While the nation recently celebrated the 150th anniversary of India's national song 'Vande Mataram,' a significant piece of history remains largely unknown to the residents of Jajpur district in Odisha. This is where the song's creator, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, served as deputy magistrate in 1882 and penned his famous novel 'Devi Chaudhurani.'
The Forgotten Connection
Historical records confirm that the legendary novelist and civil servant lived and worked in Jajpur from 1882 to 1884. During this period, he resided in the official deputy magistrate's residence located on the banks of the Baitarani river. Despite this profound historical connection, most local residents, particularly the youth, remain unaware that the author of their national song once walked their streets and contributed to their administrative landscape.
Official Recognition and Public Awareness
The district administration organized an official function in Jajpur on Friday to commemorate Bankim Chandra's legacy. However, beyond this single event, little has been done to preserve and promote the novelist's connections to the district. Harish Chandra Prusti, a local researcher, expressed concern about this historical amnesia, noting that very few people in the district know about Bankim's association with Jajpur.
The current sub-collector of Jajpur, Tapan Ranjan Dehuri, acknowledged the pride they feel in having Bankim as one of their predecessors. Unfortunately, the incumbency chart at the sub-collector's office only displays names from 1939 onwards, creating a documentation gap that has contributed to this historical oversight.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
The situation highlights a broader issue of preserving cultural heritage in regional India. As the nation celebrates its literary giants, the very places that inspired and hosted these creators often fade into obscurity. The case of Bankim Chandra in Jajpur serves as a reminder that historical preservation requires consistent effort beyond occasional commemorative events.
With the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram bringing renewed attention to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's legacy, there's growing hope that Jajpur's connection to this literary giant will receive the recognition it deserves and become an integral part of the district's cultural identity.
