Author: Rajnarayan Basu

Rishi Rajnarayan Basu (1826–1899) was a towering but now overlooked figure of the Bengal Renaissance and one of the earliest architects of Indian nationalism. An author, orator, educator, and social reformer, he displayed a rare combination of sharp intellect, deep spiritual conviction, and an almost ascetic work ethic. As a Professor of English in the Sanskrit College in Calcutta, he taught Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar. As a collaborator of Debendranath Tagore in the Tattwabodhini Sabha, he defended Hinduism and Indic culture against attacks by the Scottish missionary Alexander Duff. As a close friend of Michael Madhusudan Dutt and a mentor of Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore, he left an indelible mark on India’s intellectual life for years to come.

He was also the maternal grandfather of Sri Aurobindo, who revered him deeply. Upon his death, Sri Aurobindo composed the moving elegy Transiit Non Periit (He has passed, not perished). To Aurobindo, Rajnarayan represented not only family, but also his philosophical lineage—an early nationalist who laid the ground for India’s spiritual and political awakening.

In our time, as we re-examine the foundations of Indian identity, Rajnarayan’s voice—deeply principled, passionate, and prescient, but unfortunately lost—deserves to be heard again.