The Bengali literary renaissance refers to a cultural and literary movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the region of Bengal, which is now divided between Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal. This period was marked by a surge in creative expression, with writers, poets, and thinkers exploring new ideas and themes, often influenced by Western literature and philosophy. Key figures of this movement include Rabindranath Tagore, who became the first non-European Nobel laureate in Literature, and Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, known for his novels and essays. The renaissance fostered a sense of national identity and pride, leading to significant advancements in Bengali literature, arts, and social reform.