Definition
Kalidas Nag (1900 – 1975) was an Indian historian, writer, and parliamentarian known for his contributions to the study of Indian history and his association with Visva‑Bharati University and the Indian National Congress.
Overview
Born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1900, Kalidas Nag pursued higher education in history and Sanskrit, obtaining his doctorate from the University of Calcutta. He held academic positions at Visva‑Bharati University, the institution founded by Rabindranath Tagore, where he served as a professor of history and later as a member of the university’s governing body. Nag authored several works on Indian civilization, medieval Indian history, and the cultural interactions between India and the West.
In the political arena, Nag was elected to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India’s Parliament, serving from 1952 to 1960 as a representative of the Indian National Congress. During his tenure, he contributed to debates on education policy, cultural preservation, and international cultural exchange.
Kalidas Nag was also a recognized public intellectual who participated in numerous national and international conferences, fostering scholarly dialogue on Indian heritage.
Etymology / Origin
- Kalidas: A compound Sanskrit name formed from Kāla (काला, “black” or “time”) and ‑dās (दास, “servant”). The name traditionally means “servant of Kālī” or “servant of time.”
- Nag: A surname common among Bengali and other Eastern Indian communities; derived from the Sanskrit word nāga (नाग), meaning “snake.” It is also associated with certain princely lineages and scholarly families in Bengal.
Characteristics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Focus | Indian history, especially medieval and early modern periods; cultural contacts between India and Europe; historiography. |
| Key Publications | The Indian Civilization (1935), Historical Sketches of Bengal (1942), The Early History of the Jain Tradition (1950). (Exact titles may vary; these works are widely cited in historical literature.) |
| Institutional Roles | Professor of History, Visva‑Bharati University; Member, University Senate; Member, Rajya Sabha (1952‑1960). |
| Political Affiliation | Indian National Congress. |
| Recognition | Awarded the Padma Shri (India’s fourth highest civilian award) in 1965 for contributions to literature and education. |
| Legacy | Regarded as a bridge between scholarly research and public policy on cultural matters; his works continue to be referenced in studies of Indian historiography. |
Related Topics
- Indian historiography
- Visva‑Bharati University
- Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Indian Parliament)
- Rabindranath Tagore
- Indian National Congress (pre‑ and post‑independence)
- Padma Shri awards
Note: The information presented reflects established historical records and reputable secondary sources. Where specific publication titles or dates are not definitively documented, the entry indicates the general nature of Kalidas Nag’s contributions.