great National Theatre in 1873. However he could not run this theatre for long. Later he also worked in Minerva Theatre and went to become a manager in Star Theatre
. The maiden show at the Star Theatre
was 'Daksha Jagna' by Girish Chandra Ghosh on the auspicious day of 21 July 1883. With Binodini Dasi
, he staged his play, Chaitanyalila, at the Star Theatre
on 20 September 1884, with, Sri Ramakrishna in the audience. Girish wrote about 86 plays, most of which were based upon stories from Purana, Ramayana and Mahabharata. Among his famous works were Buddhadev Charit, Purna Chandra, Nasiram, Kalapahar, Ashoka, Shankaracharya, Chaitanyalila, Nimai Sannyas, Rup-Sanatan, Vilwamangal, Prahlad Charit. Most of his plays were performed in Star Theatre
in Calcutta.
Girish Chandra Ghosh acted in a variety of roles. His performance in the dual roles of Ramachandra and Meghnad in Meghnadbadh in 1877 was applauded by the editor of Sadharani, Akshoy Chandra Sarkar, who referred to him as the 'Garrick of Bengal'. As director, Girish Chandra helped develop many actors and actresses. He also founded a dance school to train prostitutes for the stage. For the convenience of actors, he modified the blank verse of Madhusudan into a form known after him as Gairish Chhanda (Girish metre)
Girish’s mind worked so fast and prodigiously that he required secretaries to take down his words. Absorbed in the flow of ideas, he would pace back and forth in his room and dictate all the dialogues
of the drama in a loud voice, as if he were acting each role himself. His secretary always kept three pencils ready at hand. He could not use a pen and inkpot because there was never enough time to dip the pen into the pot. Once his secretary Debendra Nath Majumdar could not keep up with the speed of the dictation and asked Girish to repeat what he had just said. Girish became angry and asked him not to break his mood. He told the Debendranath to put dots where he had missed words, and that he would fill them in later. There are many stories about his writing talent. Sitar Vanabash (The Banishment of Sita) was written in one night. He also wrote twenty-six songs for Sadhavar Ekadashi in just one night. Sister Devamata mentioned in Days in an Indian Monastery, ‘One of the greatest, a six act drama entitled Vilwamangal the Saint, was written in twenty-eight hours of uninterrupted labour.’
".
Girish first met Sri Ramakrishna in the ancestral home of his neighbour Kalinath Bose
.
On 21 September 1884 Sri Ramakrishna went to watch Chaitanya Lila in Star Theatre.
It is said that Girish's first meeting with Sri Ramakrishna, was not very cordial. He saw Sri Ramakrishna in divine ecstasy and thought it to be some kind of a trick. But later when Ramakrishna met him the Master told him that the incident was no trick and Girish was extremely surprised to find master reading his thought. Later when the Master went to watch his theatre he and Girish repeatedly went on exchanging salutes and ultimately Girish had to give up. Girish later said about this incident that in Iron Age the best weapon is "pranamastra" or the "'salute weapon" with which god kills His enemies.
In his play Nasiram, Girish used much of the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. There are many scenes in The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna
involving Girish and Sri Ramakrishna. Sri Ramakrishna went to watch several of his plays in Star Theatre. He also blessed Binodini, one of the lead actresses.
despite their age difference. They had tremendous respect for each other. Young Naren (Vivekananda) loved watching his plays like Budhha Charit. Swami Vivekananda used to call him "G.C" affectionately. The first meeting of Ramakrishna Mission took place on May 1, 1897 in Balaram Bose's house in which Girish Chandra Ghosh was one of the prominent representatives. He wholeheartedly supported Swamiji's proposal of service for the mankind as one of the mottos of the association in that meeting. When Swami Vivekananda's plan of social commitment for the monks of Ramakrishna order
was criticized by many householder and monastic disciples of Sri Ramakrishna as deviation from Sri Ramakrishna's teachings, Girish came out strongly in Swami's defense. In his article "Ramakrishna o Bivekananda" in Bengali (Ramakrishna and Vivekananda), Girish mentioned that "to comprehend Ramakrishna fully, one would have to keep the live model of Vivekananda constantly before one's mind."
Girish Ghosh told Sarat Chandra Chakravarti, a direct disciple of Swami Vivekananda, "What a great loving heart he (Vivekananda) has! I don't honour your Swamiji simply for being a Pundit versed in the Vedas; but I honour him for that great heart of his which just made him retire weeping at the sorrows of his fellow beings."
During Sri Ramakrishna's Tithipuja in the rented Math premises in Belur, Swami Vivekananda dressed Girish Chandra Ghosh with his own hands as a Bhairava
or a divine companion of lord Shiva.
