Girish Chandra Ghosh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Girish Chandra Ghosh
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| গিরিশচন্দ্র ঘোষ | |
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| Born | 28 February 1844 |
| Died | 8 February 1912 (aged 67) |
| Nationality | British Indian |
| Alma mater | Hare school Oriental Seminary |
| Occupation | Actor, director, and writer |
| Spouse(s) | Pramodini Devi |
Girish Chandra Ghosh (born February 28, 1844 – died February 8, 1912) was a famous Bengali actor, director, and writer. He played a huge role in making Bengali theatre very popular and successful. He helped start the Great National Theatre in 1872. This was the first professional theatre company in Bengal.
Girish Ghosh wrote almost 40 plays. He also acted in and directed many more. Later in his life, he became a dedicated follower of Sri Ramakrishna.
Contents
A Look at Girish Ghosh's Life
His Early Years
Girish Ghosh was born in Bagbazar, Kolkata. This was on February 28, 1844. He was the eighth child of Nilkamal and Raimani. He first went to Oriental Seminary for school. Later, he studied at Hare School in the city. However, he did not finish his studies there.
His father, Nilkamal Ghosh, was a kind and generous person. Girish inherited some of his father's big heart. Girish once said that his father was very smart and good at managing things. He also said his mother was gentle and loved God. From his father, he got a sharp mind. From his mother, he got a love for books and devotion to God.
He lost his parents when he was young. After his father passed away, he married Promodini Devi. He then continued to educate himself. In 1862, Girish started an apprenticeship. He worked for a British company doing bookkeeping. Around this time, he met Ishwar Chandra Gupta. He then began writing plays, songs, and poems.
His Theatre Career
Girish was a key actor at the Bagbazar Amateur Theatre. He worked with Ardhendu Sekhar Mustafi, another great actor. They performed in Sadhabar Ekadashi. This play by Dinabandhu Mitra became very popular.
Later, in 1871, Bagbazar Amateur was renamed the National Theatre. But Girish left this group. He then started the Great National Theatre in 1873. In 1877, he put on his first play there, called Agamani. He also worked at the Minerva Theatre. He later became its manager.
In 1883, Girish opened the Star Theatre. He used his own money for this. He also managed it himself. The first play at the Star Theatre was Daksha Jagna. Girish Chandra Ghosh wrote this play. It opened on July 21, 1883.
He worked with Binodini Dasi, a famous actress. On September 20, 1884, they staged his play Chaitanyalila. Sri Ramakrishna was in the audience that day.
Girish wrote about 86 plays. Most of them were based on old Indian stories. These included tales from the Purana, Ramayana, and Mahabharata. Some of his famous plays were Buddhadev Charit and Chaitanyalila. Most of his plays were performed at the Star Theatre in Calcutta. In 1893, Girish also translated Shakespeare's play Macbeth into Bengali.
Meeting Sri Ramakrishna
Girish first met Sri Ramakrishna at his neighbor Kalinath Bose's home. On September 21, 1884, Sri Ramakrishna went to see Chaitanya Lila at the Star Theatre.
It is said that Girish's first meeting with Sri Ramakrishna was not easy. He saw Sri Ramakrishna in a deep spiritual state. Girish thought it might be a trick. But later, Sri Ramakrishna told him it was real. Girish was very surprised that Sri Ramakrishna knew his thoughts.
When Sri Ramakrishna visited his theatre, he and Girish kept bowing to each other. Finally, Girish gave up. Girish later said that in this age, the best "weapon" is "pranamastra." This means the "salute weapon," which God uses to defeat His enemies.
In his play Nasiram, Girish used many of Sri Ramakrishna's teachings. There are many stories in The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna about Girish and Sri Ramakrishna. Sri Ramakrishna went to watch several of Girish's plays. He also blessed Binodini Dasi, one of the main actresses.
Many followers of Sri Ramakrishna were surprised. They wondered why the Master held Girish in such high regard.
Girish's Trust in Sri Ramakrishna
Girish had many questions about Sri Ramakrishna for years. He looked for any faults or dishonesty. But he found none. Finally, Girish asked what spiritual practices he should do.
Sri Ramakrishna told him to simply trust him completely. Girish felt relieved at first. He thought he could keep doing whatever he wanted. But slowly, he realized he had to be honest with himself. He had to ask if his actions were what God wanted. Or if they were just from his own desires.
Images for kids
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Star Theatre, founded by Girish Chandra Ghosh.
