Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was born today in history (26th Sept | UPSCPrep.com

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was born today in history (26th September, 1820).

Let's dive into the life of this legendary personality who contributed in reforming India for good.

Vidyasagar was a Bengali Sanskrit pundit, educator, social reformer, writer and philanthropist.

He was bestowed the title of Vidyasagar in 1839 for his mastery over Sanskrit and philosophy.

At the age of twenty one, Ishwar Chandra joined the Fort William College as the head of the Sanskrit department.

Michael Madhusudan, Bengali Poet is understood to have given him the epithet ‘Dayasagar’ or ‘Ocean of Generosity’ for his selfless altruism.

As Principal of Sanskrit College (1851 to 1858), Vidyasagar initiated unprecedented changes in both administration and education.

Vidyasagar strongly believed that everyone irrespective of caste or gender, had the right to education.

He also introduced ‘Sunday’ as the weekly holiday and summer vacation in the months of May and June.

His book ‘Borno Porichoy’ meaning ‘introduction to the letter’ is still used as the introductory text to learn Bengali alphabet.

He was the nineteenth century polymath reformer whose contribution towards changing the status of women in India is remarkable.

It was the result of his untiring struggle that the then Government of India passed the Widow Remarriage Act in 1856.

He fought for women education and vigorously challenged the barbaric practice of Child Marriage.

He also fought a determined battle against the then prevailing social custom of Kulin Brahmin polygamy.

Some of his works are : Betaal Panchavinsati (1847), Banglar Itihaas (1848), Jivancharita (1849), Shakuntala (1854), Mahabharata (1860), Seetar Vanavas (1860), Bhrantivilaas (1869), Oti Alpa Hoilo (1873), Aabaar Oti Alpa Hoilo (1873), Brajavilaas (1884), Ratnopariksha (1886).