Around 7th-8th Century, a new Buddhist school of thought developed under the name 'Tantrayana'. It is believed by many that the Bengali Buddhist Acharyas were the founders of the Sahajayana. Around 7th-8th Century, another new Buddhist school of thought developed under the name 'Tantrayana'. The views of Shajayanist have been written in 'Dohakosa' written in Apabhrangsha language of Tilopada, Sarahapada and Kahnapada. Those were written in the form of poetry criticizing the performance of the Brahmins, ways of living of roving mendicants and of rites and rituals. Such poetry was written at a time when Bengali language was being created out of the crust of Apabhrangsha language. The Acharyas of Sahajiya school wrote poetry in Bengali about their philosophy and nature of meditation. The language that they had used to preach their religious views was still far from being used in the work of government, religious prayers and cultural activities. These poems of Buddhist Siddhacharyas are the first ever form of Bengali language. Here is the first identifiable form of Bengali language marking the emergence of Bengali lyrics. Haraprashad Shastri discovered a total of 46 and half songs which was named 'Charyacharya Vinischaya'. These are generally known 'Charyagiti'. There is no controversy that the language in which that these poems were written was Bengali. But scholars have difference of opinion as to the exact time of composition of these poems. Dr. Shahidullah is of the opinion that these poems in 'Charyagiti' were composed between 7th and 12th centuries. But Dr. Suniti Kumar Chatterjee, Dr. Prabodh Ch. Bagchi and Dr. Sukumar Sen were of the view that they were written between 10th and 12th centuries. Before the Muslim conquest, Bengali language was nurtured by the Buddhists only. And this language was not nurtured for a short time, but continuous cultivation was carried out for several centuries. The trend that was initiated in the Buddhist lyrics found logical fulfillment in the enrichment of 'Vaisnava Padabali'.

Abanindranath Thakur ( 1871 - 1951 )

Famous painter and writer. Was associated with Art College. His literally skill was invented by his uncle Rabindranath Tagore. With Rabindrantha's inspiration he wrote Shakuntala. In those days there were not many children books. He started writing for the children. Since then he wrote Rajkahini, Khirer Putul, Buro Angla, Bhut Petnir Deshe, Nayak and other stories.

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (1838 - 1894 )

Born on June 26, 1883 at Kathalpara, Naihati near Calcutta. Was educated at the Hooghly college. He was one of the first graduates from Calcutta University. His first writing appeared on "Sangbad Prabhakar" magazine in 1853. His first novel "Rajmohan's Wife" was in English and was published serially in one English magazine named "Indian Field" . In 1865 he wrote his first Bengali novel, Durgeshnandini and from that time the birth of Bengali novel happened. He published a newspaper, Bangadarshan. The song "Vande Mataram" in his novel "Anandamath" later became national song of India. He was well known for his satire compositions pointing the "babu" culture of educated Bengalis. Some of his remarkable novels include, KapalKundala, Mrinalini, Yugalanguriyo, Devi Choudhurani, Rajoni, Radharani, Krishnakanter Will, Rajsingha, Sitaram.

Bibhuti Bhusan Banerjee (1894 - 1950 )

His novels are famous for the affinity to the nature and simple rural life of Bengal. Was born on 12th Septemeber, 1894. Graduated with distinction from Ripon College, Calcuttain 1918. Got admitted into M.A. course, but, could not continue because of financial crisis. Started working as a school teacher.From his childhood he was attracted by the natural beauty of rural Bengal. His first published story is "upekhhito" appeared in Prabasi magazine in 1922. First novel Pather Panchali. Among his other writings are Aparajito, Umarani, Pui Macha, Aronyak, Ichhamoti, Debayan, Adarsha Hindu Hotel, Bipiner Sangsar, MeghaMallar, Mauriphool, Jatrabadol, Dristi Pradeep etc.. he wrote some famous novels for the children , like, Chander Pahar, Hira Manik Jwale, Bone Pahare, Maroner Donka Baje etc.

Madhusudan Datta (1824-1873)

Born at Sagardari , Jessore (now in Bangladesh ) on 25 January of 1824. His life is as colorful and full of varieties as hid writings. His efficiency was in both English and Bengali. In fact he started with English. In college he was honored with Gold medal for an article on importance of education among women. His poems in English were used to get published in different magazines. He realised that to be a great poet he had to go abroad. While in senior school he suddenly converted himself to a Christian. In 1848 Madhusudan left for Madras. There he got a job of teaching English at Madras male orphan asylum. He was in Madras for seven years. During this he was used to write under the name "Timothy Penpoem". Two long poems - The visions of the past and The Captive Lady , were published from Madras in 1849. He came back to Calcutta in 1856. Here he grew interest in Bengali literature. He started for London 1862. During his six years before heading towards Europe, he wrote, Sharmistha, Ekei ki bole sabhyota, Buro shaliker ghare row, Padmabati, Krishnakumari etc. drama and satire; poetic epics like Meghnadbadh kabbyo, Brojangona, Tilottomasambhab. He also translated the famous drama Nildarpan by Dinabandhu Mitra from Bengali to English. His literary creations arose sensation among the critics. He became known to Bengalis as Michael Madhusudan Dutta.

Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941)

Saratchandra Chattopadhyay (1876-1938)

One of the best novelist in Bengali language. He was born in the village of Debanandapur in Hooghly district. His boyhood was spent in Bhagalpur with maternal relatives. In 1894 he passed high school examination and got admitted into college. But because of poverty he could not continue in college. In 1903 he went to Burma for a luck. His first novel 'Ramer Sumati'was published in magazine 'Jamuna'. His two other novels, 'Patha Nirdesh' and 'Bindur Chhele' published here, received applaud from the readers. In Rangoon, he wrote 'Biraj Bou', 'Panditmosai', 'Palli Samaj' etc. He came back to Calcutta in 1916 and started living in Baje-Shibpur area. Later he built a house in the village of Panitras in Howrah district and lived for a long time there. His first printed novel 'Mandir' received the 'Kuntaleen' award. He used a pen name - 'Anila Devi' - and wrote couple of novels under this name. His patriotic piece of literature, 'Pather Daabi' was banned by British Govt for some time. In 1923, he received 'Jagattarini' Gold medal from Calcutta University and Dhaka University honored him with a DLit.