Gyanendra Nath Chakravarti

Rai Bahadur Gyanandra Nath Chakravarti
জ্ঞানেন্দ্র নাথ চক্রবর্তী
Portrait of G. N. Chakravarti
Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Banaras Hindu University
In office Till December 16, 1920
1st Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lucknow
In office 1920–1926
Appointed by	Harcourt Butler, Governor of United Provinces
Preceded by	Office established
Succeeded by	Dr. Matthew Brown Cameron
Personal details
Born	(1861-01-01)January 1, 1861 Benares, North-Western Provinces, Company Raj (now Varanasi, India)
Died	(1936-10-07)October 7, 1936 Lucknow, United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, British India (now in Uttar Pradesh, India)
Nationality	British India
Spouse	Monica Devi Chakravarti ('Yashoda Mai')
Children	4 biological, 40 adopted
Education	LL.B., M.A.
Alma mater	University of Calcutta
Occupation	Academic Administrator

Gyanendra Nath Chakravarti (also known as G.N. Chakravarti; January 1, 1861 – October 7, 1936) was an Indian theosophist and scholar, renowned for his lectures at the 1893 World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago. He is known for his contributions to Theosophy and education in India.

Early life and education

Born in 1861, Chakravarti hailed from a Brahmin family of the Sandilya Gotra. He received his early education at a missionary school in Benares, followed by studies at Calcutta University and Muir College in Allahabad (now Prayagraj). He was awarded degrees in Master of Arts (M.A.) and Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.).

Chakravarti was raised following the traditions of his caste and gained familiarity with the scriptures and customs of Brahminism. His education included both Western and Eastern philosophies, offering him exposure to different intellectual traditions.

Career

Chakravarti began his career as a lecturer in physical science at a college in Bareilly. By 1893, he was appointed professor of Mathematics at the University of Allahabad. During his time at the university, he formed a friendship with Motilal Nehru, who later became a prominent figure in India's independence movement and the father of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India. He also associated with other students who became notable lawyers in Almora. Later, he served as the chief inspector of Schools in the United Provinces.

He was appointed the first vice-chancellor of Lucknow University on December 16, 1920, after previously serving as pro-vice-chancellor at Benares Hindu University. He reportedly rose at three in the morning for meditation, which was part of his personal and spiritual routine.

Family

Gyanandra Nath Chakravarti was married to Monica Devi Chakravarti (1882-1944), a Bengali woman who became a remarkable figure in her own right. The couple had four biological children and adopted 40 more, reflecting their commitment to family and community.

In 1925, Devi experienced a spiritual awakening and became a wandering mendicant monk. With her husband's permission, she adopted the name Sri Yashoda Mai and subsequently became a spiritual advisor. She founded the Mirtola ashram with her disciple, Ronald Nixon, who later took the name Sri Krishna Prem.

Involvement with Theosophical Society

Chakravarti was introduced to the Theosophical Society by his uncle and quickly became an active member. He met the Society's founders, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Colonel Henry Steel Olcott, and gained recognition for his contributions. By 1893, he was serving as the President of the Students Theosophical Association at Allahabad.

Although not a member of the Esoteric Section, Chakravarti was considered by some, including Mr. Bertram Keightley, to be an Occultist of high rank, connected to the Masters of H.P.B. His involvement in the Theosophical Society was significant, especially during the controversies surrounding the organization.

1893 Parliament

In 1893, the Theosophical Society sent a delegation to the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago, which included Chakravarti, Annie Besant, and other notable figures. Chakravarti represented Brahmanism, receiving credentials from three Brahmanical Sabhâs. His presence at the Parliament was highly anticipated due to his eloquence and deep knowledge.

After traveling to England and meeting leading Theosophists, he sailed for America in August 1893 with Besant and others. They were warmly received by American Theosophists and delivered several lectures, which significantly raised Chakravarti's profile within the Society.

Chakravarti and Annie Besant

It has been suggested that Chakravarti had a profound influence on Annie Besant, captivating her with his personality and ideas. This dynamic led to speculation about Chakravarti's intent and the impact on Besant's subsequent views and actions within the Theosophical Society. Despite controversy surrounding their relationship, including allegations of manipulation, both maintained their commitment to the Society.

Honors

For his service to the British Empire, Professor Chakravarti was awarded the title and medal of "Rai Bahadur." In recognition of his contributions to education, the Dr. Chakravarti Gold Medal is awarded annually at University of Lucknow, honoring outstanding achievements in academia.

Legacy

Gyanandra Nath Chakravarti’s contributions to Theosophy and education have had a lasting impact. His life exemplifies the synthesis of Eastern and Western thought, and he remains a significant figure in the history of Theosophy in India. His legacy continues to inspire scholars and spiritual seekers today.

Writings

The Union Index of Theosophical Periodicals lists articles by or about Chakravarti.

• The Influence of Theosophy on the Life and Teachings of Modern India. 1906. Adyar Pamphlet Series No. 35. Reviewed in The Theosophic Messenger 7.8 (May, 1906), 124.
• Spirituality and Psychism. 1914. Adyar Pamphlet Series, No. 48.