Today, on 6th December, we commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahamahopadhyay Haraprasad Shastri (1853–1931), a towering figure in the history of Bengal. Born during a period of great social and cultural upheaval, Shastri emerged as a custodian of Bengali identity and a preserver of its unique heritage. His life and work serve as a guide for those who seek to reclaim and reaffirm the Bengali ethos amidst the erosion of cultural identity.
The Context of Haraprasad Shastri’s Mission
Haraprasad Shastri lived during an era when Bengal was grappling with colonial subjugation and the consequent marginalization of its cultural selfhood. The British colonial administration had systematically glorified European traditions while undermining indigenous knowledge systems. Concurrently, the dominance of Sanskritized Hinduism and the rising influence of Islamic culture often led to the erasure of Bengal’s distinctive Tantric-Buddhist heritage.
In such a milieu, Haraprasad Shastri became a beacon of hope. He took it upon himself to remind Bengalis of their rich past, particularly the Tantric and Buddhist traditions that defined Bengal before the Vedic and Islamic waves.
The Seven Sutras of Haraprasad Shastri
The seven principles enunciated by Haraprasad Shastri encapsulate his vision of Bengali identity and serve as a manifesto for Bengali self-awareness.
1. Bangla First, Bengali First
Haraprasad emphasized that every Bengali should prioritize their language, culture, and identity above all else. He warned against excessive reliance on English or Sanskrit, which he saw as tools of cultural alienation. English, he argued, made Bengalis mimic colonial attitudes, while Sanskrit tied them to an Aryanized narrative that ignored Bengal’s unique contributions.
Instead, Haraprasad urged Bengalis to use other languages as instruments while keeping their thoughts rooted in Bengali. This principle underscores his belief in the primacy of Bangla as the medium through which Bengalis could express their individuality and aspirations.
2. Bratya Tantric Non-Vedic Bengali Self-Introduction
One of Haraprasad’s most revolutionary ideas was his assertion that Bengalis are fundamentally a non-Vedic and Tantric people. Drawing from history, he identified Bengal’s spiritual and cultural roots in the unorthodox Bratya traditions and the egalitarian philosophies of Tantra and Buddhism.
He positioned Kapil, the founder of Sankhya philosophy, as a symbol of Bengal’s intellectual independence from Vedic orthodoxy. For Haraprasad, reclaiming this identity was crucial to resisting the homogenizing forces of Aryavarta Hinduism and Islamic imperialism.
3. Antiquity of Bengali
Haraprasad’s scholarship shattered the colonial myth that Bengal lacked a glorious ancient past. He proposed that Bengal had a flourishing Copper Age civilization that predated the Harappan era. He spoke of King Pandu’s trade with Crete and emphasized Bengal’s early maritime prowess.
By doing so, Haraprasad sought to instill pride in Bengal’s historical achievements and counter narratives that portrayed Bengalis as historically insignificant.
4. The Overall Unity of Bengali Past and Present
Haraprasad believed that the past was not a distant island but a living force that shaped the present. He highlighted the continuity of Bengali culture from the Pala Yuga to the Chaitanya era, showing how traditions evolved yet retained their core identity.
He encouraged Bengalis to study their cultural artifacts—from folk songs to medieval Neda-Nedi poetry—with both intellectual rigor and emotional engagement. This holistic understanding of the past, he argued, was essential for forging a strong sense of identity.
5. Against the Current
Haraprasad was unafraid to challenge prevailing trends. At a time when Rabindranath Tagore’s Nobel Prize was celebrated as the pinnacle of Bengali achievement, Haraprasad critiqued Tagore’s poetry as “chutki” (frivolous). He considered it disconnected from the historical and spiritual depths of Bengal.
This fearless stance reflected his belief that Bengali identity must be rooted in its historical essence rather than fleeting global recognition.
6. Expansion of Bengali Roots
Haraprasad’s discovery of the Charyapada, a collection of esoteric Buddhist songs, was a landmark in the study of Bengali language and literature. By rescuing these texts from oblivion, he expanded the horizons of Bengali cultural history.
He urged Bengalis to continue this work of expansion by exploring their roots and bringing them into the light of modern understanding. For him, the past was not a museum piece but a dynamic force that could guide Bengal’s future.
7. Institution Building
Haraprasad’s later years were marked by disillusionment as he witnessed the erosion of his cultural initiatives. The closure of his Narayana Patrika and the co-option of literary councils by political forces pained him deeply. Yet, he left behind a call to action for future generations: the need to build robust institutions that could preserve and promote Bengali nationalism.
Haraprasad Shastri’s Legacy
Haraprasad Shastri’s work remains a lodestar for those who seek to reclaim Bengal’s cultural sovereignty. He taught Bengalis to take pride in their unique identity, to explore their roots with intellectual rigor, and to resist forces of homogenization.
In a world increasingly dominated by globalized cultures, his message is more relevant than ever. Haraprasad reminds us that true cosmopolitanism can only emerge from a deep understanding and affirmation of one’s roots.
An Oath for Bengali Identity
On this Bengali Self-Identification Day, let us pledge to uphold the principles Haraprasad Shastri stood for. Let us prioritize Bangla, rediscover our Tantric and Buddhist heritage, and strive for a comprehensive understanding of our past and present.
By doing so, we honor not only Haraprasad Shastri but also the enduring spirit of Bengal—a spirit that refuses to be subsumed, that insists on being itself, against all odds.
Haraprasad Shastri lives on in every Bengali who embraces their identity with pride and purpose.
Information Source: Tamal Dasgupta Facebook Page
