Indian Confectionery Codexery

Nobin Chandra Das

Bengali confectioner known as the Columbus of Rossogolla.

Nobin Chandra Das (1845–1925) was a Bengali confectioner, popularly referred as the "Columbus of Rossogolla". Born in 1845, he started working in 1864 for the Indra family, confectioners from Shantipur in the Nadia district of Bengal, after poverty cut short his education. Humiliated by the Indras, he left and at age 18 opened his own sweet-shop at Jorasanko. His family, respectable sugar merchants, initially unsupportive, labeled him "moira" — a 19th Century Bengali slur for a low-status profession. That shop failed after a falling-out with his partner, so in 1866 he opened another shop on Chitpur Road directly across his first shop in Bagbazar.

Quick Facts

Born
1845
Birthplace
Paschim Medinipur District, Bengal Presidency, British India (present-day Kolkata, West Bengal, India)
Died
1925 (aged 80)
Place of death
Bagbazar; Calcutta
Other names
Nobin Moira of Bagbazar, Columbus of Rossogolla
Occupation
  • Businessman
  • Confectioner
  • entrepreneur
Years active
1864–1925
Known for
Rosogolla

Facts from the source article.

Background

In 1868, Nobin Chandra modified the original recipe for the sweet now known as "Rossogolla," creating a version with a longer shelf life. The sweet became popular during his time and was accessible across different economic segments, though it took time to gain wider recognition in the absence of modern advertising and media. He left his legacy to his son Krishna Chandra Das. In 2018, director Pavel made a film Rosogolla on his life, with actor Ujaan Ganguly portraying Nobin.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where was Nobin Chandra Das born?

Nobin Chandra Das was born in 1845 in Paschim Medinipur District, Bengal Presidency, British India (present-day Kolkata, West Bengal, India).

What did Nobin Chandra Das do?

Nobin Chandra Das was a Businessman, confectioner and entrepreneur.

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