Dwarkanath Ganguly

Dwarkanath Gangopadhyay (also spelt as Dwarkanath Ganguly) was born on 20 April 1844 and died on 27 June 1898. Dwarkanath was a Brahmo reformer in Bengal of British India. He made substantial contribution towards the enlightenment of society and the emancipation of women. He dedicated his whole life for the cause of women emancipation and encouraged them to participate in every walk of life be it politics, social services etc and even helped them to form organizations of their own.[1]

Dwarkanath Ganguly
Born
20 April 1844, Magurkhanda village, Bikrampur, Dhaka, Bengal Presidency, British India
Died27 June 1898, Kolkata, Bengal Presidency, British India (age 54)
OccupationEducator, Journalist, Social Reformer
Spouse(s)Bhaboshundori Devi Kadambini Ganguly

Early life

Dwarkanath Ganguly was born at Magurkhanda village, Bikrampur, Dhaka (now in Bangladesh) on 20 April 1844. His father, Krishnapran Gangopadhyay, was a compassionate and humble man while his mother, Udaytara, belonged to a rich family, and was a strong willed woman.[2] He was deeply influenced by his mother from childhood, who instilled into him love for truth and justice.[3] Ganguly began his education in the local village "pathshaala". Since he was keen to learn English he joined the English school in nearby Kalipara village.[1] While studying in this school he became strongly influenced by the writings of Akshay Kumar Dutta's 'Dharma Niti' that elaborated on the then prevalent social problems as polygamy, child marriage, inter-caste marriage and widow remarriage. He was deeply touched by the plight of the Bengali woman, and was influenced by Dutta's main thesis that "the first vital step to social regeneration is liberating woman from her bondage".[2] He began attempting to propagate Datta's ideas along with his socially conscious school friends. He was unable to pass the entrance examination of the school owing to his reformist activities coupled with his ill health. Thereafter, he turned out to be self taught.[1]

Life and career

Dwarkanath belonged to the orthodox upper caste or 'kulin Brahmin' caste. In those days, it was customary for men from such families to practice polygamy, which formed a way to earn money in way of gifts presented to the groom by the bride's father. However an incident of fatally poisoning a girl by her own relatives, since she had strayed from her course, and learning that this was a common practice, pained a 17 year old Dwarkanath immensely. Not only did he vow not to go in for polygamous marriage, but also began to empathize towards the condition of women in society.[4] His vow to monogamy resulted in the family's inability to marry off his younger sisters as his father could not present the token claimed by prospective grooms.[4] His failure to clear the Entrance Examination combined with increasing disagreement with his relatives and the local people over his progressive ideas of social reform, made him leave home in search of an independent livelihood. His tireless work to the cause of improving women‟s position in society, made him grow steadily in stature as a social reformer. He started his career as a teacher and worked at Sonarang, Olpur in Faridpur and in the minor school at Lonsingh (now all are in Bangladesh).[1]

A number of years after the death of his first wife, he re-married, in 1883, Kadambini Ganguly nee Bose, one of the first woman graduates in the British Empire. Dwarkanath fought for her admission into Calcutta Medical College and secured it. Kadambini later became the first practicing Indian woman doctor.[1][2]

He had four children from both his marriages. His eldest daughter, Bidhumukhi, from his first alliance was married to Upendra Kishore RayChaudhuri.[5]Jyotirmayee Gangopadhyay, his other daughter from his second marriage was a noted educationist turned freedom fighter. Prabhat Chandra Ganguly followed his father's footsteps in journalism and was a contemporary of Sukumar Ray, his nephew. He was a member of Sukumar's 'Monday club'.[5]

Dwarkanath was a man of genuine character,indomitable courage, iron will and firm determination. There was no difference between his words and deeds. He set his life as an example for others.[6]

Abalabandhab
Abalabandhab Patrika

In May 1869, Ganguly launched a weekly journal named 'Abalabandhab' (the 'bandhab' of 'abala' which means 'the friend' of 'the weaker sex'), from Lonsing, a village in Faridpur, Dhaka. This journal has been noted by American historian David Kopf as the first journal in the world devoted solely to the liberation of women.[7] It brought him recognition as a spokesman of women's rights in society. [8]Ganguly played the role of a humanitarian journalist bringing to light cases of exploitation and extreme suffering of women. His writings in Abalabandhab were on one hand defensive, while on the other, moralistic and judgemental on the proper behaviour and demeanour of educated women.

"The first article dealt with a number of topics,such as subject for self-protection,'Vocational training' and 'Social, political and religious issues'. The second article was devoted to topics like 'Knowledge of the Yavanas in Sanskrit', the third to 'Whabi religion,Rafique Mondal and Amiruddin', the fourth to 'Edison and electric light', the fifth to 'Telephone, microphone and phonograms etc', the sixth to 'System of Kindergarten education' and seventh and the last to 'Miscellaneous topics." [6]

- The Brahmo Public Opinion, January 1878.

