Rajanikanta Sen (1865-1910) poet, lyricist and singer, was born in the village of Bhangabari in Pabna (now in Bangladesh). Yesterday marked his 145th birth anniversary.
Rajanikanta was the author of "Pathachintamani," a book of Kirtan songs, and "Abhay Bihar," a book of lyrical poems. His father Guruprasad Sen served as a sub-judge in many parts of Bengal. Rajanikanta was tutored by his father in music from early childhood. After obtaining his BA and BL (1891) degrees from Calcutta City College, he began to practice law in Rajshahi.
Rajanikanta demonstrated his poetic power at the early age of 15 by composing songs dedicated to the goddess Kali. He used to sing his compositions at the house of Akshay Kumar Maitreya. The monthly Utsaha used to publish his writings. Devotion and patriotism formed the primary themes of his poems and songs, although he also composed love songs and satirical verses. One of his songs composed during the Swadeshi movement, "Mayer Deya Mota Kapor Matha-e Tuley Nerey Bhai" (treasure the coarse cloth spun in your motherland), became an overnight sensation.
Rajanikanta wrote several books: "Bani" (1902), "Kalyani" (1905), "Sadbhabkusum" (1913) and "Sheshdan" (1916). "Bani" and "Kalyani" are collections of his songs. He became well known as "Kantakobi."
Though Rajanikanta was influenced by Rabindranath Tagore, his songs have some unique characteristics. Most of them are inspired by his devotion. In addition, his love for his country forms another important theme of his songs.
The songs of Rajanikanta were inspired by the tunes and themes of Kirtan, Baul, Ramprasadi, Panchali. "Mishra Raga" (mixed raga) is predominant in Rajanikanta's compositions.
Compiled by Correspondent
