Who was the writer of the famous literary epic, ‘Meghnadbad Kavya’ (1861)? This epic retold the story of Ramayana in a way that turned Rama and Lakshmana, the traditional heroes into ‘weak-kneed, passive-aggressive, feminine villains’ and the demons Ravana and his son Meghnad into majestic masculine, modern heroes.

Correct option is D

Meghnadbad Kavya (1861) was written by Michael Madhusudan Dutta, one of the greatest poets of 19th-century Bengal. He was a pioneer in Bengali epic poetry and brought a revolutionary modern sensibility to classical themes. In this poem, he presented Ravana and Meghnad (Indrajit) not as villains but as tragic heroes, flipping the traditional narrative of the Ramayana. Rama and Lakshmana were portrayed critically, which was groundbreaking and controversial for its time. This reinterpretation was inspired by Western literary traditions, especially Milton’s Paradise Lost. The work is written in blank verse and showcases Madhusudan’s mastery of language, drama, and epic structure.

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Michael Madhusudan Dutta was a prominent figure in the Bengal Renaissance. He was among the first Indian writers to adopt Western literary forms and merge them with Indian themes. His use of blank verse, heroic characters from the Ramayana, and philosophical depth made Meghnadbad Kavya a landmark in Indian literature. The poem was written in Bengali and is considered a milestone in Indian epic poetry for its anti-colonial, modernist undertones.