History of Bengali Language and Literature : A Series of Lectures Delivered as Reader to the Calcutta University/Dinesh Chandra Sen. New Delhi, Gyan Pub., 2007, 2 Vols., 1030 p., illus., (set). ISBN 81-212-0046-6.

    Contents: Vol. I: Preface. 1. Early influences on the Bengali language. 2. Pre-Mahomedan Literature. 3. Chandidas and Vidyapati. 4. The Pauranik Renaissance: i. Leading characteristics of the Renaissance. ii. Vernacular recensions of Sanskrit works. iii. The conception of Civa in the Renaissance and songs in honour of him. iv. The Cakta cult and its development. v. Dharma Mangala poems recast by the Brahmin authors. vi. Poems in honour of Daksina Roy. 5. The literature of the Vaisnavas: i. Vaisnavism in Bengal. ii. The life and teachings of Chaitanya Deva. iii. Vaisnava biographies. iv. The Padas or songs of the Vaisnavas. 

    Vol. II: 6. The post-Chaitanya Literature: i. The Court of Raja Krisna Chandra of Nadia. ii. The court of Raja Rajavallabha of Dacca. iii. Poetry of Rural Bengal. iv. The Yatras or popular theatres. v. Three great poets with whom the age closed, Dacarathi Ray. vi. The folk-literature of Bengal. 7. The modern age.  

    "This monumental work on history of Bengali language and literature consists of lectures delivered by Shri Dinesh Chandra Sen in the Calcutta University in 1909. These lectures were later completely revised and edited by the author and presented in the present form. Bengali language and literature is one of the richest language among Indian languages. These lectures treat the language and literature from the earliest times to 1850. The arrangement adopted in the present work is altogether new, and the latest facts, not anticipated in Bengali treatise have been incorporated.

    These lectures take a comprehensive view of the development of our vernacular and unquestionably facilitate the historical investigation of the origin of the vernacular literature of India, the study of which is avowedly one of the foremost objects of the new regulations to promote. The work was awarded literary person by the British to Shri Dinesh Chandra Sen.

    The work has been divided into seven major chapters and further divided into sub-chapters in order to deal deeply and comprehensively. In addition supplementary notes to each chapter has been provided by the author. 

    This study also attach several literary stories as- Manasa Mangala, Kalaketu and his wife Fullara, Crimanta Sadagara, Pearl Plant, Dhara and Drona, Vidya Sundara, a thief and how 23 fish disappeared. Also attached are several illustration. 

    The work is a treasure of information on Bengali Literature from the earliest times to 1850 and will serve a resource book for research scholars of Bengali language and literature and a valuable addition to Bengali language and literature in the libraries and information centres. An extremely interesting work for all interested in Indian languages, their origin and development." (jacket)

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