Arthur Llewellyn Basham British historian and Indologist Date of Birth: 24.05.1914 Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Education
2. Academic Career
3. Move to Australia and Retirement
4. Contributions to Indian Historiography
5. Final Years and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Arthur Llewellyn Bash am was born on May 24, 1914, in Laindon, Essex, England. His father, a journalist who served in the Indian Army during World War I, instilled in young Arthur a fascination for India. His mother was also a writer and journalist. With his early musical training and a deep interest in religion, Bash am pursued a degree in Sanskrit at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.

Academic Career

During World War II, Bash am worked in the Civil Defense Department. After the war, he returned to SOAS and completed his doctoral dissertation in 1950 under the supervision of Professor L. D. Barnett. His dissertation focused on the history and doctrines of the Ajivikas, an ancient Indian religious sect. In 1958, Bash am was appointed Professor and later Head of the Department of History at SOAS.

Move to Australia and Retirement

In 1965, Bash am accepted a position as Head of the History Department and Professor of Oriental (later Asian) Civilizations at the Australian National University in Canberra. He retired in 1979 but continued to teach as a visiting professor at various universities.

Contributions to Indian Historiography

Bash am was one of the first Western historians to critically examine the influence of Swami Vivekananda. He was appointed Professor of Oriental Studies at the Asiatic Society, Calcutta, in September 1985. His seminal work, "The Wonder That Was India," first published in London in 1954, remains a best-selling monograph with numerous editions in both English and Russian, including "Civilization of Ancient India."

Final Years and Legacy

Arthur Llewellyn Bash am died in Calcutta in January 1986. His contributions to the study of ancient Indian history and his pioneering analysis of Swami Vivekananda's impact on Indian thought continue to be highly regarded by scholars.