History of 26th August – Chatursen Shastri
Explore the history of 26th August featuring the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, the capture of Chittorgarh in 1303, and a tribute to Acharya Chatursen Shastri’s literary legacy. Learn about his life, educational journey, and the profound impact of his historical novels that blend fact and imagination, contributing to the revival of ancient India through words.
The history of 26th August takes us to the year 1071 when on this day the Battle of Manzikert was fought between Seljuq Turks led by sultan Alp Arslan who beat and capture Byzantine Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes.
Moving on with the history of 26th August we come to the year 1303 when the Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khilji captured Chittorgarh, the capital of the Guhila Kingdom.
With this, we come to the feature story where we remember Acharya Chatursen Shastri on his birth anniversery.
Acharya Chatursen Shastri: Reviving Ancient India Through Words
Acharya Chatursen Shastri, a luminary in the realm of Hindi literature, was a maestro in painting vivid tapestries of India’s past through his words. Born on August 26, 1891, in the quaint village of Aurangabad Chandok, near Anupshahr in the Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh, his literary prowess illuminated the annals of history, blending fact and imagination seamlessly.
Early Life and Education
Chaturbhuj, as he was named at birth, embarked on his educational journey in a humble school in Sikandrabad. However, his pursuit of knowledge led him to the prestigious Sanskrit College in Jaipur, Rajasthan, where he earned degrees as an Ayurvedacharya in Ayurveda and a Shastri in Sanskrit in the year 1915. His insatiable curiosity led him to Ayurveda Vidyapeetha, where he further honed his Ayurvedic knowledge. Armed with these qualifications, he journeyed to Delhi to establish his career as an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Despite a valiant attempt at setting up his own ayurvedic dispensary, fate had different plans. The dispensary’s failure led him to a charitable dispensary, but this marked a crucial turning point. In 1917, Acharya Chatursen Shastri joined DAV College in Lahore as a senior professor of Ayurveda. The challenging circumstances and a sense of disrespected led him to resign and subsequently contribute to his father-in-law’s dispensary in Ajmer. It was during this period that his gift for storytelling began to blossom.
Genesis of a Wordsmith
In 1918, Acharya Chatursen Shastri published his first novel, “Hridaya-Ki-Parakh” (Trial of the Heart). While it may not have garnered instant acclaim, it was a foundation upon which his literary career was built. His second work, “Satyagraha Aur Asahyoga” (Civil Resistance and Non-cooperation), published in 1921, turned the spotlight onto him, showcasing his unique ability to blend historical insights with philosophical musings.
Historical Epics and Literary Legacy
The essence of Acharya Chatursen Shastri’s literature was its ability to transport readers to bygone eras. His novels, particularly “Vaishali ki Nagarvadhu,” which was later adapted into a feature film in 1948, captured the essence of ancient India. By intertwining history with philosophy, he constructed a bridge between the past and the present, allowing readers to relive and reflect upon the rich tapestry of Indian heritage.
“Vayam Rakshamah,” delved into the life of Ravana from the Ramayana, while “Sahyadri ki Chattanen” painted a vivid portrait of Shivaji’s era. These works were not mere historical narratives; they were an exploration of the intricate relationships between history, philosophy, and humanity.
Acharya Chatursen Shastri’s prolific career yielded over 70 published books. Among them, “Dharamputra” stood out, making its way onto the silver screen in 1961. His literary canvas also included essays on politics, health, and medicine, and his writings were featured in various Hindi periodicals, amassing a wealth of content that spoke to the diverse facets of human existence.
Legacy and Influence
Acharya Chatursen Shastri’s literary contributions found resonance even beyond the pages of his books. His friendship with Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, highlighted the impact of his words on both literary and political realms.
Through his words, he resurrected the essence of a bygone era, allowing readers to traverse the corridors of time while reflecting upon the values, ideologies, and challenges that shaped ancient India. His meticulous research and ability to blend fact with fiction paved the way for a unique form of storytelling that continues to captivate readers.
On February 2, 1960, Acharya Chatursen Shastri breathed his last, leaving behind a legacy that traversed generations. His contributions to Hindi literature remain an enduring testament to his passion for knowledge, history, and storytelling.
That’s all from the history of 26th August.