Dr. Benimadhab Barua: A Distinguished Scholar from Chattogram Who Rose to International Acclaim

Many distinguished scholars have been born on the historic soil of Bir Chattala (Chattogram). Dr. Benimadhab Barua was one of them. His exceptional scholarship and research enriched the international study of Indian philosophy, the Pali language, and Buddhist studies. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian and Buddhist philosophy, the University of London awarded him the Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) degree in 1917. He was a remarkable figure among Asian scholars who earned this degree from the University of London during the first half of the twentieth century.

Benimadhab Barua was born on December 31, 1888, in Mahamuni Pahartali village in Raozan Upazila, Chattogram. His father, Rajchandra Talukdar, was a traditional Ayurvedic practitioner, while his mother was Dhaneshwari Devi. Although the family used the surname “Talukdar,” Benimadhab later adopted the surname “Barua.”

From an early age, he showed a deep interest in education. After completing his primary education at a village school, he passed the Entrance Examination from Chittagong Government Collegiate School in 1906 and the First Arts (F.A.) examination from Chittagong College in 1908. He then moved to Calcutta for higher education. After studying at Scottish Church College and Presidency College, he earned a B.A. degree with Honours in Pali from Krishnath College in Berhampore in 1911.

In 1913, he obtained an M.A. degree in Pali from the University of Calcutta. He also studied law. In 1912, he returned to his native village and joined Mahamuni Anglo-Pali Institution as its headmaster. However, his thirst for knowledge extended far beyond the classroom. During 1913–1914, he had the opportunity to work as a lecturer in the Pali Department at the University of Calcutta. His remarkable intellect and dedication were subsequently recognised through a series of significant academic achievements.

In 1914, he travelled to England on a government scholarship. There, he pursued advanced studies and research in Greek and modern European philosophy at the University of London. In 1917, he earned the Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) degree. Returning to India in 1918, he rejoined the University of Calcutta. He was later promoted to professor and played an important role in developing the curriculum for advanced studies in Pali. Beyond Pali, he also held significant responsibilities in the fields of ancient Indian history and culture, as well as Sanskrit.

Professor Dr. Benimadhab Barua was a renowned scholar, educator, and author specialising in Pali, Buddhist philosophy, Indian philosophy, and ancient Indian history. He wrote numerous books and research papers. His first book, Lokaniti, which included the original Pali text alongside a Bengali translation, was published in the annual proceedings of the Bauddha Dharmankur Sabha in 1912.

His doctoral research, A History of Pre-Buddhistic Indian Philosophy, was published by the University of Calcutta in 1921.

Among his other notable works in English are A Prolegomena to the History of Buddhist Philosophy (1918), The Ajivikas (1921), Prakrit Dharmapad (co-authored with Shailendranath Mitra), Old Brahmi Inscriptions in the Udayagiri and Khandagiri (1926), Barhut Inscriptions (co-authored with Gangananda Singh), Gaya and Buddha Gaya (Volume I, 1931; Volume II, 1934), Brahmachari Kuladananda and His Guru Bijaya Krishna Goswami (1938), Asoka and His Inscriptions (1946), Ceylon Lecture (1945), Studies in Buddhism (1947), and Philosophy of Progress (1948).

His notable works in Bengali include Majjhima Nikaya (Volume I, 1940) and Bauddha Granthakosh (Volume I, 1936). In addition, many of his research papers and lectures were published in various journals and periodicals.

He also made important contributions to the promotion of Buddhist scriptural studies in Bengali. He was associated with the editorial work of the journal Jagajjoti. His research into Buddhist philosophy and religious literature earned him recognition among scholars both in India and abroad.

The Vidyalankara University in Sri Lanka conferred upon him the title of “Tripitakacharya.” The Asiatic Society also honoured him with the Bimala Charan Laha Gold Medal. His contributions to the study of Buddhist philosophy and ancient Indian history and culture established his reputation as a scholar of international standing.

He remained engaged in education and research until the end of his life. He passed away in Calcutta on March 23, 1948.

His elevated philosophy of life, exceptional scholarship, and lifelong pursuit of knowledge continue to inspire Buddhist communities and researchers. Rising from a village in Mahamuni Pahartali, he set an extraordinary example of intellectual achievement that remains a proud chapter in the history of the Bengali Buddhist community.

Dr. Benimadhab Barua represented an era when education, knowledge, and scholarship were among the principal means of earning respect and distinction. His life reminds us that it is not the power of weapons but the power of knowledge that can secure a lasting place for a person in history.

Even today, his life and work offer us a valuable lesson: the pursuit of knowledge, research, and education does more than bring personal success; it also enriches a nation’s intellectual life, culture, and sense of identity.

Sources: BuddhismBD, Wikipedia, Buddhistdoor Global, and biographical articles about Dr. Benimadhab Barua.

(Collected from the Facebook page “Chittagong Walks.”)

Translated by: FB Stories Team

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