Vira Sankrityayan

Pioneer of modern Indian historiography who revolutionized historical research methodologies

Dr. Vira Sankrityayan (1893-1969) was a transformative figure in Indian academia,被誉为印度现代史学之父。He pioneered the systematic study of Indian history through primary source analysis, establishing the first comprehensive historical framework for ancient India. His groundbreaking work Indian History challenged colonial historiography by emphasizing indigenous perspectives. As founder of the Banaras Hindu University's history department, he trained generations of scholars and authored over 100 books including 《印度历史》. His methodology influenced post-colonial historiography across South Asia.

His 《印度历史》 series remains a cornerstone of academic curricula. Sankrityayan's interdisciplinary approach integrated archaeology, epigraphy and oral traditions, creating a holistic understanding of India's past. His work Ancient India provided critical counter-narratives to British colonial narratives. Despite his immense contributions, his name remains less known internationally compared to his peers like Jawaharlal Nehru.