Asian Division of The Library of Congress
Asian Division Friends Society
Present

"Sanskrit Intellectual History in Early Modern Bengal: the Case of Gadadhara Bhattacharya"

by Samuel Wright, University of Maryland, College Park
2007 Florence Tan Moeson Fellow

Wednesday, July 18, 2007
12:00 – 1:00 P.M.
Asian Division Conference Room
Jefferson Building- LJ 149
1st & Independence Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20540

Metro stop: Capitol South on the Blue or Orange Line.

This presentation examines a Sanskrit philosopher from 17th century Bengal, Gadadhara Bhattacharya. Gadadhara is major figure in Navya-Nyaya (New Logic) philosophy. I attempt to provide an intellectual history of Gadadhara by contextualizing his writing in
relation to Sanskrit authors in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition as well as in relation to socio-political events of 17th century Bengal. Within these contexts, I conclude that Gadadhara is arguing against the efficacy of bhakti (devotionalism) as a political and
soteriological project.

Contact: Dr. Allen Thrasher, (202) 707-3732; Dr. Anchi Hoh, (202) 707-5673

Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362
(voice/TTY) or email ADA@loc.gov