Rassundari Devi
- Born:
- c. 1809, Village of Potenga, Bengal Presidency, British India (present-day Bangladesh)
- Died:
- c. 1890s
- Nationality:
- Indian
- Profession(s):
- Autobiographer, Housewife
Early Life and Education
- Born into a wealthy feudal family.
- Received no formal education due to societal norms restricting education for women.
- Secretly taught herself to read and write, overcoming significant obstacles.
Career and Major Achievements
- Primary role was managing the household affairs of her large family.
- Achieved literary distinction by writing her autobiography.
- Became one of the earliest known Indian women to publish an autobiography.
Notable Works
- Amar Jiban (My Life):
- A pioneering autobiography published in two parts (1876 and 1896). Amar Jiban Rassundari Devi detailed her experiences as a woman in 19th-century Bengal, her struggles for literacy, and her religious beliefs.
Legacy and Impact
Rassundari Devi's autobiography, Amar Jiban, is a significant literary and historical document. It provides invaluable insights into the lives of women in 19th-century Bengal, the challenges they faced, and their aspirations. Her work is considered a foundational text in the history of Indian women's writing and a testament to the power of self-education and personal narratives.