Gyanendra Nath Chakravarti

Gyanendra Nath Chakravarti, also known as G.N. Chakravarti (1 January 1861 – 7 October 1936), was an Indian theosophist and scholar. In 1893, he lectured at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago, and contributed to theosophy and education in India.^[1]

Rai Bahadur Gyanandra Nath Chakravarti
জ্ঞানেন্দ্র নাথ চক্রবর্তী
Portrait of G. N. Chakravarti
Appointed by	Harcourt Butler, Governor of United Provinces
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

Early life and education

Chakravarti was born in 1861 into the Sandilya Gotra, a Hindu family lineage that traces itself back to Shandilya Rishi.^{[citation needed]}

After his early education at a missionary school in Banaras, Chakravarti continued his studies at Calcutta University, and Muir College in Allahabad (now Prayagraj). He was awarded a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws.^{[citation needed]}

His education covered different intellectual traditions, including Western and Eastern philosophy.^{[citation needed]}

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 had a role in India's independence movement, and became the father of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India. Chakravarti also associated with other students who later became lawyers in Almora. Later, he served as the Chief Inspector of Schools in the United Provinces.^{[citation needed]}

He was appointed the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lucknow^[2][3] on December 16, 1920, after previously serving as pro-vice-chancellor at Banaras Hindu University.^{[citation needed]}

Theosophical Society

Chakravarti was introduced to the Theosophical Society^[4] by his uncle and became an active member of the organization. He met the Society's founders, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Colonel Henry Steel Olcott. By 1893, he served as the President of the Students Theosophical Association at Allahabad.

Although he was not a member of the Esoteric Section, Chakravarti was regarded by some, including Bertram Keightley, as an occultist connected to the Masters of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. He was involved in the Theosophical Society,^[5] especially during 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 figures.^[6]

After traveling to England and meeting leading Theosophists, he sailed for America in August 1893 with Besant and others. After arriving, they met with American Theosophists. They delivered several lectures there.^{[citation needed]}

Reception

For his service to the British Empire, Professor Chakravarti was awarded the title and medal of "Rai Bahadur". The Dr. Chakravarti Gold Medal^[7] is awarded annually at the University of Lucknow for achievements in academia, in recognition of his contributions to education.^{[citation needed]}

Writings

The Union Index of Theosophical Periodicals lists articles by or about Chakravarti.^{[citation needed]}

• 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.^{[citation needed]}
• Spirituality and Psychism. 1914. Adyar Pamphlet Series, No. 48.

Personal life

Chakravarti was married to Monica Devi Chakravarti (1882–1944), known as Devi. The couple had four biological children of their own and later adopted 40 more.

In 1925, Devi became a wandering mendicant monk. With her husband's permission, she adopted the name Sri Yashoda Mai and became a spiritual advisor. She founded the Mirtola ashram^[8] with her disciple, Ronald Nixon, who later took the name Sri Krishna Prem.^[9]