Roy, (Dewan) Kartikeya Chandra (1820-1885) lyricist, writer, classical singer, served the Nadia Raj family as a private tutor and music instructor and finally as the diwan or principal revenue officer. As a performer of kheyal, Kartikeya Chandra introduced this branch of music to the court of nadia and was also instrumental in popularising this genre in Bengal. He composed many popular songs which he published under the title of Gitamanjari (1875).

Kartikeya Chandra Roy played a crucial role in the making of his son, dwijendra lal roy, the great lyricist and composer. However, perhaps his greatest contribution to Bengal history is his Atmajiban Charita (An Account of My Life) in which he candidly described the social scenario of early nineteenth-century Bengal. This book serves as a unique source of information for the social and cultural historians of nineteenth-century Bengal. [Sirajul Islam]