Nalinikanta Bhattasali (1888 – 1947)
Nalinikanta Bhattasali was a renowned archaeologist, historian, numismatist, epigraphist, writer, and distinguished researcher on ancient subjects in Bangladesh. He was the founder of the Dhaka Museum. In 1912, during a meeting at Northbrook Hall in Dhaka, he delivered a speech in front of Lord Carmichael, emphasizing the urgent need to establish a museum in Dhaka. Impressed by Bhattasali’s speech, Carmichael immediately donated two thousand rupees for the museum’s establishment.
Thus, the foundation of the Dhaka Museum was laid, which was later re-established as the Bangladesh National Museum. Bhattasali was born on January 24, 1888, into an educated and cultured family in Bikrampur, Munshiganj. His father was Rohinikanta Bhattasali, and his mother was Saratkamini Devi.
Education and Career:
At the age of four, Bhattasali lost his father and was raised under the guardianship of his uncle Akshaykanta, a schoolteacher. As a result, he had to study in various schools across East Bengal while growing up in serene rural surroundings. His travels sparked a deep interest in the history and heritage of his homeland. In 1912, he completed his master’s degree in history from the University of Calcutta. Even as a student, he showcased his literary talent by writing for handwritten magazines and gaining recognition.
His professional journey began as a history teacher at Comilla Victoria College. Later, in 1914, he was appointed as the curator of the newly founded Dhaka Museum, where he played a crucial role in institutionalizing it. Until his death on February 6, 1947, he served the museum for nearly 33 years in various capacities, dedicating himself to its development. His relentless efforts transformed the provincial museum into an institution of national and international repute during British colonial rule. Bhattasali and the Dhaka Museum became inseparably linked, with his personal dedication playing a crucial role in its growth and advancement.
He traveled extensively across rural Bengal, uncovering rare and valuable artifacts, photographing them, and collecting information. His expeditions involved excavation projects, exhibitions, and raising public awareness about cultural heritage conservation.
While working at the museum, he wrote extensively on literature and history, leaving an indelible mark. Though he initially pursued literature, his true recognition and reputation came from archaeology. The Dhaka Museum remained at the core of all his endeavors. He tirelessly collected artifacts from far and wide, showing a profound interest in archaeological excavations. Despite not being a professional archaeologist, he understood that unearthing historical evidence through excavations was essential for reconstructing the past. His enthusiasm for artifact collection became legendary.
Bhattasali not only organized and displayed artifacts in the museum but also authored four significant books based on his research. He meticulously studied and analyzed the Muslim-era coins housed in the Dhaka Museum, eventually earning recognition as a distinguished scholar in numismatics. His book Coins and Chronology of the Early Independent Sultans of Bengal (1922) became an authoritative work on the subject. Another milestone work, Iconography of Buddhist Sculpture in the Dhaka Museum (1929), showcased his in-depth research.
His scholarship was not limited to Hindu and Buddhist history and culture. The Royal Asiatic Society had planned to publish one of his numismatic works, but financial constraints delayed the process. Despite his own financial struggles, Bhattasali personally funded its publication. His article Bengal Chiefs’ Struggle for Independence in the Reigns of Akbar and Jahangir, published in Bengal Past and Present (Volumes 35, 36, and 38, 1918-1929), opened a new chapter in the study of Bengal’s feudal history.
In addition to his books, Bhattasali authored over a hundred articles on history and heritage. Even before the establishment of Dhaka University in 1921, the Dhaka Museum, under his leadership, had already become a center for historical research and learning. After the university’s establishment, he taught history and Bengali literature as a part-time lecturer.
Through his efforts, Dhaka University established a manuscript collection center for Bengali and Sanskrit texts. Within a year, 300 invaluable manuscripts were acquired through donations and purchases. Bhattasali also collected rare manuscripts for the Dhaka Museum, preserved on palm leaves, wood, and handmade paper. He edited and deciphered several manuscripts, including Mynamatir Gaan, Meenchotan, and Gopichander Sannyas.
Contributions:
Bhattasali sent a copy of the Meenchotan manuscript to Rabindranath Tagore, who responded with admiration, stating:
“Receiving the book Meenchotan has been enlightening. I have a natural curiosity about the etymology of Bengali words, making this book particularly valuable to me. Through such discoveries and publications, the Dhaka Sahitya Parishad is gaining honor, and for your commendable contribution, I express my gratitude on behalf of the nation.”
The manuscripts edited by Bhattasali were later included in the curriculum of the University of Calcutta. His scholarly contributions to the history and archaeology of Bengal were substantial.
One of his notable conservation efforts involved the historic Bibi Mariam Cannon, a large Mughal-era cannon built to deter pirates. During British rule, it was named Bibi Mariam. In 1925, under Bhattasali’s initiative, it was rescued from near destruction and relocated to Sadarghat. Over the years, it was moved to different locations, including Gulistan and Dhaka Gate, before finally being placed in front of the Colonel Osmani Memorial Auditorium.
Awards and Achievements:
In 1922, Nalinikanta Bhattasali was awarded the prestigious Griffith Prize by the University of Calcutta for his book Coins and Chronology of the Early Independent Sultans of Bengal. The book was later published by Cambridge University, and it remains an invaluable resource for archaeologists studying ancient coins.
For his contributions to the study of history, archaeology, and fine arts, Dhaka University awarded him a Ph.D. degree in 1934. He was also honored with memberships in the Numismatic Society and the editorial board of Dhaka Sahitya Parishad.
Today, the main gallery of the Bangladesh National Museum in Dhaka is named the “Nalinikanta Bhattasali Gallery”, reflecting the lasting reverence for his contributions.
For future generations of archaeological researchers, Bhattasali remains an invaluable source of inspiration. By following in his footsteps, the discovery and study of buried artifacts can further enrich the history and heritage of Bangladesh. We pay our deepest respects to this pioneer who dedicated his life to unearthing the roots of Bengali civilization.
