Obituary Notice
By Sudha Kanta De
Summary
Prof. J. N. Samaddar, a prominent Bengali orientalist, passed away on November 18, 1920, at the age of 80, marking a significant loss to Indian scholarship. Educated at Presidency College, Calcutta, and Vangavasi College, he faced health challenges that interrupted his studies. He served as a lecturer and senior lecturer at various institutions, including P. M. College, Tangail, St. Columba’s College, Hazaribagh, and Patna Government College, where he worked until his death. A sought-after scholar, he delivered lectures at Calcutta University (1921) on ancient India’s economic conditions and at Patna (1923) on the glories of Magadha, later published in book form. Prof. A. B. Keith praised his work, noting its value for both general readers and experts. He also lectured at Benares and Aligarh Universities. Samaddar authored *Arthaniti* (1900) in Bengali and initiated *Samasamayika Bharata*, a planned 25-volume series translating historical accounts of India from ancient to post-Muhammadan times. Though unfinished, he published 2,500 pages across 10 volumes, covering Greek, Roman, Chinese, and European travelers. His other works include *Engrajer Katha*, *Artkasastra*, and *Catwroeda* (Hindi), along with fiction and the discovery of the Didarganj image. Known for his amiable disposition, he actively supported students and founded the Chanakya Society to promote economics education. He also contributed to Bengali textbooks under Rabindranath Tagore’s initiative. Samadd
Conclusion
Prof. J. N. Samaddar’s untimely passing marks a profound loss to Indian scholarship, particularly in the fields of ancient history and economic studies. His dedicated career, marked by academic rigor and cultural passion, left an indelible imprint through his lectures, translations, and scholarly publications. His groundbreaking work on ancient India’s economic conditions and the glories of Magadha, lauded by experts like Prof. A. B. Keith, remains a cornerstone of historical research. The unfinished *Sama-samayika Bharata* series, spanning nearly 2,500 pages, stands as a testament to his visionary efforts to preserve and translate historical accounts, bridging global perspectives on India’s rich past. Beyond academia, Prof. Samaddar’s commitment to popularizing economics and fostering educational initiatives underscores his enduring legacy. His contributions not only enriched Bengali literature but also inspired generations, leaving a void that will be deeply felt in the realms of scholarship and cultural heritage.