Ishwar Chandra Gupta and the Peasantry of Bengal: A Literary Discourse

Abstract

Raja Rammohan Roy for first time in 1831 brought under consideration condition of peasantry under land system initiated by Permanent Settlement in 1793 when he discussed the issue in his answer to queries addressed to him during prelude to making of Charter of 1833. Peasantry through constant resistance to their exploitation continued to play an active role in keeping alive agrarian issues in public discourse. It was increasingly difficult for Bengali middle class intelligentsia to remain detached from pertinent issues affecting rural existence. As Bengali literati strived to remain relevant in Bengali society, they continued to retain their interests in rural affairs. Issues that were brought into prominence by Roy were continued to be addressed by his successors. This essay attempts to explore continuation of agrarian thinking and handling of pertinent agrarian issues by the erudite litterateur and journalist Ishwar Chandra Gupta through his varied literary creations.