Noted writer and historian Dhirendranath Baske was born in Bhimpur located in Medinipur district (now Paschim Medinipur). He was born on June 14, 1930. His father name was Priyanath Baske And his mother was Sorojini Baske. His father had a prominent personality of that time and a teacher at Bhimpur Santal High School.
His primary education began in Bhimpur. He passed his matriculation from Bhimpur Santal High School. It is worth mentioning that at that time, since Bhimpur High School had a system of teaching in Santali, Dhirendranath also took Santali along with other subjects and passed his matriculation. Then he got admitted to Sreerampur College in Hooghly district. From here he passed I. A. And B. A.
Dhirendranath’s career started with teaching. He taught at Bhimpur High School and the Shiksha Sangha of Bishnupur in 24 Parganas district. From 1956, the West Bengal government started publishing newspapers in the Santali language. He was appointed as the co-editor of the newspaper “Galmarao”, the Santali version of the newspaper “Kathabarta” published in Bengali. This newspaper was later renamed “Pachimbangla”. From 1956 to 1989, after a long thirty-three years,he retired from the post of co-editor of the newspaper ‘Pachimbangla’ in 1979. During his career, Dhirendranath did journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi in 1979. Although he officially retired from his career, he was appointed to the Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation (T.D.C.C.) by the Underdeveloped Community Welfare Department of the West Bengal Government. Although he was appointed honorary ally, he implemented many programs for tribal development through this organization. After officially retiring from his career, he permanently lived in Shantinagar for work at Regent Park, Kolkata.
Dhirendranath’s contribution to the development of Santali language and literature is unparalleled. Due to being the co-editor of the West Bengal Government’s Santali newspaper “Pachimbangla”, he became aware of the poor condition of Santali language and literature and devoted himself to literary practice. Although he was not involved in the literature created by Santali, he did research work on language and literature, which helped in the development of Santali. He was equally skilled in Bengali language. Many of his research books were published in Bengali. While he was the co-editor, he published Santali stories, poems and articles in addition to official news through the magazine ‘Pachimbangla’. As a result, Santali literature found its own style through this magazine. Many famous poets and writers of the next decade started their work in this magazine. Dhirendranath’s achievement encouraged many new poets and writers by giving them opportunities, very soon Santali literature brought a new dimension. In addition to his work as a skilled editor, he collected the valuable resources of the Santali language and preserved them in the form of book. Editor, collector, essayist, researcher Dhirendranath did not limit Santali literature only to the Santals but also promoted it among Bengali readers.
Dhirendranath’s other identity is as a historian. For a long time in Indian history, the two heroes of the Santal rebellion and revolt of 1855, Sidu Murmu and Kanu Murmu, were neglected. The story of their heroism was known only in the folklore and songs of the Santal people. Although there were a handful of books about the Santal rebellion, they were not widely publicized, so Sidu Kanu was also unknown. Dhirendranath was the first person to present the full identity of the Santal rebellion to the Bengali-speaking reader through his book “Santal Gono-Sangramer Itihas (History of the Santal People’s Struggle)”. The book was published in 1976.
He also collected proverbs, sayings, and riddles prevalent in Santal society, and published them in book form. which were gradually disappearing. He also wrote a grammar, many of his writings, such as “Perahor”, “Yugsirizal”, “Hariyad Sakam”, etc., were published in Santali newspapers. In addition, many of his Bengali articles on tribal affairs were published in various Bengali newspapers and magazines.
Dhirendranath wrote many books in both Santali and Bengali and he was very sociable in his personal life. He had a strong ability to make others feel at home. This man of immense erudition was a guide for the Santal people. He was also very popular with Bengali intellectuals. He became known as a tribal researcher.
Dhirendranath, who was associated with various government committees, showed a new path for the development of society, culture, language, and society.
His Published Books List >>
(1) “Santal Gono-songramer Itihas”. The book was first published in 1976. So far, the seventh edition of the book has been published.
(2) “Santali Menkatha and Venta Katha” (Santali proverbs and sayings). Published in 1982.
(3) “Kudum” (Riddle). This book is a collection of Heenyaali popular in Santal society and was published in 1982.
(4) “Paschimbanger Adiwasi Samaj” (West Bengal’s Adivasi Society). Published in 1987.
(5) “Hormahal Reya Ari” (Rules of Santal Society). Published In 1988.
(6) “ Banga Sanskrite Prak Baidik Prabhab” (Pre-Vedic Influence on Bengal Culture) was published in 1992.
(7) “Har Samaj Reya Ari Aar Bichar Dhara” (Rules and Procedures of Santal Society). Published in 1992.
(8) “Karam Binati” (Karam Myth). Published in 1993.
(9) “Bhadan Binati”, This book, jointly compiled with Jitendranath Mandi, was published in 1994.
(10) “Pachimbangala Aar Aboren Agil Biidaliko” (West Bengal and Our Ancestors). Published in 1995.
(11) “Gana Andolone Santhal Samaj”. Published in 1996.
(12) “Mare Haar Kihani” (Traditional Santali Folk Tales). Published in 1997.
(13) “Dashanay Daran Reya Tetet Panja” (Finding the significance of Dasai). Published in 1998.
(14) “ Santali Bhasa O Sahityer Itihas” (History of Santali Language and Literature) Published in 1999.
(15) “Santaar Samaj Ing Kuliekana” (I am asking Santal Society) published in 2000.
(16) The “Bin Ben” debate was published continuously in the newspaper ‘Pachimbangla’.
(17) “Har Ror Bayan Ari” (Grammar of the Santali language) was published in 2001.
(18) “The Tribes of West Bengal”. Published in 2002. This is the English translation of the book “Paschim Banger Adiwasi Samaj”.
(19) “Baha Parb Aar Har Samaj” (Baha Festival and Santal Society). Published in 2002.
