The present invention provides novel pyrrolo [2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine compounds. This invention also provides a process for the preparation of novel pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine compounds. These novel pyrrolo [2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine compounds are useful as antitumor agents. It also provides a process for the preparation of 7-methoxy-8-{n-[4-(2-oxo-2H-4-chromenyl)piperazino]alkyl}-oxy-(11aS)-1,2,3,11a-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepin-5-one and 7-methoxy-8-{n-[4-(7-alkoxy-8-methyl-2-oxo-2H-4-chromenyl)piperazino]alkyl}-oxy-(11aS)-1,2,3,11a-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]. benzodiazepine-5-one with aliphatic chain length variations for these compounds.