Parashuram was the pen name of Rajsekhar Basu, a Bengali author, lexicographer, linguist, and chemist who made a lasting contribution to twentieth-century Bengali literature. He is best known for his comic and satirical short stories, which combined sharp social observation with humour, irony, and linguistic precision.
Basu’s writing reflected a deep engagement with language, society, and intellectual life in colonial and early post-colonial Bengal. Alongside his literary work, he was also respected for his contributions to Bengali lexicography and for his scholarly approach to language and translation.
For his contribution to literature and culture, Rajsekhar Basu was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1956. His work continues to be read for its wit, clarity of thought, and enduring relevance in Bengali literary tradition.
