Lecture: Sanskrit Intellectual History in Early Modern Bengal: the Case of Gadadhara Bhattacharya

[Allen W Thrasher]

Asian Division of The Library of Congress
Asian Division Friends Society
Present

Sanskrit Intellectual History in Early Modern Bengal:
the Case of
Gadadhara Bhattacharya 

by Samuel Wright
University of Maryland, College Park
2007 Florence Tan Moeson Fellow

Wednesday, July 18, 2007
12:00 - 1:00 P.M.
Asian Division Conference Room 
Jefferson Building- LJ 149 
1st & Independence Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20540

Metro stop: Capitol South on the Blue or Orange Line.


This presentation examines a Sanskrit philosopher from 17th century Bengal, Gadadhara Bhattacharya. Gadadhara is major figure in Navya-Nyaya (New Logic) philosophy. Wright attempts to provide an intellectual history of Gadadhara by contextualizing his writing in relation to Sanskrit authors in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition as well as in relation to socio-political events of 17th century Bengal. Within these contexts, he concludes that Gadadhara is arguing against the efficacy of bhakti (devotionalism) as a political and soteriological project.

Contact: Dr. Allen Thrasher, (202) 707-3732; Dr. Anchi Hoh, (202) 707-5673

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