Bengali Author, Playwright & Philanthropist Kaliprasanna Singha. His most famous work was the translation of the ancient Hindu epic Mahabharata into Bengali. Singha’s book Hootum Pyanchar Naksha, a compilation of satirical social sketches, is another noted work that is noted for reflecting Bengalee urban society of the time. He is also remembered as a philanthropist who helped several people and movements in distress.
Kaliprasanna was a man of unbelievable versatile qualities. It is said that he had a power to recollect anything that he would see or hear even once, and that also from a very early age. The foundation of the Vidyotsahini sabha by him at age 14 bears a testimony to the abilities of this child prodigy. Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar was astonished to see how this young boy could mingle with so many elderly associates and lead them towards recreational pursuits such as organisation of the theatres. Hootum Pyanchar Naksha is his immortal creation in which portrayed the picture of the 19th-century babudom in Kolkata.
Other than his contribution to literature, Kaliprasanna had immense contribution to Bengali theatre too. He established the Vidyotsahini Sabha (a platform for those interested in education) at the age of 14. It was established most probably in 1855. Eminent gentlemen like Krishnadas Pal, Acharya Krishna Kamal Bhattacharya, Peari Chand Mitra, & Radhanath Sikdar were associated with it. Vidyotsahini Sabha was mainly responsible for promoting Hindu theatre, and Bidyotsahini Mancha was set up in 1857 at Kaliprasanna’s home. The members of this group performed “Shakuntala” in 1857.
He also edited/published several magazines like Vidyotsahini Patrika, Paridarshak, Sarvatattwa Prakashika, Bibidhartha Samgraha. Under his editorship, the Mahabharata was translated to Bengali in prose form, which is still read and published widely.
