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Date of the Mahabharata War (3162 BCE): A Study of Evidence and Methodology
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Preserving Bengal’s Intellectual Legacy: IHAR West Bengal Chapter Undertakes Detailed Survey of Uttarpara Joykrishna Mukherjee Public Library
The site visit report on the Uttarpara Joykrishna Mukherjee Public Library is a comprehensive survey conducted by the Indian History Awareness Research (IHAR) team, highlighting the library’s unparalleled status as a treasure trove of rare manuscripts, books, and archival materials crucial for understanding Bengal and India’s cultural and intellectual heritage. This survey was prompted by concerns raised by the descendants of Shri Joykrishna Mukherjee regarding the fragile state of invaluable collections within this historic institution. As an independent organization committed to heritage conservation, IHAR assessed the library to recommend steps for its safekeeping, digitization, and modernization, thereby continuing the library’s legacy as a pillar of learning and knowledge since its inception in 1859.
The project was overseen by Project Director Shri Surya Sarathi Roy, Director of India Operations at IHAR. The IHAR team comprised notable members including Shri Bhujang Bobde (Director, Karnataka Epigraphic Conservationist Archives), Ms. Manideepa Basu (Executive Member, Indian Museum), Ms. Mouli Roy (Executive Member, National Library), and Shri Sumit Ganguly (Co-Convenor Academic, IHAR), among others. Their collective expertise in history, museology, conservation, and law was pivotal in conducting a detailed evaluation of the library’s current condition and proposing actionable measures for its preservation.
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Reviving Bengal’s Intellectual Heritage: IHAR West Bengal Chapter Undertakes Detailed Survey of Chaitanya Library in Kolkata
Libraries have always played a vital role in shaping political sentiments and nurturing nationalist ideas in India. In Bengal, one of the most significant institutions that fostered political and revolutionary awakening during British rule was the Chaitanya Library, located in Kolkata.
Founded in 1889, the library’s founding members included eminent intellectuals such as Gaur Hari Sen, Kunj Behari Datta, and Rabindranath Tagore.
Situated on Beadon Street, right beside the historic Minerva Theatre, the Chaitanya Library still stands tall and imposing. Within its walls lies a treasure trove that transcends time and history. Sadly, years of neglect and fading memory have left this iconic institution in decline. Once home to more than one lakh books and magazines, the library is now in urgent need of attention—not only to protect its vast collection but also to preserve its tangible and intangible heritage.
With this concern in mind, the IHAR West Bengal Chapter recently conducted a survey visit to the library. The team will soon prepare a detailed report on the state of the Chaitanya Library and explore ways in which its treasures and legacy can be preserved for future generations.
Special thanks to Manideepa Basu, Mouli Roy, and Prof. Utkalika Sahoo for their time and support in initiating this important step on behalf of IHAR West Bengal Chapter.
About the Article Author - Divya Chowdhary
Divya Chowdhary has obtained her Master’s degree in Palaeography, Epigraphy, and Numismatics from the Indian Institute of Heritage, Noida, after completing a B.A. (Hons.) in History from the University of Delhi. Her research focuses on ancient Indian inscriptions and coinage, supported by epigraphic knowledge of Sanskrit, Prakrit, Arabic, and Persian. She has presented papers at national and international forums, and her M.A. dissertation examines Inscriptions of Royal Women from Early Medieval India. Alongside academic research, she actively shares insights on epigraphy and heritage through her LinkedIn platform.
Preserving Bengal’s Intellectual Legacy: IHAR West Bengal Chapter Undertakes Detailed Survey of Uttarpara Joykrishna Mukherjee Public Library
Reviving Bengal’s Intellectual Heritage: IHAR West Bengal Chapter Undertakes Detailed Survey of Chaitanya Library in Kolkata
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