Topic 1 (a) : Mir Mosharraf Hossain

When did Mir Mosharraf Hossain die?

19 December 1912

Gokul Nirmul Ashonka

A book where he wrote critically about the excessive zeal in the killing of cows as he feared that this could have adverse effect on agriculture.

The statue of Mir Mosharraf Hossain

A few years after his death, a statue of him was erected at the Bangiyo Sahitya Parishad building in Kolkata.

Who was Mir Mosharraf Hossain?

A nineteenth-century novelist and playwright who wrote for over 50 years on history and Islamic beliefs. He used satire to criticise wrongs in society. He has a statue erected to him in Kolkata.

When did he start writing?

At the age of 13-14

Which newspapers did he edit?

Azizannehar and Hitakari

A list of his works

Bishad Shindhu, Moulud Sharif, Hajrat Omarer Dharmajiban Labh, Bibi Khodejar Bibaha, Madinar Gaurab, Zamindar Darpan, Gokul Nirmul Ashonka, Udashin Pathiker Moner Kotha, Gazi Miar Bostani, Musalmaner Bangla Shikh.

Bishad-Shindhu

Bishad Shindhu, is a novel in which he narrated the tragic tale of the Battle of Karbala. It is considered to be a masterpiece.

Mir Mosharraf Hossain's education

Early education: at home where he was taught Arabic and Persian. He learnt Bangla at a pathshala (village school) Formal Education: at Kushtia School and Krishnanagar Collegiate School. Later on he was admitted into Kolkata Kalighat School but could not complete his studies.

About his successful of satires

He exposed the follies and vices prevalent in the contemporary society in his satires. His best known Satires are: Udashin Pathiker Moner Kotha and Gazi Miar Bostani.

When and where was he born?

He was born in a zamindar family in 1847 AD at Lahiripara of Kushtia.

Mir Mosharraf and journalism

He worked for newspapers as a journalist.

Where can we know more about his life?

In his autobiography, 'Amar Jiboni' (My Life) and in his wife's biography, 'Bibi Kulsum'.

Zaminder Darpan

It was written against the background of the peasant uprising against the landlords in Sirajganj 1872-73.

What is he known for?

Mir Mosharraf Hossain is a well-known novelist, playwright, essayist and journalist of the nineteenth century.

What was his pseudonym (pen name)?

Mosha

Which textbook did he write?

Musalmaner Bangla Shikha.

Which newspapers was he a reporter for?

Sangbad Prabhakar, a newspaper from Kolkata and Grambarta Prakashika, a paper from Kumarkhali

Define Satire

Satire is used in many works of literature to show foolishness or vice in humans, organisations, or even governments - it uses sarcasm, ridicule, or irony.

What did he write about?

Wrote on popular themes in the history and belief of Islam. He also wrote about the life and history of Muslim people including Moulud Sharif, Hajrat Omarer Dharmajiban Labh, Bibi Khodejar Bibaha and Madinar Gaurab. He was also interested in everyday life of his fellow countrymen.