Gyanendra Nath Chakravarti
Gyanendra Nath Chakravarti, also known as G.N. Chakravarti, was an Indian theosophist and scholar. In 1893, he lectured at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago.
Early life and education
Chakravarti received his early education at a missionary school in Banaras. He studied at the University of Calcutta and Muir Central College, Allahabad. He earned a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws degree.Career
Chakravarti began his career as a lecturer in physical science at a college in Bareilly. In 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, a key figure in India's independence movement and the father of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India. Later, he served as the Chief Inspector of Schools in the United Provinces.He was appointed the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lucknow on December 16, 1920, after previously serving as pro-vice-chancellor at Banaras Hindu University.
Theosophical Society
Chakravarti was introduced to the Theosophical Society by his uncle and became an active member of the organization. There, he met the Society's founders, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Colonel Henry Steel Olcott. In 1893, he served as the President of the Students' Theosophical Association at Allahabad.Although he was not a member of the Esoteric Section of the Society, some contemporaries, including Bertram Keightley, considered Chakravarti an occultist associated with Helena Petrovna Blavatsky Masters.
1893 World's Parliament of Religions
In 1893, the Theosophical Society sent a delegation to the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago, which included Chakravarti, Annie Besant, and others. The Theosophical Society wanted a Brahmin attendee, thus convincing Chakravarti to participate, despite his concerns that violating caste taboos would negatively affect his caste status. After traveling to England, he sailed for the US in August 1893 with Besant to meet with American Theosophists and organize multiple lectures.Reception
Chakravarti was awarded the title and medal of "Rai Bahadur" by the British colonial administration. The Dr. Chakravarti Gold Medal is awarded annually at the University of Lucknow for achievements in academia.Writings
The Union Index of Theosophical Periodicals lists two articles by or about Chakravarti.- 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, 124.
- Spirituality and Psychism. 1914. Adyar Pamphlet Series, No. 48
Personal life