My musings: BIOGRAPHIES- I

BIOGRAPHIES- I
People I wish I would have met ...

K.A. NILAKANTA SASTRI

A remarkable historian, an eminent professor and a prolific writer. A notable alumni of Madras Christian College, many of us would not be familiar with his name, as he lead a humble and austere life. At a time , when South Indian history was largely neglected, Sastri was the pioneer to undertake the byzantine history of South India all over the world and inspired many historians about it.

   His book - 'The Cholas' is a magnified content on meticulous and detailed accounts on research and relevant evidences regarding the Chozha empire. He has written numerous volumes on South Indian history.
   What intrigues me the most is his style of writing. He had an immense knowledge in the English language. When you're reading his books or articles, it's necessary to have a dictionary with you, as you can encounter a number of new words in English. He always demonstrates every reasearch with validating evidences.
   Though there are very scarce biographic works available on him, he continues to live perpetually through his works. His books act as a foundation for anyone pursuing Indian history in detail especially on South India. He had been awarded with the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honours for his wide contributions in the field of South Indian history. Being one of the most revered historian all over the world, he is one of the people that I wish I would have met and had an acquaintance with.

A QUICK GLANCE:
Birth year and place : 1892 , Kalladakurichi
Died : 1975 , Mylapore .
Alma mater:
                  B.A - Madras Christian College
                  M.A - Presidency College, Chennai
Other notable works :
                 The history of South India
Postions held :
                He worked in the department of Indian History and archaeology at the Madras University and headed the department of Indology at Mysore University.He was also a visiting professor at the University of Chicago. Director of UNESCO's institute of traditional cultures of South East Asia
Reminiscence : Sastri was very close to Dr. Rajendra Prasad and the Maharaj of Mysore.
It was Sastri who taught the Maharaj of Mysore Sanskrit.