The journal included articles on cookery, on imparting basic scientific approach to the mid-wives, improving the health of a mother who was usually kept segregated from other family members in unhealthy conditions of the 'Aturghar' amongst others.[8] Abalabandhab attracted the attention of the students of Calcutta and Dhaka and especially among young Brahmos, including Sivenath Sastri and his progressive friends in Calcutta[9].In 1870, Ganguly came to Calcutta with Abalabandhab and by the cooperation of his friends in Kolkata, turned the journal into a powerful organ of women's cause.

Sadharan Brahmo Samaj

Ganguly was a strong supporter of higher education for women with equal stress on fields like science and mathematics. He believed in providing equal syllabi of education for both men and women, that was not agreeable to many of the then social reformers like Keshab Chandra Sen. He believed that education of women was not to challenge the basic tenets of feminine socialization, rather it was to complement the process of the creation of the modem, enlightened helpmate.[4]

Though a Brahmo himself, Dwarkanath was far more progressive than the Brahmo leader Keshub Chandra Sen of those days. He along with Durgamohan Das, Annadacharan Khastagir, Sivanath Sastri, Rajaninath Roy and others, demanded that Brahmo ladies be allowed to come out of their screen of seclusion in the prayer meets of Brahmo Samaj. With his strong reformist views, he was opposed to many of the conservative ideas not only in society but even in the Brahmo Samaj. [1]

He campaigned vigorously against polygamy, bigotry, purdah and child marriage.[1][6]He also tried to introduce changes in women's dress and established music school for girls.

All this led to the beginning of the split in the Brahmo Samaj of India, which ultimately led to the formation of the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj in 1878. Ganguly served several terms as secretary of Sadharan Brahmo Samaj.[10]

Higher Education for Women

Establishment of Girl's School

Ganguly and his associates like Durgamohan Das, Monomohun Ghosh, argued that quality of education to be imparted to girls should be equal to that given to boys. To achieve this, they established the Hindu Mahila Vidyalaya on 18 September 1873 at 22, Beniapukur Lane, Calcutta a boarding school. [1]The school was placed under the supervision of Unitarian English lady Miss Annette Akroyd. The responsibility of keeping it going was shouldered by Ganguly and his associates. The boarders included Indumati, daughter of Ramtanu Lahiri; Sarala and Abala the daughters of Durga Mohan Das, Bidhumukhi the daughter of Ganguly; and Harasundari, the wife of Srinath Datta. Dwarkanath served that boarding school as headmaster, teacher, dietician, guard, and maintenance man, who even sweeped the premises.[4] The school stopped operating for a short while. However with Ganguly‟s unhampered enthusiasm, he reopened the school as the Banga Mahila Vidyalaya on 1st June 1876 at Old Ballygunge Road, Calcutta. The standard of education in the school was commendably high and its successors played important role in Ganguly's crusade for women‟s upliftment. Ganguly argued convincingly in support of his educational practices at a time when Victorian England was still grappling with the issue of the right kind of education for the girls.[1]

The high quality system followed was praised even by the Education Department of the Government. In the meantime, the unsatisfactory state of the Bethune School was a matter for grave concern to all connected with female education. Through the good offices of Monomohun Ghose, the then secretary of Bethune School Committee, a proposal to amalgamate the two, in a union of financial and intellectual resources, was agreed upon. After a long controversy, the Banga Mahila Vidyalaya considered “the most advanced school in Bengal”, was merged in the Bethune School on 1st August 1878.[11]Among its alumni were Swarnaprabha Basu (wife of Ananda Mohan Basu), Sarala Roy (wife of Dr. Prasanna Kumar Roy), Lady Abala Basu (wife of Sir Jagadish Chandra Basu), Girijakumari Sen (wife of Sasipada Sen), Kadambini Ganguly (wife of Ganguly) and Hemlata Devi (daughter of Sivanath Sastri).[1]

Financial Support for Women's School

Dwarkanath was also instrumental in keeping the Brahmo Balika Shikshalaya established in 1890 sail through firmly by his financial aid from 1895.[1]This institution set an example for other girls' schools to be founded later on by Indians.[6]He set up the Bikrampur Sanmilani Sabha in 1879 where he acted as the President, and under this organization a number of girls' schools were set up in Bikrampur.[1]

Push for Women's Medical Education

Dwarkanath had admitted his wife, Kadambini to the Calcutta Medical College. However, he had to campaign that no candidate could be refused education on the grounds of sex and fought for her all the way through to her admission. Dwarkanath argued that unless women studied medicine, it would not be possible to ensure appropriate treatment of complex female diseases. He also sent her to Edinburgh and Glasgow to obtain her LRCP, LRCS and LFPS Diplomas.[1]

Contribution to National Politics

Indian Association

The Indian Association was the first avowed nationalist organization founded in British India by Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose in 1876.[12]The objectives of this Association were "promoting by every legitimate means the political, intellectual and material advancement of the people". Ganguly was actively associated with the functioning of this organization and served as the associate editor of the organization.[9]

