Madhusudan Dutt was born in Jessore (Noe in Bangla Desh). As a student of the Junior School of Hindu College, Calcutta, he gave evidence of extra-ordinary proficiency in English language. By the time he was ninten. he embraced Christianity and became 'Michael' Madhusudan. Uptill 1847,his father met all is expenses, but soon afterwards Madhusudan was stranded and left for Madras where he started his career as an English teacher. Even though his first long poem was published in English, he decided to employ his poetic talent in the service of his own mothertoungue, on the advice of a well-wisher. By 1856 he went back to Calcutta and stayed there for six years till he sailed for England. The years which he spent in calcutta constitute the most flourishing period in Madhusudan's literary career.

Three dramas, two satirical sketches and four poetical works were published during the short span. His Kavyas created a revolution in Bengali poetry, some of them being noted for their bold diction and others for their tender lurical note. He translated Dinabandhu Mitra's 'Nildarpan' into English. During his stay in France, he composed sonnets and also a few poems. After a few years' stay in London and Versailles, he returned to India and was admitted as an advocate of the Calcutta High Court. Being given to living beyond his means, he ran into huge debts easily, and his last days were beset with financial crises.

Madhusudan imbibed within him deep respect for classical studies both Eastern and Western, spirit of revolt against orthodoxy, sympathy for progressive social changes like remarriage of widows, and love for his mothertoungue. He was connected with the 'Mechanic's Institute', 'Bidyotsahini Sabha', and 'Belgachia Theatre'. He was a child of the Bengali Renaissance in the truest sense of the term.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India