Rajasekhar Basu (March 16, 1880 - April 27, 1960) is popular as humorist in twentieth century Bengali Literature. He was born in Bardhaman district of West Bengal. However he had spent his childhood in Darbhanga district in Bihar. When he went to Patna to pursue F.A. he was introduced to Bengali literature as he interacted with several Bengali speakers. He completed his bachelors and masters from Presidency College.
Literary career of Rajasekhar Basu
He began his writing career in the 1920s and adopted the pen name of Parashuram. He wrote humorous pieces for a monthly magazine. Gaddalika, his first book of stories was published in 1924. In 1937 his Chalantika was published which is a monolingual Bengali dictionary.
Chalantika was an effort to reform and rationalize Bengali orthography. He was a man of multifaceted personality. He was the member of the National Council of Education. He served Bangiya Sahitya Parishad. He also provided secret assistance to the revolutionaries of the Indian Independence Movement. He played a major role in the history of printing in Bengal. He was principal assistant to Sureshchandra Majumdar, credited with creating the first linotype in the Bengali script.
His short stories include: Shri Shri Siddheshvari Limited, Gaddalika, Kajjali, Hanumaner Svapna Ityadi Galpa, Galpakalpa, Dhusturi Maya Ityadi Galpa, Krishnakali Ityadi Galpa, Nil Tara Ityadi Galpa, Anandibai Ityadi Galpa and Chamatkumari Ityadi Galpa.
His translations include: Kalidaser Meghdut, Valmiki Ramayan, Krishnadvaipayan Vyas krita Mahabharat, Hitopadesher Galpa and Shrimadbhagabat Gita.
His collection of essays include Laghuguru, Bharater Khanij, Kutir Shilpa, Bichinta, Chalachchinta. His well known collection of poems was named Parashuramer Kabita that was published posthumously.
He was awarded by Calcutta University the Jagattarini and Sarojini medals in 1940 and 1945. In 1957 he was awarded D.Litt. by Jadavpur University. His short story `Krishnakali ityadi golpo` won the Rabindra Puraskar in 1955. In 1956, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan. In 1958, he was given the Akademi Puraskar for `Anandibai Ityadi Galpa`. His works had a humorous vein in it.
His twenty eight more essays had been published in different magazines. In a recent publication `Prabandhabali` these essays have been put under two sections titled `uttar chalachchinta` and `bibidha` correspondingly.
