Midnapore Collegiate School, one of the most venerable institutions in West Bengal, is situated in the Kotwali area of Midnapore (Medinipur) Municipality within Paschim Medinipur district.
Its illustrious history dates back to 1834 when Tejchandra Mahatab, the Maharaja of Burdwan, generously contributed a substantial sum to establish the school. In September 1835, the Government assumed control of the school, appointing F. Tydd as its first Headmaster, a position he held until 1847. While the school bore the name "Midnapore School" between 1840 and 1842, it was effectively transformed into a Zilla School. Following Tydd's departure, Sinclair assumed leadership. Rajnarayan Basu, an eminent member of the Young Bengal movement, a representative of the Bengal Renaissance, and later a prominent figure in the Brahmo Samaj, assumed the role of Headmaster. His innovative teaching methods and charismatic approach led to remarkable advancements in the school's academic standards. Notable luminaries such as Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, Keshab Chandra Sen, Bejoy Krishna Goswami, Sibnath Shastri, and Azodhyanath Pakrashi were associated with the school during this period.
In the 1930s, the Bengal Volunteers played a pivotal role in the surge of revolutionary activities in Bengal, with Midnapore serving as a significant hub for these actions. Three consecutive District Magistrates fell victim to assassinations by Bengal Volunteers between 1931 and 1933. One of the earliest instances involved the shooting of Magistrate James Peddie during a school exhibition by two Bengal Volunteers, Bimal Dasgupta, and Jatijiban Ghosh, inside one of the school's classrooms. The renowned author Manik Bandopadhyay also received his education at this esteemed institution.
As a testament to its historical and cultural significance, the school building was granted the prestigious status of a Heritage Building by the West Bengal Heritage Commission, Government of West Bengal, on September 5, 2006.
Source: Mrinal Saha, Contributor for CCRT