Romesh Dutt - A Lifestory
Civil Servant, Economist, And Historian: Shaping Orissa, Baroda, And India
Romesh Chunder Dutt was a prominent Indian civil servant, economic historian, and writer during the British Raj. Born in 1848 in Calcutta, he belonged to a distinguished Bengali family known for their intellectual and cultural contributions. Dutt's early education was marked by academic excellence, culminating in his successful entry into the Indian Civil Service (ICS) in 1869, making him one of the first Indians to achieve this feat. His career in the ICS spanned over two decades, during which he served in various administrative capacities across Bengal. He earned a reputation for his integrity, efficiency, and commitment to public service, advocating for reforms and improvements in governance.
Beyond his administrative duties, Dutt was a prolific writer and scholar. He is best known for his pioneering work in economic history, particularly his analysis of the economic impact of British rule on India. His seminal work, "Economic History of India," comprising two volumes, meticulously documented the drain of wealth from India to Britain and its detrimental effects on the Indian economy. He argued that British policies, such as land revenue systems and trade regulations, impoverished the Indian peasantry and stifled industrial growth. These works became foundational texts in Indian economic thought and significantly influenced nationalist discourse.
Dutt also made significant contributions to Bengali literature. He translated the Rig Veda, Mahabharata, and Ramayana into English verse, making these ancient epics accessible to a wider audience. His historical novels, written in Bengali, explored various periods of Indian history, popularizing historical themes and fostering a sense of national identity. His writings often reflected his progressive social views and his commitment to promoting education and social reform. Romesh Chunder Dutt's multifaceted career as a civil servant, economic historian, and writer left an indelible mark on Indian history and continues to inspire scholars and policymakers today.