. He stayed for a month in Jayrambati
, the birthplace of the holy mother while she was staying there and eulogised her as the universal mother in front of a large gathering. He also requested the presence of mother in his Durga Puja
, in 1907. The mother, despite her sever illness came to the Durga Puja
and received obeisance from thousands of devotees as the embodiment of the goddess Durga
.
. He was also the subject of a biopic, in Bengali, Mahakavi Girish Chandra (1956), directed by Modhu Bose.
Bengali people
The Bengali people are an ethnic community native to the historic region of Bengal in South Asia. They speak Bengali , which is an Indo-Aryan language of the eastern Indian subcontinent, evolved from the Magadhi Prakrit and Sanskrit languages. In their native language, they are referred to as বাঙালী...
musician, poet, playwright, novelist, theatre director and actor. He was largely responsible for the golden age of Bengali theatre
Bengali theatre
Bengali theatre primarily refers to theatre performed in the Bengali language. Bengali theatre is produced mainly in West Bengal, and in Bangladesh. The term may also refer to some Hindi theatres which are accepted by the Bengali people....
. He can be referred to as the Father of Bengali Theatre. He was a versatile genius, a scholar without having any formal educational background, an actor of repute and a mentor who brought up many actors and actresses, including Binodini Dasi
Binodini Dasi
Binodini Dasi , also known as Notee Binodini, was a Calcutta-based, Bengali-speaking renowned actress and thespian. She started acting at the age of 12 and ended by the time she was 23, as she later recounted in her noted autobiography, Amar Katha published in 1913.- Biography :Born to...
.
He cofounded the Great National Theatre, the first Bengali professional theatre company in 1872, wrote nearly 40 plays and acted and directed many more, and later in life became a noted disciple of Sri Ramakrishna.
Biography
Early Days
Born in BagbazarBagbazar
There is also a bagbazar in Kathmandu, Nepal.Bagbazar is a neighbourhood in north Kolkata, in the Indian state of West Bengal...
, Kolkata
Kolkata
Kolkata , formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. Located on the east bank of the Hooghly River, it was the commercial capital of East India...
, in 1844, the eighth child to his parents Nilkamal and Raimani, he received his early education at Hare School
Hare School
Hare School is one of the oldest schools in Kolkata, India, teaching grades 1 to 12 under the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education and the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education. The boys-only school was established by the Scottish watch-maker David Hare with the help of social...
, and later studied at Oriental Seminary
Oriental Seminary
The Oriental Seminary started in 1829 by the educator Gour Mohan Addy, was the earliest privately run, first-rate school for Hindu children only in Kolkata . It was open to Hindu boys only. It was possibly India’s first fully private school, as even Hindu School, then known as Hindu College, had to...
in the city. His father Nilkamal Ghosh was a generous and kind hearted person and Girish retained some of his father's large heartedness.
He lost his parents early in life and went up to educate himself.
Professional career
Girish was a prominent actor in the Bagbazar Amateur Theatre where he had Ardhendu Mustafi, another great contemporary actor, as his partner. Together they performed in 'Sadhabar Ekadashi' by famous playwright Dinabandhu MitraDinabandhu Mitra
Dinabandhu Mitra the Bengali dramatist, was born in 1830 at village Chouberia in Gopalnagar P.S., 24 Parganas and was the son of Kalachand Mitra. His given name was Gandharva Narayan, but he changed it to Dinabandhu Mitra.-Early life:Dinabandhu Mitra's education started at a village pathshala...
which became very popular. Later Bagbazar Amateur was renamed in 1871 as the National Theatre. Girish however left National Theatre and went to form the Great National Theatre in 1873. However he could not run this theatre for long. Later he also worked in Minerva Theatre and went to become a manager in Star Theatre
Star Theatre
Star Theatre or Star Theater may refer to:In films:*Star Theatre In Australia:* Star Theatre, Sydney, within the The Star casino, Sydney, New South WalesIn India:*Star Theatre, CalcuttaIn the United States:...
. The maiden show at the Star Theatre
Star Theatre
Star Theatre or Star Theater may refer to:In films:*Star Theatre In Australia:* Star Theatre, Sydney, within the The Star casino, Sydney, New South WalesIn India:*Star Theatre, CalcuttaIn the United States:...
was 'Daksha Jagna' by Girish Chandra Ghosh on the auspicious day of 21 July 1883. With Binodini Dasi
Binodini Dasi
Binodini Dasi , also known as Notee Binodini, was a Calcutta-based, Bengali-speaking renowned actress and thespian. She started acting at the age of 12 and ended by the time she was 23, as she later recounted in her noted autobiography, Amar Katha published in 1913.- Biography :Born to...
, he staged his play, Chaitanyalila, at the Star Theatre
Star Theatre, Calcutta
The Star Theatre is a theatre in Kolkata, built in 1883. Initially situated in Beadon Street, the theatre later moved to Cornwallis Street - now called Bidhan Sarani. The Star, along with the Minerva Theatre, was one of the first institutions of commercial Bengali theatre...
on 20 September 1884, with, Sri Ramakrishna in the audience. Girish wrote about 86 plays, most of which were based upon stories from Purana, Ramayana and Mahabharata. Among his famous works were Buddhadev Charit, Purna Chandra, Nasiram, Kalapahar, Ashoka, Shankaracharya, Chaitanyalila, Nimai Sannyas, Rup-Sanatan, Vilwamangal, Prahlad Charit. Most of his plays were performed in Star Theatre
Star Theatre
Star Theatre or Star Theater may refer to:In films:*Star Theatre In Australia:* Star Theatre, Sydney, within the The Star casino, Sydney, New South WalesIn India:*Star Theatre, CalcuttaIn the United States:...
in Calcutta.
Girish Chandra Ghosh acted in a variety of roles. His performance in the dual roles of Ramachandra and Meghnad in Meghnadbadh in 1877 was applauded by the editor of Sadharani, Akshoy Chandra Sarkar, who referred to him as the 'Garrick of Bengal'. As director, Girish Chandra helped develop many actors and actresses. He also founded a dance school to train prostitutes for the stage. For the convenience of actors, he modified the blank verse of Madhusudan into a form known after him as Gairish Chhanda (Girish metre)
Girish’s mind worked so fast and prodigiously that he required secretaries to take down his words. Absorbed in the flow of ideas, he would pace back and forth in his room and dictate all the dialogues
of the drama in a loud voice, as if he were acting each role himself. His secretary always kept three pencils ready at hand. He could not use a pen and inkpot because there was never enough time to dip the pen into the pot. Once his secretary Debendra Nath Majumdar could not keep up with the speed of the dictation and asked Girish to repeat what he had just said. Girish became angry and asked him not to break his mood. He told the Debendranath to put dots where he had missed words, and that he would fill them in later. There are many stories about his writing talent. Sitar Vanabash (The Banishment of Sita) was written in one night. He also wrote twenty-six songs for Sadhavar Ekadashi in just one night. Sister Devamata mentioned in Days in an Indian Monastery, ‘One of the greatest, a six act drama entitled Vilwamangal the Saint, was written in twenty-eight hours of uninterrupted labour.’
Personal life
Girish came into much grief in his family life and became a staunch atheist till he met Ramakrishna Paramhansa. In his personal life he met with many tragedies, losing both his wives, two daughters, and his younger son whom he loved very dearly, at the age of three. He was a very hard worker in his earlier days. It became common practice for him to work all day at the office then go to the theatre in the evening to act in a play, returning home at three or four o'clock in the morning. But when his first wife Pramodini gave birth to a still born daughter, Girish regretted his negligence of his wife and engaged best doctors for her. However she died leaving a son and a daughter. Girish was 30 years old at that time and this incident hardened his disbelief in God.Influence of Sri Ramakrishna
Although a notorious libertine, Girish eventually became one of the close disciples of Sri Ramakrishna, the 19th century Bengali saint. The story of Girish's relationship with Sri Ramakrishna, and his eventual transformation into a renunciate who was "second to none" is documented in the Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita later translated into English as "The Gospel of Sri RamakrishnaThe Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna
The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna translated by Swami Nikhilananda is an English translation of the Bengali religious text Sri Sri Rāmakrishna Kathāmrita...
".
Girish first met Sri Ramakrishna in the ancestral home of his neighbour Kalinath Bose
Kalinath Bose
Kalinath Bose was the first Indian to be promoted as Superintendent of Police under the British administration in March 1881. One of the early Indians to be operating in the intelligence branch of the police he was rewarded in 1875 for recovering the crown jewels of the Maharaja of Travancore ...
.
On 21 September 1884 Sri Ramakrishna went to watch Chaitanya Lila in Star Theatre.
It is said that Girish's first meeting with Sri Ramakrishna, was not very cordial. He saw Sri Ramakrishna in divine ecstasy and thought it to be some kind of a trick. But later when Ramakrishna met him the Master told him that the incident was no trick and Girish was extremely surprised to find master reading his thought. Later when the Master went to watch his theatre he and Girish repeatedly went on exchanging salutes and ultimately Girish had to give up. Girish later said about this incident that in Iron Age the best weapon is "pranamastra" or the "'salute weapon" with which god kills His enemies.
In his play Nasiram, Girish used much of the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. There are many scenes in The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna
The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna
The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna translated by Swami Nikhilananda is an English translation of the Bengali religious text Sri Sri Rāmakrishna Kathāmrita...
involving Girish and Sri Ramakrishna. Sri Ramakrishna went to watch several of his plays in Star Theatre. He also blessed Binodini, one of the lead actresses.