Rights of Women in Politics

After the establishment of Indian National Congress in the year 1885, Indian Association lost its prevalence.[12] During this time, Dwarkanath started a movement to enable women's participation in national level politics, and therefore allow women delegates in the Congress sessions. His undeterred efforts resulted in 10 distinguished ladies attending as delegates in the 5th session of INC at Bombay, in 1889, including Kadambini Ganguly(Ganguly's wife) and Swarnakumari Devi (wife of Janakinath Ghoshal, daughter of Devendranath Tagore and sister of Rabindranath Tagore).[1]

Journalism, nationalism and published work

Journalism

Apart from writing in his Abalabandhab journal, Dwarkanath was also involved in active journalism and wrote articles to bring light on social issues. He along with Krishna Kumar Mitra brought out the Bengali newsweekly "Sanjivani". This paper tried to organize the peasants of lower Bengal.[13] The most notable work done in this area was bringing to light the pathetic conditions of the workers in the tea gardens of Assam. His detailed articles describing the wretched conditions of these workers eventually lead to the Indian National Congress sit up and send investigators to validate his reports that also invited the wrath of the British Planter's chairpersons. Though the powerful British planter's lobby tried to prevent these articles to reach a wider audience, they were unable to prevent it. These reports also formed a base for agitation against the colonial rule. [14]

Education Material for School

Ganguly was not happy with the education material of mathematics and applied sciences that were available in those times. He went ahead and wrote text books on health sciences, geography and mathematics that followed an excellent curriculum.[15] These were used in his school ensuring a very high quality of education.

Nationalism and Published Work

Ganguly also sowed the seeds of initial patriotism. “Na jagile Bharat lalana e Bharat aar jage na jage na ...", a song written by him was sung at the inauguration of Swadeshi movement meeting held by Bipin Chandra Pal, on 14th March 1907, that aimed at including women in it.[16] The spirit of the song served as a wake up call for women to join the movement.Another song 'Sonar Bharat Aj Yavanadhikare' (golden Bharat is today under foreign subjection), was first published in his historical drama "Birnari" (1875). He compiled these songs later in a booklet called Jatiya Sangit (Patriotic Songs ) published in 1876.[1]

Dwarkanath's activities were not restricted to social, political or religious reforms alone. His other novel was "Suruchir Kutir".[17]He contributed to articles in journals, notable being writing a biography of Brohmomoyee Debi, first wife of Durga Mohon Das. In the lines of "Year Book" that used to be published in those times, he had also started a treatise "NoboBarshiki" that contained information about the who's who of then Bengal. There are some children's literature too that could be contributed to him.[17]

References
  1. "Dwarakanath Ganguly- A Study on His Role of Women Emancipation in Colonial Bengal".
  2. "Dwarkanath Ganguly a forgotten hero".
  3. Sinha, S. Freedom Movement in Bengal 1818-1904: Who's Who, Calcutta Education Department, Government of West Bengal. pp. 306–307.
  4. Sastri, Sivanath. Ramtanu Lahiri O Tatkalin Banga Samaj, 1903/2001, (in Bengali). p. 340.
  5. Sukumar Sahitya Samagra. Kolkata: Ananda. 1973. pp. Preface by Satyajit Ray. ISBN 8170661722.
  6. "Sadharan Brahmo Somaj and some of its stalwarts" (PDF).
  7. Kopf, David (1979). The Brahmo Samaj and the Shaping of the Modern Indian Mind. ISBN 978-0-691-03125-5.
  8. "GENDER CONSCIOUSNESS- i) IMPACT OF WESTERN EDUCATIONii) ROLE OF CONTEMPORARY PERIODICALS" (PDF).
  9. Sastri, Sivanath. Ramtanu Lahiri O Tatkalin Banga Samaj, 1903/2001, (in Bengali). p. 452.
  10. "The Brahmo Samaj". www.thebrahmosamaj.net. Retrieved 2020-06-30.
  11. Mukherjee, A. 'Women's Emancipation in 19th-Century Bengal-Some Aspects' an article by Dr. Manju Chattopadhyay. pp. 155–156.
  12. "Indian Association | political organization, India". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2020-09-28.
  13. Johansson, Eve (18 February 2013). La presse de la liberté. ISBN 9783111357300.
  14. "How a School Teacher Exposed the British 'Coolie' Trade in 19th Century Assam". The Better India. 2017-11-21. Retrieved 2020-07-29.
  15. "A NEW IMAGE OF HEALTH - Kadambini Ganguly was equally happy in her marriage and her career". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 2020-10-27.
  16. "Clarion Call for Swadeshi Movement" (PDF).
  17. Sastri, Sivanath. Ramtanu Lahiri O Tatkalin Banga Samaj, 1903/2001, (in Bengali). p. 341.
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