Thakur, Amareshwar

Thakur, Amareshwar (1887-1979) Sanskrit scholar, researcher, educationist was born in Bhagyakul under dhaka district on 1 December in 1887. His father';s name was Ramakrishna. He lost his father when he was only five. Though always in financial problem, he pursued his studies seriously. He won scholarship in every examination and thus he continue his studies. He obtained MA in Sanskrit (1908) and joined Ripon College as a lecturer. While teaching he pursued his own studies and did another MA in pali. Subsequently, he served as professor of Sanskrit under Calcutta University. He retired from calcutta university as head of Sanskrit Department after serving for long 35 years. He was later appointed as Ashutos Professor at Calcutta University.

Amareshwar Thakur earned fame as scholar and researcher at home and abroad. He was conferred with PhD from Calcutta University on “Hindu Law of Evidence” in 1927. His most famous book is translation work of Jaska';s Nirukta in Bangla with annotations and explanations in several volumes. In addition, he edited and published ramayana of Valmiki into 60 volumes. He also edited about 40 ancient and rare books in the Calcutta Sanskrit Series and published with annotation and translation. Besides, he wrote essays on Jaina philosophy, Bhiksu community, assembly of followers of Therabada and Jaina Shet'a'mbar (Jaina who wears white garment).

Amareshwar Thakur was the founder of sanskrit sahitya parisat in Kolkata. Since its inception this Parisat has been treated as special repertory of wisdom to culture based students and researchers of different state of India include Bangladesh and West Bengal. In recognition of his contributions in research he was awarded Jogesh Chandra Research Award and Ved'a'ntash'a'str'i' title. He died on 24 January 1979. [Satyanarayan Chakraborty] [Chakraborty, Satyanarayan Professor of Sanskrit, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata]