History of the Banaras Hindu University (A Big Book)

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Foreword

The establishment of the Banaras Hindu University was a landmark in the history of the University education in this country. It was the first residential University to be established in India. In those days it was considered to be a novel experiment in the field of education. Not only the University was a residential one, it was established as an All India University. The prime instrument of the Divine Will in this work was Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviyaji, one of the greatest sons of our motherland. He shone like a beacon light in the freedom struggle of India for over three decades during this century. He awakened India with his voice. His was a dedicated life. He built the edifice of freedom stone by stone with our leaders. There was not a single important and useful activity in the country-whether in the political, religious, social or educational field-with which Malaviyaji was not connected. His services to the country are much more than can be expressed in words. In the educational field, Banaras Hindu University remains and will ever remain as 'a permanent monument to his life and personality. The ideal before Pandit Malaviyaji in establishing this University was to make available to the country in every field, men and women of high character filled with patriotism. For this purpose religion and ethics was made an integral part of education for he believed religion to be the surest foundation of character and patriotism to be the powerful elevating influence which inspires men and women to high-minded and unselfish action. He not only dreamt of such an institution but materialised his dream and founded this great University by raising funds for it from the rich and the poor, princes and peasants of this land. The University stands as an All-India University in the holy city of Kashi Varanasi-the cultural and religious capital of India for preserving the national unity of this great country. It is the duty of every student and teacher of the University and also of every patriotic Indian to know something about this great Centre of Learning so as to get inspiration for rendering similar services in the cause of our motherland. I, therefore, commend the attempt of the authors of this book in bringing out this volume. Preface

Four years ago, when the birth centenary of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was celebrated, a suggestion was made that the history of the Banaras Hindu University may also be published during the second phase of the celebrations in July, 1962. The major portion of this book was written at that time and it was also sent to the press. But the book was destined to be published only now.

We decided to publish this book in two volumes: one dealing with the history of the University as a whole from 1904, and the other dealing with the growth of the various constituent colleges and the contribution made by them in the academic field.

We consider it our great privilege in presenting this book to our Alma Mater on the auspicious occasion of the Golden Jubilee. We propose to bring out the second volume during the course of the coming year.

We take this opportunity to thank all those who have helped us in this work. We are thankful to Shri Ram Krishna Dave and Shri Jyotibhushan Gupta who have been very helpful to us in securing some of the photographs of the old members of the Hindu University Society. We are also thankful to Dr. (Mi5.) P. C. Dharma who supplied us some of the rare photographs. Our thanks are also due to Shri D. L. Bohra and Shri M. V. Krishnan for preparing the book jacket.

It would not have been possible for us to bring out the book but for the enthusiastic cooperation of the staff of the Banaras Hindu University Press and its Manager, Shri Lakshmi Das. Our sineere-thanks are due to them.

Despite our best efforts some mistakes and omissions might have crept in. We crave the indulgence of our readers for all our shortcomings and we would request them to let us have their suggestions so that they may be incorporated if at all this book runs into another edition.

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