Episode Details

Welcome to another exciting episode of Revise and Resubmit. This is your Weekend Book Review, where history meets intrigue, and stories from the past come alive. Today, we delve into a timeless exploration of India’s spiritual and martial heritage with the book, A History of the Dasnami Naga Sannyasis, authored by the legendary Sir Jadunath Sarkar and meticulously edited by Ananda Bhattacharyya.

Imagine ascetics not only immersed in spiritual pursuits but also marching as soldiers and thriving as merchants. This book unravels the enigmatic world of the Dasnami Naga Sannyasis, a monastic order that played pivotal roles in India’s military, economic, and social landscapes. Sarkar’s original work, lauded for its detailed historical insights, finds new life and depth under Bhattacharyya’s editorial finesse.

Sir Jadunath Sarkar needs no introduction. Known for classics like The Fall of the Mughal Empire and Shivaji and His Times, he was a towering figure in Indian historiography. His unparalleled dedication to archival research set benchmarks for historical scholarship.

And then there’s Ananda Bhattacharyya, whose expertise as Assistant Director of the West Bengal State Archives breathes fresh perspective into this volume. From chronicling adivasi resistance to exploring the Komagata Maru incident, his works consistently bridge gaps in historical narratives, just as he’s done here by expanding on Sarkar’s seminal research.

This book is not merely a historical recount; it is a vivid tapestry of akharas, ascetic warriors, and their interplay with regional powers. As you listen today, one question stands tall: How did these spiritual warriors reconcile their monastic lives with their roles as soldiers and traders?

A big thanks to Sir Jadunath Sarkar, whose vision continues to inspire, and Ananda Bhattacharyya, for bringing this masterpiece to contemporary readers.

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Let’s unravel this fascinating chapter of Indian history together!

Reference

Bhattacharyya, A. (2018). A history of the Dasnami Naga Sannyasis. Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/A-History-of-the-Dasnami-Naga-Sannyasis/Bhattacharyya/p/book/9781032653426

In-depth Bengali Podcast on the book @BoiThek https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbXFSLxu6Ek

Open Access 2017 edition

https://tinyurl.com/dasnami-naga-JadunathSarkar

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