Mohitlal Majumdar was a noted person in Bengali literature. Although he began exploring the world of literature as a poet, he later gained reputation as a literary critic. He has also penned several essays. His poetries also reflect his knowledge of Persian and Arabic languages which he frequently used in his works. Although initially his writings were inspired by the works of stalwarts of Indian literature, he later successfully created a new style in his compositions.
Early Life of Mohitlal Majumdar
Mohitlal Majumdar was born on 26th October 1888 in the Kanchrapara village of Nadia district, in the Indian state West Bengal. In the year 1908 he graduated in arts from Ripon College, presently known as Surendranath College, in Kolkata. After completing his education he started his career as a teacher at Calcutta High School and continued the same till the year 1928. Meanwhile for a brief period, 1914 to 1917, he also worked in the Settlement Department as a kanungo. In 1928 he also worked as a lecturer in the Bangla and Sanskrit departments in the University of Dhaka, which is presently in Bangladesh. He retired from the same in 1944.
Literary Works of Mohitlal Majumdar
Mohitlal Majumder debuted in a literary arena with the journal titled Manasi. Following this he started contributing regularly to several journals including Shanibarer Chithi and Bharati. Poems of his early phase portrayed the aspirations and sorrows of a dreaming youth and comprised pleasing rhythms. His poems had many Persian as well as Arabic words as he was well acquainted with the languages. He was a prominent user of Persian and Arabic words in pre-Nazrul era. Spiritualism and aestheticism both greatly influenced his poems. Although his early poems were much influenced from the works of Rabindranath Tagore, he later detached his work from the older poet establishing a distinct style.
Mohitlal Majumder contributed much to establish the standards of art and literature by revealing its problems as a literary critic. The status of criticism in Indian literature encountered a boost with his psychological and poet-like approach. He used several pseudonyms like Satyasundar Das, Sabyasachi and Krittivas Ojha while writing critiques. He also contributed in the curriculum of school level, secondary, higher secondary and graduation level Bengali literature in Bangladesh.
Death of Mohitlal Majumder
Mohitlal Majumder died on 26 July 1952 at the age of 63.
Compositions of Mohitlal Majumdar
| Poetry |
| Swapan Pasari |
| Bishorini |
| Smar Garal |
| Hemanta Godhuli |
| Robi pradakshin |
| Essays |
| Adhunik Bangla Sahitya |
| Kobi Sri Madhusudan |
| Sahitya Bitan |
