R C Majumdar
Ramesh Chandra Majumdar stands as a notable Indian historian whose scholarly contributions encompass a wide spectrum of historical themes, spanning from ancient India to Southeast Asia. Born on December 4, 1888, in Khandarpara, Faridpur, Bengal (now in Bangladesh), he concluded his impactful journey on February 11, 1980, in Kolkata, West Bengal, at the age of 92.
 Early Life and Academic Pursuits:
In 1909, Majumdar graduated with Honors in History from Presidency College, followed by the completion of his MA at Calcutta University in 1911. Under the guidance of MM Haraprasad Shastri, he commenced his historical research, earning the Premchand Roychand studentship in 1912 for his dissertation on the Andhra-Kusana Period.
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Pioneering Contributions to Ancient Indian History
Majumdar’s scholarly journey initiated with the publication of his groundbreaking PhD thesis, Corporate Life in Ancient India, by Calcutta University in 1919. This work marked the inception of his illustrious career, which extended to significant contributions like Early History of Bengal (1924) and Champa (1927), shedding light on the political, social, and cultural history of the Vietnam region.
Exploration of Southeast Asian Studies
Venturing beyond Indian boundaries, Majumdar delved into South-East Asian Studies. Proficient in French and Dutch, he extensively traveled through Belgium, Italy, Germany, and Southeast Asia. His travels laid the groundwork for five authoritative books, including Hindu Colonies in the Far East (1944, revised in 1963).
Enduring Contributions to Bengal’s History
Serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Dacca University from 1936 to 1942, Majumdar orchestrated a comprehensive history of Bengal in three volumes. The first volume, focusing on the ancient period, gained global acclaim as the first comprehensive work on Bengal’s ancient history.
The Monumental Work: History and Culture of the Indian People
Majumdar’s magnum opus is the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavana series titled History and Culture of the Indian People. Spanning eleven volumes, this collaborative project involved 75 scholars. Despite the collective effort, Majumdar authored over half of the total pages, exemplifying his dedication to preserving India’s historical and cultural legacy.
Academic Positions and Recognition
Occupying prestigious academic positions, such as Vice Chancellor at the University of Dacca and First Principal at the College of Indology, Benares Hindu University, Majumdar made significant contributions. His roles as a Visiting Professor at the Universities of Chicago and Pennsylvania and various honorary fellowships reflected his international recognition.
Later Years and Legacy
In the latter part of his career, Majumdar engaged in a dialogue with the Government of India over the ‘History of the Freedom Movement’ Project, resulting in the publication of four volumes, including The Sepoy Mutiny and the Revolt of 1857 (1957) and History of the Freedom Movement in India (1962-63). Despite controversies, he remained an active contributor to historical research until his last years.
Majumdar’s legacy persists, transcending his academic achievements. His meticulous research and critical analysis continue to shape historical discourse, evident in the recognition and awards bestowed upon him by various academic institutions during his lifetime.
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