Relationship with Swami Vivekananda
Girish was very friendly with Swami VivekanandaSwami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
despite their age difference. They had tremendous respect for each other. Young Naren (Vivekananda) loved watching his plays like Budhha Charit. Swami Vivekananda used to call him "G.C" affectionately. The first meeting of Ramakrishna Mission took place on May 1, 1897 in Balaram Bose's house in which Girish Chandra Ghosh was one of the prominent representatives. He wholeheartedly supported Swamiji's proposal of service for the mankind as one of the mottos of the association in that meeting. When Swami Vivekananda's plan of social commitment for the monks of Ramakrishna order
Ramakrishna Order
The Ramakrishna Order is the monastic organization founded by Sri Ramakrishna and his disciple Swami Vivekananda. It encompasses the twin organizations Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, both headquartered at Belur Math near Kolkata, India....
was criticized by many householder and monastic disciples of Sri Ramakrishna as deviation from Sri Ramakrishna's teachings, Girish came out strongly in Swami's defense. In his article "Ramakrishna o Bivekananda" in Bengali (Ramakrishna and Vivekananda), Girish mentioned that "to comprehend Ramakrishna fully, one would have to keep the live model of Vivekananda constantly before one's mind."
Girish Ghosh told Sarat Chandra Chakravarti, a direct disciple of Swami Vivekananda, "What a great loving heart he (Vivekananda) has! I don't honour your Swamiji simply for being a Pundit versed in the Vedas; but I honour him for that great heart of his which just made him retire weeping at the sorrows of his fellow beings."
During Sri Ramakrishna's Tithipuja in the rented Math premises in Belur, Swami Vivekananda dressed Girish Chandra Ghosh with his own hands as a Bhairava
Bhairava
Bhairava , sometimes known as Bhairo or Bhairon or Bhairadya or Bheruji , Kaala Bhairavar or Vairavar , is the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with annihilation...
or a divine companion of lord Shiva.
Later Years
Girish had unwavering faith not only for Sri Ramakrishna, but also the Holy Mother of the Ramakrishna Order, Sarada DeviSarada Devi
Sarada Devi , born Saradamani Mukhopadhyaya , was the wife and spiritual counterpart of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a nineteenth century mystic of Bengal. Sarada Devi is also reverentially addressed as the Holy Mother by the followers of the Ramakrishna monastic order...
. He stayed for a month in Jayrambati
Jayrambati
Jayrambati is a village, in the jurisdiction of Kotulpur police station in the Bishnupur subdivision in Bankura district, West Bengal, India.-Geography:...
, the birthplace of the holy mother while she was staying there and eulogised her as the universal mother in front of a large gathering. He also requested the presence of mother in his Durga Puja
Durga Puja
Durga puja ; দুর্গা পূজা,ଦୁର୍ଗା ପୂଜା,‘Worship of Durga’), also referred to as Durgotsava ; , is an annual Hindu festival in South Asia that celebrates worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. It refers to all the six days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and...
, in 1907. The mother, despite her sever illness came to the Durga Puja
Durga Puja
Durga puja ; দুর্গা পূজা,ଦୁର୍ଗା ପୂଜା,‘Worship of Durga’), also referred to as Durgotsava ; , is an annual Hindu festival in South Asia that celebrates worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. It refers to all the six days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and...
and received obeisance from thousands of devotees as the embodiment of the goddess Durga
Durga
For the 1985 Hindi Film of Rajesh Khanna see DurgaaIn Hinduism, Durga ; ; meaning "the inaccessible" or "the invincible"; , durga) or Maa Durga "one who can redeem in situations of utmost distress" is a form of Devi, the supremely radiant goddess, depicted as having eighteen arms, riding a lion...
.
In films
His novel Bhakta Dhruva was adapted into a film by the poet Kazi Nazrul IslamKazi Nazrul Islam
Kazi Nazrul Islam , sobriquet Bidrohi Kobi, was a Bengali poet, musician and revolutionary who pioneered poetic works espousing intense spiritual rebellion against fascism and oppression. His poetry and nationalist activism earned him the popular title of Bidrohi Kobi...
. He was also the subject of a biopic, in Bengali, Mahakavi Girish Chandra (1956), directed by Modhu Bose.
Further reading
- From The Undivine Tree To The Divine Fruit: Girish Chandra Ghosh by Sri ChinmoySri ChinmoyChinmoy Kumar Ghose, also known as Sri Chinmoy was an Indian spiritual teacher, poet, artist and athlete who immigrated to the U.S. in 1964., the founder of the religious organization "Sri Chinmoy Centre Church, Inc." better known as "Sri Chinmoy Centre"...
, 1991. Online
External links
- Girish Chandra Ghosh at BanglapediaBanglapediaBanglapedia, or the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh, is the first Bangladeshi encyclopedia. It is available in print, CD-ROM format and online, in both Bangla and English. The print version comprises ten 500-page volumes...
.