Rahul Sankrityayan’s masterpiece translated into Tamil for seventh time

The recent news of Rahul Sankrityayan’s magnum opus, ‘From Volga to Ganga’, receiving its seventh translation into Tamil, undertaken by Mangai and published by Seer Vasagar Vattam, is more than just a literary update. It underscores the enduring relevance of a towering intellectual figure in Indian history and the continuous cultural exchange vital for a diverse nation like India.

Rahul Sankrityayan, often hailed as 'Mahapandit' (Great Scholar), was an extraordinary polymath, polyglot, and prolific writer born in 1893. His life was a testament to intellectual curiosity and relentless pursuit of knowledge. He was an Indian nationalist, a Buddhist scholar, a travel writer, a historian, and a Marxist theoretician. He mastered over 30 languages, traveled extensively, and authored more than 150 books on diverse subjects ranging from philosophy, history, and sociology to travelogues and biographies. His intellectual journey took him from orthodox Hinduism to Arya Samaj, then to Buddhism, and eventually to Marxism, influencing his worldview profoundly.

‘From Volga to Ganga’ (originally written in Hindi, ‘Volga se Ganga’) is arguably his most celebrated work. Published in 1943, this collection of 20 short stories offers a sweeping historical narrative tracing the journey of human civilization from 6000 BC to 1942 AD. It begins in the steppes of Volga, following the migration and evolution of Aryan tribes, their social structures, technological advancements, and cultural developments, eventually culminating in the Gangetic plains of India. The book presents a materialistic interpretation of history, reflecting Sankrityayan’s Marxist leanings, and critically examines societal evolution, class struggles, and the development of human thought. Each story is a microcosm of a particular historical epoch, providing insights into ancient societies, their customs, beliefs, and struggles.

The latest Tamil translation by Mangai, a theatre practitioner and English teacher, and its publication by Seer Vasagar Vattam, highlights several key aspects. Firstly, it signifies the persistent intellectual and cultural appeal of Sankrityayan’s work across linguistic boundaries. For a book to be translated seven times into a single regional language speaks volumes about its profound impact and continued resonance with new generations of readers. Key stakeholders here include Rahul Sankrityayan himself, whose original vision continues to inspire; the translator, Mangai, who bridges the linguistic gap; and the publisher, Seer Vasagar Vattam, who facilitates access to this intellectual treasure for the Tamil-speaking populace.

This event holds immense significance for India. In a nation characterized by its vast linguistic diversity, such translations are crucial for national integration and fostering a shared intellectual heritage. When a seminal work from Hindi literature finds a wide readership in Tamil, it promotes cultural understanding and appreciation between different linguistic groups. It allows citizens to engage with narratives that transcend regional specificities, reinforcing the idea of India as a 'unity in diversity'. Furthermore, Sankrityayan’s progressive, rationalist, and anti-caste ideas, embedded in his works, remain highly relevant in contemporary India, encouraging critical thinking and social introspection.

From a constitutional perspective, this aligns with the spirit of promoting India's rich linguistic and cultural heritage. The **Eighth Schedule** of the Indian Constitution recognizes 22 official languages, including Hindi and Tamil, underscoring the importance of linguistic diversity. While **Article 351** directs the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language, the broader constitutional framework, supported by various cultural policies, encourages the development and enrichment of all Indian languages. Institutions like the **Sahitya Akademi** and the **National Book Trust (NBT)** are specifically mandated to facilitate inter-linguistic translations and promote Indian literature, much in the spirit of this recent translation. These efforts ensure that literary masterpieces are not confined to their original linguistic homes but become part of a pan-Indian literary consciousness.

Historically, Sankrityayan's era was marked by the freedom struggle and the dawn of independent India. His works provided intellectual fodder for a nation seeking to define its identity and chart its future. His scientific temper and historical materialism offered an alternative lens to view India's past, challenging traditional narratives. The continued translation of his work ensures that this intellectual legacy remains accessible and contributes to ongoing debates about history, society, and progress.

Looking ahead, the future implications are positive. Such initiatives strengthen the translation ecosystem in India, encouraging more linguistic exchanges. It ensures that foundational texts of Indian literature remain alive and relevant, influencing future generations of thinkers, writers, and citizens. It also promotes a culture of reading and critical engagement with historical narratives, which is vital for a robust democracy. The accessibility of such works in multiple languages empowers citizens with diverse perspectives, fostering a more informed and culturally rich society. This continuous dialogue across languages ultimately enriches the collective intellectual and cultural fabric of the nation.