Jogendranath Gupta (1893-1964)

Historian and litterateur, was born at Vikrampur, Dhaka. Jogendranath Gupta completed primary school, but was unable to continue further because of financial reasons. He became a schoolteacher and subsequently took up a job at the zamindari seresta in Mymensingh.

Jogendranath developed his writing habits and literary talent by editing journals and periodicals. Among the journals he edited were the monthly Pathik (1904), the quarterly Vikrampur (1906-18), the quarterly Kaishorak (1913-18), and the monthly Kishore Bharati. He wrote more than a hundred books in various genres, including history and biography. His books on history include Vikrampurer Itihas (History of Vikrampur, 1909), Vikrampurer Bibaran (Description of Vikrampur, 2 volumes, 1939), Bangalar Itihas (History of Bengal), Bharater Itihas (History of India), Prithivir Itihas (History of the World, 21 Volumes, 1918-1925). His Vikrampurer Bibaran is still considered to be the most authentic source book on Vikrampur.

Among Jogendranath's several biographies of renowned personalities are Kedar Ray, Maharsi Debendranath Thakur, Vidyasagar, Gandhijir Jibanyajna (Life and Works of Gandhi), Sadhak Kavi Ramprasad (The Accomplished Poet Ramprasad), Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Rabindranath, Tarabai, Jhansir Rani, Rani Durgavati, Ranajit Singh, Gurugobinda Singh, Abraham Lincoln, Garibaldi. He also wrote plays and novels, among them Parashmani (1927), Madhabi (1930), Priyatama, Subhaksan, Grhalaksmi, Shantilata, Ruper Agun, Pallibadhu, Premer Abhisek, Anarkali (drama, 1909). The common theme of his books on history, biography and literature is the nobility and magnanimity of human life.

Jogendranath was appointed 'Girish Lecturer' at Calcutta University and awarded the 'Bhuban Mohini Medal.

:: Added 05082005 @ 0433 GMT