Henry Louis Vivian Derozio

Henry Louis Vivian Derozio was a teacher at Hindu College in Calcutta in the 1820s. He promoted radical ideas and encouraged his pupils to question all authority. He was a Poet, philosopher and teacher. His students attacked tradition and custom, demanded education for women, and campaigned for the freedom of thought and expression. The early life, ideas and teachings of Henry Vivian Derozio are discussed in the article. To know more about the social reform movements of the 19th century, read the linked article.

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About Henry Vivian Derozio

• Henry Vivian Derozio was born at Entally-Padmapukur in Kolkata on 10 April 1809. He attended David Drummond’s Dhurramtallah Academy school. He acquired the following understanding of life in Drummond’s Academy. 
  • India is his motherland
  • Everyone in this country is his kindred soul
  • Community living is nobler than isolated life
  • Rationalism is a much greater treasure than the old custom
• Drummard taught that “compared to literature and philosophy of the old and middle ages modern ones are richer”.
• Drummond taught these ideas to his students. Derozio acquired these values by the age of 14.
• In 1826, Derozio was appointed teacher in English literature and history in the new Hindu College at the age of 17.
• His brilliant lectures presented closely-reasoned arguments based on his wide reading. He encouraged students to read Thomas Paine’s Rights of Man and other free-thinking texts.
• Derozio promoted radical ideas through his teaching and by organizing an association for debate and discussions on literature, philosophy, history and science. 
• He inspired his followers and students to question all authority. Derozio and his famous followers, known as the Derozians and Young Bengal, were fiery patriots. 
• They cherished the ideals of the French Revolution (1789 A.D.) and the liberal thinking of Britain.  Derozio died of cholera in 1833.
• The Young Bengal Movement continued even after Derozio’s sudden death. 

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Ideas and Teachings of Henry Vivian Derozio

• The teachings of Henry Vivian Derozio inspired many students and led to the development of the spirit of liberty, equality and freedom.
• He promoted radical ideas by organizing an association for debates and discussions on Literature, History, Philosophy and Science.
• He was a great propounder of liberal thinking and a supporter of ‘Freedom of Speech.
• His views opposed the burning of widows on the funeral pyres of their dead husbands or the killing of children to appease angry gods.

Derozio and Young Bengal Movement

• Derozio wanted to spread intellectual revolution among young students. This brought an intellectual revolution in Bengal called the Young Bengal Movement. His followers were also known as Derozians.
• Derozians attacked old traditions and decadent customs. They also advocated women’s rights and their education. 
• They founded associations and organized debates against idol worship, casteism and superstitions.
• After the death of Derozio, the members of this group continued preaching radical views through teaching and journalism

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