International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Cricket and the Rise of Nationalism in Colonial Bengal: A Study in the Context of Saradaranjan Roy

Cricket was one of the new sports cultures that emerged in Bengal as an integral part of the neo-colonial cultural framework in the second half of the nineteenth century during the colonial period. In its initial phase, cricket was confined exclusively to European gentlemen. Gradually, however, with the patronage of several Bengali elites and royal families, the game began to gain popularity among the local population. Saradaranjan Roy played a pivotal role in the development of cricket in Bengal. Through his initiatives, cricket culture flourished in various colleges and clubs. He was deeply committed to forming local teams and promoting the game through indigenous efforts. This research article aims to historically evaluate the contribution of Saradaranjan Roy to the spread and development of cricket in colonial Bengal. It also seeks to examine the role he played in linking cricket with the broader nationalist movement of the period.