Sangskritiki

• Author: Sunitikumari Chattopadhyay
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers
• Language: Bengali
• Genre: Prabandha (Essays) - Prabandhaguchcha (Essay Collection)
• Edition: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9789350408537
• Pages: 868
• Weight: 1318 grams

Book Description

Sangskritiki (Translation: Cultural Essays) is a monumental collection of essays by the legendary scholar Sunitikumari Chattopadhyay, who was hailed by Rabindranath Tagore as the "Vakyacharya" (Master of Language). This comprehensive collection spans multiple volumes, reflecting Chattopadhyay's profound expertise in the field of linguistics, culture, and Indian philosophy. The essays showcase his broad intellectual horizon and his belief in understanding the past to comprehend the present and future.

• Part 1 & 2: These volumes, published during his lifetime, reflect Chattopadhyay’s analysis of ancient texts like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Sufi Philosophy. He also discusses the spread and influence of Sanskrit across Asia, Indian music, and Rabindranath Tagore's contributions to Indian culture. These essays demonstrate his deep engagement with the interconnections between ancient knowledge and modern needs.

• Part 3 & 4: After his passing, the subsequent volumes were released. In the third volume, the essays delve into the cultural crises in India, touching on issues like language crisis, education crisis, and national crises. The fourth volume expands the focus to global culture, covering the likes of Socrates, Sophocles, and Dara Shikoh. It even introduces discussions on African Negro Art, marking the first in Bengali literature.

Sangskritiki is not just a collection of essays; it is a treasure trove of cultural wisdom, offering readers insights into how ancient cultural concepts can bridge the gaps in contemporary thought. The work blends philosophy, linguistics, music, and art, invoking a deep sense of global cultural awareness.

Key Highlights:

• A Deep Dive into Indian and World Culture: The essays in Sangskritiki reflect Sunitikumari Chattopadhyay’s extensive knowledge of both Indian and global cultures. The collection is rich in discussions about ancient texts, Indian classical music, and global philosophical traditions.
• Philosophical and Linguistic Insight: The work showcases a unique intersection of language and culture, with Chattopadhyay applying his linguistic expertise to explore Sanskrit, Hindu philosophy, and comparative linguistics.
• Rabindranath’s Influence: The essays reflect Rabindranath Tagore’s ideas and influence on modern Indian culture, showing how the ancient wisdom is still relevant to contemporary cultural discourse.

About the Author:

• Sunitikumari Chattopadhyay (1890–1977) was a towering intellectual figure in the realm of linguistics, cultural studies, and Indian philosophy. He was renowned for his expertise in comparative linguistics, especially in Sanskrit, Bengali, and Hindi. Chattopadhyay was a distinguished professor at Calcutta University and London University, and was India’s National Professor of Humanities from 1965 until his death in 1977.
• His significant works include the internationally acclaimed book Origin and Development of the Bengali Language and the classic Rabinra-Sangame Deepmoy Bharat O Shyamdesh. He was also known for his deep understanding of Indian classical arts, including music, sculpture, and painting.
• Chattopadhyay was honored with numerous accolades, including the title of Vakyacharya (Master of Language) from Rabindranath Tagore.

Perfect For:

• Cultural Scholars: For readers exploring the depth of Indian culture and global philosophical traditions.
• Students of Linguistics and Philosophy: Ideal for those studying Sanskrit, comparative linguistics, and philosophy.
• Rabindranath Tagore Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring Rabindranath's cultural impact through the lens of other leading thinkers of the time.