Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Kamala Kanta
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee was a pioneering Bengali novelist and essayist whose works, including the song Vande Mataram, played a major role in Indian literature and nationalism. Many writers use a special literary name or pen name when they publish certain works. This question checks whether the learner knows the particular pen name associated with Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in literary history.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Competitive examinations often ask about pen names of authors, since these details connect biographical knowledge with literary history. Bankim Chandra wrote a series of humorous and satirical sketches under the pen name Kamala Kanta. Those pieces are collected as Kamala Kanta stories and form an important part of his legacy. Therefore, when we see choices that include Kamala Kanta, we should recall this connection and mark it as the right answer. The other names do not have this strong documented link with him.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the question asks specifically for the pen name of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Step 2: Recall that he wrote humorous and reflective essays using a different name than his real one.
Step 3: Remember that these pieces are known as the writings of Kamala Kanta in Bengali literature.
Step 4: Scan the options and identify Kamala Kanta as the exact match.
Step 5: Confirm that no other listed name is commonly associated with Bankim Chandra in standard textbooks or exam notes, and then select Kamala Kanta.
Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, a learner can cross check in reference books on Bengali literature or in summaries of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee biography. These sources typically mention that his satirical essays were published under the pen name Kamala Kanta. The title of one of his well known works is Kamala Kantar Daptar, which directly contains this name. This provides clear evidence that Kamala Kanta is the correct and widely accepted answer for exam purposes.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Jisu Dasgupta, Sripantha, and Vanu Singh may look like reasonable Indian names, but they are not recognised pen names of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in authoritative sources. Sanjib Chandra may remind students of his own given names, yet it is not used as a pen name in literary history. These options are distractors meant to test whether the learner knows the specific traditional association and is not guessing randomly.
Common Pitfalls:
Students may be tempted to choose a name that seems stylistically close to Bengali culture without recalling the exact fact, which can lead to errors. Another issue is mixing up pen names of different authors, since many Indian writers used such pseudonyms. A good exam strategy is to maintain a short list of major pen names, such as Premchand, Kalki, or Kamala Kanta, with the real names of the authors beside them. Repeated revision of this list builds strong recall and helps avoid confusion in the examination hall.
Final Answer:
The pen name used by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee was Kamala Kanta.
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