Peary Chand Mitra Biography 
Peary Chand Mitra was a writer, journalist, cultural activist and entrepreneur from West Bengal. He was a member of Henry Derozio’s Young Bengal group and played a significant role in Bengal renaissance of late 19th century. Simple Bengali prose was introduced by him. ‘Alaler Gharer Dulal ‘ is his most noted Bengali work.
Mitra was born on 24 July 1814 in Kolkata. His father Ramnarayan Mitra was a businessman. As per custom, he started learning Persian at a younger age. He learnt English after joining Hindu College in 1827. While a student, he started a local school to teach villagers of his locality. Very soon, he joined hands with Rasik Krishna Mallick, Radhanath Sikdar and Sib Chandra Deb in this effort. He also got help from David Hare and Derozio.
After college studies, Mitra joined Kolkata Public Library as deputy librarian in 1836, the founding year. The library was moved to the Metcalfe hall of Fort William College in 1844. From a librarian, he climbed several steps like secretary and finally curator, when he got retired. He was also associated with various social welfare societies like Calcutta University Senate, Agricultural Society, and British India Society. He was also associated with Theosophical Society during the India visit of Madame Blavatsky and Col Olcott. He was interested in agriculture and his open criticism against ‘The Zemindar and Ryots’, created a sensation. While a member of the Agricultural Society, he started an organisation for the translation of books on agriculture from English to Bengali.
He has given significant contribution to Bengali people in the field of literature and publications. He wrote columns for Englishman, Indian Field, Hindu Patriot, Friend of India, Calcutta Review, Bengal Harkara and Bengal Spectator. Alaler Gharer Dulal (1857), Mad Khaoya Bada Day Jat Thakar ki Upay (1859), Ramaranjika (1860), Krsipath (1861), and Bamatoshini (1881), Abhedi, Jatkinchit and Adhyatika are his major literary works.
Published: N/A
Updated: January 10, 2014
