Rajanikanta Sen Biography 
Rajanikanta Sen was a Bengali poet and composer, known for his devotional compositions and patriotic songs. Vani (1902), Kalyani (1905) and Amrita (1910) were published during his life time while Abhaya (1910), Anandamayi (1910), Bishram (1910), Sadbhab-Kusum (1913) and Shesdan (1916) were published after his death. His songs were set to Hindustani classical style, mixing Kirtan, Baul and Tappa.
Rajanikanta was born in the village of Bhangabari of present Bangladesh as the third child of Guruprasad Sen and Manomohini Devi. Guruprasad was sub-judge in many parts of Bengal and during this time, he published a collection of 400 Vaishnava brajabuli poems, Padachintamanimala. Guruprasad's elder brother Govindanath was a successful advocate. Though born in a rich family, lack of proper investment, Rajanikanta’s childhood days were spent in financial troubles. His mother was a competent housewife with decision making power. His father was frequently transferred during Rajani’s childhood days.
Rajani studied in Boalia Zilla School where he was a mischievous and playful child. Yet he scored good marks in academic studies. He learnt Sanskrit from Rajnath Tarkaratna, a neighbour. Gopal Chandra Lahiri was his academic mentor. He passed entrance examination in 1882 and three years later, he passed FA and joined City College. He completed Bachelor of Arts degree in 1889 and Bachelor of Law degree in 1891 from the same college.
Rajani's mother had interest in Bengali literature and she used to discuss about it with young Rajani a lot. It later inspired him a lot. Through his friend Tarakeshwar Chakrabarty, he got attached to music. He wrote poems in Bengali and Sanskrit from childhood and they got published in magazines. He started composing music also. Immortal devotional songs written and composed by him were his major contributions to Bengali literature.
Published: N/A
Updated: March 27, 2014
